Apply for Temporary Protection in Spain (and your TIE after it’s granted)

What you need to have to hand

1. Passport or ID (even if expired, take it).
2. Proof of entry (stamp, ticket, or a declaration if there’s no stamp).
3. An address for notifications (padrón, rental contract, or a host letter with their DNI).
4. Cl@ve or certificado to book appointments and pay fees faster.

Documentation

1. Pasaporte/DNI extranjero and, if you have it, visa with which you entered.
2. Empadronamiento or proof of address (they don’t always demand padrón but it helps).
3. 2 photos 32x26 mm white background for the TIE.
4. Appointment resguardo (Protección temporal first, then fingerprints).
5. For minors: birth certificate and the other parent’s authorisation if absent.
6. Resolución de protección temporal (you take this to the fingerprints appointment).
7. Modelo 790-012 paid for the TIE (generate it on sede.policia.gob.es).

Step by step

1. Book the Protección Temporal appointment at https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es/icpplus/index.html (province → look for the trámite “Protección temporal”; if it’s not listed, check the option enabled in your province and request that one).
2. Go to the appointment with the documents. They’ll identify you, take your details, assign a NIE and give you a resguardo that covers you while they process the case.
3. Wait for the decision (usually by email/SMS or they’ll tell you to pick it up). With the grant you can work without waiting for the TIE.
4. Generate and pay the 790-012 fee at https://sede.policia.gob.es (choose TIE; pay online or print and pay at the bank; keep the NRC/receipt).
5. Book the fingerprints appointment (Expedición de TIE) at https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es/icpplus/index.html.
6. Fingerprints: take passport, resolución, 32x26 photos, proof of address and the tasa 790-012. They give you a receipt; the TIE is collected in 3–6 weeks at the same comisaría (ask if you need an appointment to collect).

Time-savers

1. Try booking slots first thing in the morning and around noon; that’s when they release new appointments.
2. If the site fails, try Chrome and clear cookies; mobile browsers sometimes don’t load.
3. Bring photocopies of everything. Missing docs = wasted appointment.
4. On the 790-012, select the TIE concept and enter your NIE correctly; a mistake means another trip to the bank.
5. If you move, update your address at the police to avoid losing notifications.

Common mistakes to avoid

1. Trusting a photobooth: passport photos from some booths are the wrong size; bring 32x26 mm.
2. Showing up without the correct fee for fingerprints: they don’t accept payment there and will turn you away.
3. Not keeping the resguardo: it’s your proof to work and move while you wait for the TIE.
4. Assuming protection ends when the TIE expires: protection follows official extensions; the card is just plastic.
5. Travelling without the TIE and being denied boarding by an airline: wait for the card if you can.