If you’re a British citizen and have been living legally in Spain since before January 1st, 2021, you probably already know how important it is to keep your Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) up to date. And now, with the changes that Brexit has brought and new EU regulations coming into effect, staying informed is more important than ever.
If your card is about to expire—or if you’ve now been in Spain for five years—this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about renewing your TIE and obtaining a permanent residence card, which will give you greater stability and peace of mind as you continue your life in Spain.
WHO IS THIS GUIDE FOR?
This guide is specifically for you if:
- You are a UK national.
- You were living legally in Spain before January 1st, 2021.
- You were issued a TIE under the Withdrawal Agreement (Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union).
- Your TIE is close to expiring, or you’ve already reached five years of residence in Spain.
DO YOU HAVE A TEMPORARY OR PERMANENT TIE?
When the first post-Brexit TIEs were issued, two versions were created depending on each person’s situation:
- A temporary TIE, valid for five years, was given to those who hadn’t yet reached five years of legal residence at the time of issuance.
- A permanent TIE, valid for ten years, was issued to those who had already lived legally in Spain for five years.
You can check which type you have by looking at your current TIE. If it says “Permanente” alongside “Artículo 50 TUE”, you already have long-term residence status.
WHEN AND HOW SHOULD YOU RENEW YOUR TIE?
The law allows you to renew your TIE starting 30 days before it expires, and up to 90 days after it has expired. It may sound like a flexible window, but in practice, not all police stations apply this timeline consistently.
In many cases, they might ask you to wait until your card has expired before letting you renew it—even if you’re already entitled to upgrade it to a permanent TIE.
That’s why it’s so important to check with your local police station to understand how they handle renewals in your area.
But pay attention: the five years are not counted from the date your TIE was issued. Instead, the clock starts from the date your legal residence was officially recognised, which appears on your original registration certificate or approval notice.
WHAT DOCUMENTS DO YOU NEED TO RENEW OR UPGRADE YOUR TIE?
When the time comes to apply, make sure you have the following:
- Completed EX-23 form.
- Valid passport, or a copy and renewal receipt if it’s expired.
- Proof of payment for Modelo 790, code 012
- A passport-size photo, recent and printed on photo paper.
- Your current TIE.
- A recent padrón certificate (dated within the last three months). It’s not always required but highly recommended.
- In some cases, proof of continuous residence (rental contracts, utility bills, or historical padrón records).
STEP-BY-STEP: HOW TO RENEW YOUR TIE
Step 1: Book your fingerprint appointment
Visit the official site and choose the option:
POLICÍA – EXP. TARJETA ASOCIADA AL ACUERDO DE RETIRADA (BREXIT)
If it’s not available, you can also select:
TOMA DE HUELLA – RENOVACIÓN DE TARJETA DE LARGA DURACIÓN
Bring all your documents to the appointment. They’ll give you a receipt with a batch number—you’ll need this to collect your new card later.
Step 2: Pick up your new TIE
Once you’re notified that your card is ready, book another appointment under:
POLICÍA – RECOGIDA DE TARJETA DE IDENTIDAD DE EXTRANJERO (TIE)
Bring your passport, old TIE, and appointment confirmation. They’ll take your fingerprints again and give you your new 10-year permanent TIE.
Check that the front of the card says:
“ARTÍCULO 50 TUE” and “PERMANENTE”.
And on the back, under “Observations”, it should read:
“EMITIDO BAJO ART. 18.4 ACUERDO RETIRADA”.
WHAT IF YOU NEVER HAD THE GREEN CERTIFICATE OR THE A4 VERSION?
If you didn’t get the green EU resident certificate when Brexit first happened, your process will be slightly different. It involves two steps:
- Apply for permanent residence using the EX-20 form at the Immigration Office.
- Once approved, book your fingerprint appointment with the police and follow the steps above to get your TIE.
WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO RENEW YOUR TIE BEFORE TRAVELLING?
With the Entry/Exit System (EES) and ETIAS being introduced across the EU in 2024–2025, only the TIE issued under Article 50 TUE will be officially recognised at the border to avoid being logged as a third-country entrant.
If you’re still using the green certificate, you could face delays or complications at border crossings in or out of the Schengen Area.
HOW CAN CPG ABOGADOS HELP YOU?
At CPG Abogados, we know that navigating Spain’s immigration procedures can be overwhelming. That’s why we offer personalised legal support every step of the way—from reviewing your documents and booking appointments to attending the police station with you or preparing appeals if your application is denied.
We also assist with family member applications, exceptional cases, or previous denials.
Let us help you make this process smooth, fast, and stress-free—so you can focus on enjoying your life in Spain with complete legal peace of mind.
