Foreigners who have obtained a visa or authorization in their home country to reside in Spain for a period of more than six months must solicit their foreigner identification card. It must be requested in person within one month from their entry in Spain. This is not voluntary for foreigners in possession of residence visas and temporary work visas.
Once foreigners have their Spanish ID card (TIE), then they are granted free movement throughout Spanish territory. They may reside in whichever community they choose without any limitations other than those generally applied. However, more precautionary measures may be established when dealing with the laws of the Constitution or public security. This is decided upon case by case.
If precautionary measures are taken, they may not exceed the amount of time specified in each individual case. Foreigners may be required to periodically report to competent border control authorities or authorities in specific town centers.
Translated by: Katherine Pascal
