How to get Spanish residency from UK

According to the Spanish National Statistics Institute (INE), in 2023 there were around 370,000 British citizens residing in Spain. Since the UK’s departure from the European Union, the number of applications for residency from British citizens to a lawyer in Spain has increased.

Whether you are applying for long-term residency, temporary residency for study or temporary work, you will need a TIE Card Spain if you want to do a number of things such as open a bank account or access public services.

What is the Spanish TIE card?

The Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) in Spain was introduced to provide official identification to foreigners residing in the country. Although it has evolved over the decades, its modern regulatory framework was consolidated with Organic Law 4/2000 and Royal Decree 557/2011.

This document has been in high demand by the British after Brexit, with more than 85% of applications being approved.

The TIE is like the Spanish DNI. This document contains the photograph, the holder’s personal details and the foreigner identification number.

Eligibility criteria for Spanish residency

UK nationals, their family members and any other person resident in Spain will have to comply with a series of requirements and submit the following documents:

General requirements for applicants

Any UK citizen who is currently living in Spain or has been living in the country before 2021 can apply for a TIE card.

If you have been in the country before 31 December 2020, you must prove that you have been living in Spain.

Other requirements to obtain this card is to have no criminal record in the last five years, either in the UK or in another country where you have resided.

Specific documents needed

•         Passport
•         2 passport-size photographs
•         Administrative tax 790
•         EX20 application form (provided by us)
•         Certificate of historical Empadronamiento (no flyer accepted) from the Town Hall, not older than three months and which must certify that you have been registered before 2021.
•         NIE (if you have one)

How to apply for a tie card in Spain?

The procedure for applying for this document will depend on whether the UK citizen has a residence certificate (temporary or permanent) or no residence certificate. This is how to apply:

You should apply for the TIE card at your local police station if:

•         You have a temporary residence certificate (less than 5 years of legal residence in Spain).
•         Temporary residence certificate (more than 5 years legally residing in the country)
•         Permanent residence certificate

If you want to apply for the TIE and you do not have a residence certificate, you will have to submit the application at the Oficina de Extranjería or electronically. You will then have to go to the police station authorized to issue the document.

How to renew Spanish residency card?

After the pandemic, all residency and TIE card renewal processes are done online. However, they can also be done in person. To do it online, you will only need a digital certificate.

In order to renew it, you must continue to meet the requirements that you had to have before having the TIE. You will also have to pay the corresponding renewal fees.

Common challenges and solutions

There can be some difficulties or inconveniences when presenting or renewing the TIE card.

Delays are a common occurrence. To avoid delays, you should make your appointment well in advance and check availability on the website.

In addition, another common mistake is to submit the application with important documents missing.  Therefore, make sure that everything you submit is within the requirements and up to date.

Spain has become the favourite destination for the British when they want to retire. Spain is the destination where gastronomy, climate and culture come together to surprise those who want to live in this country.

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Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.