What is a T.I.E card and do I need one to be a resident in Spain?

What is a TIE card and do I need one to be a resident in Spain?

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. The TIE will have the same validity as the green A4 paper document or residency card issued up until now.

Do I have to change my Green Card for the TIE?

If you already have a green residency certificate, it is still valid and it is not obligatory to change to the TIE. Both the 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. That said, it is recommended that you change to the TIE and is likely to become obligatory at some time in the future. So last week, I decided to take the plunge and get the process in motion. 

How do I obtain the TIE?

If you already hold a green residency certificate, it is quite straightforward. You need to make an appointment through the Spanish online system (Sede Electrónica) and present a completed Model EX-23 form, your original Passport, green residency certificate, your Padrón certificate, a recent Passport size photograph of yourself and the proof of payment of the fee 790 code 012. The price for this is currently 12 euros. The application needs to be made through an office in the province where you are resident, so for most of our clients, this will be Alicante province. The main office for this is in Alicante city and looking at the online system today, there appear to be appointments available almost immediately. There are also some local offices, such as in Denia, however appointments may be more limited. 
How easy is it to get?

Surprisingly easy. Once you have your appointment date, just take the documents to the office and they will register it. As well as your photographs, they will also electronically take your fingerprints to put on the card. The whole process from arrival to leaving took me less than 15 minutes. But remember to take the correct documents with you or you will have a wasted journey. You will be given a form to show you have applied and you have to return at a stated date to collect the card. For me, this was in one months time, but can vary depending on the office. 
One month later, I went back and the card was waiting for me. Who said Spanish bureaucracy can be difficult?
If you are thinking of applying for your TIE card and have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me now on +34 657 958 094 or email steve@ultimatehomes-spain.com