There are many different processes you'll have to go through as part of your move to Spain, from applying for visas to getting residency permits and maybe registering with social security. The process of toma de huellas is just another of these you'll have to go through in order to legally reside here.
What is toma de huellas?
Toma de huellas means fingerprint taking in Spanish. The process is carried out by the National Police or officials from the Immigration Office and involves taking a person's fingerprints so that they are legally registered in the national database.
Non-EU foreign residents will be asked to give their fingerprints when they apply for residency permits such as the Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero or TIE, which translates as Foreign Identity Card. Those who have gained residency as family members of EU citizens will also need to go through this process.
You may also need to give your fingerprints again when you go to renew your residency card or if your card is lost or stolen and you need to apply for a new one.
How is it done?
The fingerprinting is done as part of the processing of your residency card. You will need to book a prior appointment or cita previa to get it done, you can’t just turn up at your local police station or immigration office and ask for the process to be carried out.
To get your appointment, you will need to go to the special government web page and click on your province and location to book one near you.
The TIE and other residency cards typically should be applied for within one month of arriving in Spain, after you have your initial authorisation, such as your visa.
Fingerprinting will be done at the same time as processing all your documentation and preparing your card, so you need to make sure you have everything in order beforehand.
READ ALSO - GUIDE: How foreigners can apply for their TIE residency card in Spain
What documents do I need?
The documents you need may differ depending on what type of residency document you get, but the most common are the documents you need for the TIE.
In this case you will need:
- Modelo EX17 – The application form in order to apply for your TIE. This must be filled out and signed.
- A valid passport or other travel document showing your date of entry into Spain. If you didn’t enter through passport control at an airport you must have declared your arrival in person at any Police Station or Foreign Office within a maximum period of 72 hours from the moment of entry into Spain.
- A recent colour passport-sized photograph on a white background, passport size.
- Your visa, if applicable.
- The resolution granting you authorisation to live in Spain in the following cases: SME visas (displaced minors), authorisation for cross-border workers, law 14/2013 of Support for Entrepreneurs and their Internationalisation, resolutions of residence or stay granted under a Judicial Appeal.
- Proof of payment of the corresponding fees.
- Proof that you have registered with Social Security, if applicable. You will do this if you’re planning on working in Spain.
You may also need a recent padrón certificate to show your current address.
Remember you will need official translations (if not originally in Spanish) and copies of all these documents.
At your appointment
When it's time for your appointment, you will be called up to hand in all your documents.
At the same time, they will take a digital copy of your fingerprints on a small machine they have for the process. You may have to hold your fingers on for a certain length of time and put different parts on the screen in order for it to be fully completed.
Once this is all done, you will typically have to make another appointment to go and pick up your TIE card or other when it's ready.
The processing time can vary between regions, but they will usually inform you how long it will take. It will usually be one month or more.
READ ALSO: Can you move to Spain if you have a criminal record?
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