Exchanging your green card/A4 residency certificate for a TIE
Updated: Feb 17
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Exchanging your Green Residency Certificate for the new TIE
The UK Foreign Office and the Spanish Government recommend any UK national in possession of a green Residency Certificate, to exchange it for the biometric TIE card (that was introduced in July 2021) as soon as possible.
Many UK nationals have reported that they have been denied support or access to a variety of services in Spain, because they did not hold the most up to date document for UK nationals living in Spain. This can affect access to health and social care as well as benefits.
We have produced this guide to take you step by step through the process.
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To exchange your green EU residency certificate for the new UK-specific TIE, it is necessary to make an appointment online with the Oficina de Extranjeros -cita previa-, which can be done by clicking this link.
You can find details of your nearest office here: https://www.policia.es/_es/dependencias_localizador.php
Click on “Actualizar” or click on the link at the top that says: Ir a la versión HTML accesible to locate your nearest office on the map.
Currently, the Spanish administration has created a special option for the new TIE. Select the province where you live and the option “Policia-Exp. Tarjeta Asociada al Acuerdo de Retirada Ciudadanos Británicos y sus familiares (Brexit)” -Trámites Cuerpo Nacional de Policía tab-, and follow the further instructions. Completing this process will arrange an appointment at an Immigration Office or your local Police Station for a specific date and time.
Documents to present
Residence certificate (green card/A4 green document)
A completed Model EX-23 form (original and copy) - unofficial translated form .
When filling in the EX-23, make sure to choose the option "Tarjeta inicial" (section 4.1) and the option "Residencia con Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión" (section 4.2).
Passport (original and copy).
Proof (printed) of payment of the tax 790 code 012. You can complete and download the form here. Also, find the list of institutions associated with the payment of fees by direct debit system here.
When filling in the tax 790 code 012 form, choose the option "Certificado de registro de residente comunitario o Tarjeta de residencia de familiar de un ciudadano de la Unión".
Passport-size photograph 32x26 (ID photograph).
Padrón (if you changed your address). Original and copy, issued within the last 3 months.
In the case the police don't inform you about how to pick up your new TIE, you will be able to pick up your card by booking an appointment here. Select the province where you live and the option “Policia-Recogida Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero” -Trámites Cuerpo Nacional de Policía tab-.
This process cannot be done by a representative. If you have mobility concerns, and do not feel you can attend an in person appointment, you could look to request a mobility unit to be dispatched. Please contact us for more details on this process.
The new TIE will be valid for a period of 5 years and you will be allowed to leave Spain for up to 6 months without losing your residency. After its validity is expired, it can be renewed to a permanent-type permit, which will have its validity extended to 10 years and the allowed leave extended to 5 years.
If you are still hesitating, here are a couple of helpful videos:
Nick Green shares his experience and tips on performing the process
Sue Wilson shares her experience on the exchange and why we should exchange our documents.
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