The TIE appliation process outlined in this article is for British nationals who already hold Spanish residency.
The TIE (Tarjeta de Extranjero) is a biometric identity card that shows the holder has residency in Spain.
While it is not a legal requirement to apply for a TIE if you already hold Spanish residency (either the green card credit card sized or A4 document), it is advisable to do so. The cost is only €12 and it is a relatively simple process.
The Spanish government recommends obtaining the TIE because the biometric card is more durable. It will also simplify administrative processes and border crossings.
As always, it is advisable to double-check that the documents required are the same in your town. It is handy to have a folder with the original and at least one copy of every legal document you have pertaining to life in Spain for ease of access.
Step 1 – form completion and payment
You must submit your residence application to the immigration office (Oficina de Extranjeros) in the province where you live.
You can do this electronically (if you have a digital signature ‘firma digital’), in person by appointment at the immigration office or via a third party representative of your choice who can submit your application, electronically or in person, on your behalf.
Bring the following documentation:
- application form EX20
- passport
- documentation which demonstrates your residence in Spain before 1 January 2021
- documentation which demonstrates you meet the EU residence criteria on income and healthcare
Make sure you read the specific instructions provided when submitting your application online or when booking an appointment, on any additional documentation required in your province.
If you submit your application in person, many immigration offices will also require you to provide photocopies of official documents, such as your passport, at your appointment.
Submitting your application electronically
You can submit your residency application and supporting documents using the Spanish administration’s online platform (Sede electronica) as long as you have a digital signature:
- enter the online portal
- click ‘continuar nueva solicitud’
- choose ‘EX-20 – Documento de residencia Artículo 50 TUE para nacionales del Reino Unido (emitido de conformidad con el artículo 18.4 del Acuerdo de retirada)’
Submitting your application in person
To submit your application and documents in person, you must first request an appointment at the immigration office. In many provinces you must do this online via the public administration website:
- choose your province
- select ‘trámites oficinas de extranjería’ (if this option is available)
- choose the option ‘Trámite para la documentación de nacionales de Reino Unido (Brexit)’
In some regions this last option is not available and first-time applicants should choose ‘solicitud de autorizaciones’ to request an appointment.
However, in the following regions you must contact the immigration office by telephone or by email.
- Malaga – call +34 95 298 04 60 and select OPTION 5 to request your appointment
- Seville – call +34 955 56 94 96 or email cita_previa_extranjeria.sevilla@correo.gob.es to request your appointment
- Barcelona – email brexit.barcelona@correo.gob.es to request your appointment
- Madrid – email the appointment request form, the EX20 application form and your supporting documentation to citaprevia_extranjeria.madrid@correo.gob.es
- Valencia – email the EX20 application form and your supporting documents to citaextran.valencia@correo.gob.es
If you are not sure how to request an appointment, contact the immigration office in your province.
Step 2: Apply for your TIE
Once your residency application has been approved by the immigration office you will need to obtain the TIE from the national police.
You must apply for an appointment online.
- choose your province
- then ‘trámites cuerpo nacional de policía’ (if this option is available)
- then ‘Policía Exp tarjeta asociada al Acuerdo de retirada ciudadanos británicos y sus familiares’
You must attend this appointment at the police station in person with the following documentation:
- application form EX23
- passport
- proof you have paid the fee (via form ‘modelo 790, code 012’ – choose option ‘certificado de registro de residente comunitario’). Currently this fee cannot be paid online.
- photograph (you must ensure this meets the Spanish administration’s requirements)
NOTE: Many police stations will also require you to provide photocopies of official documents, such as your passport, at your appointment.
As this is a boimetric card, the police will register your fingerprints digitally.
You will need to return to the police station with your valid passport and the official stamped letter showing you have applied to collect the TIE once it is ready. This takes 4-6 weeks on average.
