British TIE Renewals in Spain: What We Know So Far

Since Brexit came into effect, UK nationals living in Spain have been navigating new residency procedures. One of the most significant changes has been the transition from the old green NIE card (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión Europea) to the TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero).

From NIE to TIE: What Happened?

When the UK officially left the European Union, British citizens lost their automatic rights as EU citizens in Spain. This meant they could no longer hold the green NIE card. To secure their legal status, they had to apply for the new TIE residence card.

Here is what happened depending on each person’s situation:

Those with the green NIE card 

These individuals were allowed to exchange their NIE card for a TIE by going directly to the police station. If they had more than five years of legal residence in Spain, they were granted a permanent TIE valid for ten years. If they had less than five years, they received a temporary TIE valid for five years.

Those who only had a white NIE number (but no NIE card)

People who only had a white NIE number were also able to apply for the TIE . However, regardless of how long they had been living in Spain, they were issued a five-year temporary TIE , since they were not previously registered as EU residents. In these cases, it was necessary to submit documentation first to the Subdelegación del Gobierno and wait for a favorable resolution. Only after receiving that, they could proceed to the police station for fingerprinting and issuance of their TIE .

Fast Forward to 2025: Renewals Begin

Brexit officially took effect in 2020. This means many of the five-year TIE cards issued back then are now expiring, and British residents are beginning to face the first round of renewals.

Until recently, there was considerable confusion surrounding how this renewal process would work. Fortunately, we now have clearer guidance, although a few aspects still remain uncertain. Here is what we currently know:

How to Renew Your TIE as a British Citizen

If you are a British citizen holding a five-year TIE issued after Brexit, you can renew your card starting the day after the expiration date shown on your TIE.

The positive news is:

• You do not need to go through the Subdelegación del Gobierno
• You go directly to the police station (Comisaría de Policía) for fingerprinting and renewal.
• You will need an appointment for toma de huellas (fingerprinting).

This process applies to British nationals who either:

• Previously held a green NIE card and exchanged it for a TIE
• Or applied directly for a TIE after Brexit, without ever having the green NIE card

What’s Next?

Some details remain undefined, and we are closely monitoring how each province is handling renewals. Local procedures may vary slightly.

At NIE Barcelona, we are actively assisting clients throughout the process and will continue updating this post as we receive more information from the immigration offices.

If your TIE is expiring soon and you need help renewing it, get in touch, we’re here to make it simple for you.