On the 6th of July 2020 the Spanish government introduced a new residency document to replace the current EU Residency Certificate for UK nationals. This document is a foreigner’s identity card (TIE, or Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) specifically for UK nationals, which reflects the fact that the holder is a beneficiary of the Withdrawal Agreement between the UK and the EU. Therefore they will be able to reside in Spain and continue enjoying their rights after the end of the transition period.
What is the TIE, exactly?
The TIE is a biometric card that contains the identity details of a foreigner who lives in Spain. For many years this has been the identity card for residents from outside the EU and the EEA. This card will now be issued also for British nationals with a special note stating that the holder benefits from the Withdrawal Agreement for residency purposes. This means that any British national who obtains the TIE before the end of 2020 will be able to carry on living in Spain from 2021 onwards with the same rights as before. The TIE will have the same validity as the green A4 paper document or card issued up until now.
Do I have to change my Green Card for the TIE?
Not necessarily. Both the new TIE and the EU Residency Certificate are equally valid as a residency document and will allow British nationals to benefit from the Withdrawal Agreement and secure their rights from 2021 onwards.
How do I obtain the TIE?
If you don’t have the green A4 paper or card, you will have to go through a process which is very similar to the old application for the green card. This includes presenting a Model EX-20 form together with a document stating the beginning of your residency in Spain, proof of health cover and sufficient means and your passport to the Immigration Office of your region. If you hold a Digital Certificate, you can present these documents online.
After these documents are presented, you should receive a notification with the decision within three months. If it is favourable, you will be able to apply for the TIE. If the resolution is not favourable, you will have 10 days to present any missing documents to the Immigration Office.
The final step in obtaining your TIE will be to get an appointment through the Spanish online system (Sede Electrónica) and present a completed Model EX-23 form, your original Passport, your Padrón certificate, a recent Passport size photograph of yourself and the proof of payment of the fee 790 code 012.
How will the TIE be dated?
The latest available information states that the card will be issued for 5 or 10 years, depending on the applicant’s current residency status (temporary or permanent). However, if the applicant has already been living in Spain for 2 years, they will not “lose” that time and will be able to request the permanent status for the TIE after 3 more years.
You can find the full guide on how to obtain your TIE here.
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