Important Update for British Residents in Spain: Get Your TIE Before EES Starts
If you’re a British citizen living in Spain and still holding on to the old green EU residence certificate, it’s time to take action. Both the Spanish and UK governments are now urging all British residents to apply for the Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) — and there’s a very specific reason behind the push.
🔹 What’s Happening?
Spain and the UK have jointly recommended that all British nationals residing in Spain who have not yet done so obtain their TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) as soon as possible. The recommendation comes ahead of the implementation of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), which will come into effect in autumn 2025.
📄 Source:
Ministry of the Interior – Official Press Release (26 June 2025)
UK Government – Living in Spain Guide
British Embassy Madrid – Facebook Statement
🔹 Why You Should Act Now
The Entry/Exit System (EES) will automate passport control across the Schengen Area. This means:
- Residents who do not hold a biometric TIE may not be recognized as legal residents at the border.
- Instead, they will be treated as tourists, subject to the 90/180-day rule.
- Even if you live here full time, you may be flagged for overstaying, fined, or even denied entry.
🎯 Only the biometric TIE card (with a photo and fingerprints) can correctly identify you as a legal resident under the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement.
🔹 What the Numbers Say
As of June 2025:
- ✅ 138,106 permanent TIE cards have been issued
- ✅ 101,094 temporary TIE cards
- ✅ 5,555 cards for family members of beneficiaries
But estimates suggest that over 50,000 British residents in Spain have still not made the switch from the old green certificate to the TIE.
📄 Sources:
Europa Press
Castellón Plaza
🔹 Official Support Is Expanding
The Spanish government has already increased police staffing in areas with large British populations (like the Canary Islands, Costa del Sol, Balearic Islands, and Valencia) to handle the expected surge in applications.
Still, appointment slots may fill up fast. Processing times are expected to increase as autumn approaches.
✅ What You Should Do Next
Here’s a simple checklist if you’re a British resident in Spain:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Check if you already have a TIE under Article 50 (Brexit agreement) |
| 2️⃣ | If not, gather required documents: passport, proof of residency, photos |
| 3️⃣ | Book an appointment at your local Oficina de Extranjería or Policía Nacional |
| 4️⃣ | Submit your TIE application before the EES goes live this autumn |
⚠️ What Happens If You Don’t Get a TIE?
You could face:
- Delays at border control
- Fines for overstaying
- Difficulty proving residency
- Potential denial of re-entry into Spain after travel
This applies even if you’ve lived in Spain for years.
🔹 Key Takeaway
Don’t wait until autumn. If you’re a British resident in Spain and still using your green certificate, get your TIE card now. It’s fast becoming the only document that truly protects your rights as a post-Brexit resident.
📝 This article is based on official government announcements and cross-verified sources. For help applying, contact your local Extranjería office or a trusted legal advisor.
📌 Sources used:
