The TIE, Tarjeta de Indentidad de Extranjero, is the Spanish identification card for citizens from third countries (non-EU) who reside in Spain. As the UK is no longer in the EU British UK nationals also have to apply for this card to take up residency in Spain.
During the transition period the qualifying requirements for applicants e.g. for proof of means remained the same as they were when the UK was in the EU. However from the 1st of January most British UK Nationals will need to obtain a long stay visa, before they can apply for residency and get their TIE, Tarjeta de Indentidad de Extranjero.
Read more about the Brexit Agreement and visas for British UK Nationals.
The process below is the procedure for applying for the Withdrawal Agreement TIE. British UK Nationals could apply under the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement up until the 31st December. Thereafter the Withdrawal Agreement TIE is only available to holders of the green EU residency certificate, and immediate family members of those that already have Spanish residency. It may possibly (not yet officially confirmed), be available to those who didn’t obtain residency documentation, who can prove that that they were otherwise legally residing in Spain, before 31st December 2020.
The TIE Application Process for British UK Nationals
There are two stages in the process. In the first stage an application is presented to the Foreigners Office (extranjeria) in the province where you reside. The second stage is completed at the National Police Station in the area that you live.
The initial application can be presented in person or by an authorised representative, and can be done face to face at the Foreigners Office, or submitted online.
In most places, you have to call the foreign office to make an appointment to present your application.
The online submission system is working well, and the Foreign Office are encouraging the use of this system. To submit you application you need to have a digital signature and certificate in place. If you don’t have one, you can authorise someone else or a company to complete the online submission on your behalf.
This is done using the ‘Designacion de Represenante‘ form.
First Stage TIE Application & Documentation Required
The wide variances that exists from one town to the next regarding documents for EU residency certificate applications, does not apply to TIE applications, as all applications are processed at the provincial head office not at the Police Station closest to where you live. This makes it a lot easier to assess and prepare applications, and provides a lot more consistency.
To present the TIE application at the first stage the following is needed:
*Completed application form EX20
Indentification and proof of address
*Copy of valid passport
*Certificado de empadronamiento (padron)
Healthcare
*S1 letter if retired or in receipt of exportable UK benefits
*Private medical insurance policy / certificate with proof of the last payment
*Proof of social security payments if employed or self employed
Income / Proof of Financial Means
The exact documents required for proof of financial means varies depending on circumstances. Any of the following as applicable may be required:
*Contract of employment
*3 months payslips
*6 months UK bank statements
*6 months Spanish statements
*Pension P60 or letter
*Contract for rental property
*Average balance certificate from last 6 months
Dependant Applicants
*Birth certificate for child / dependant spouse applicants
*Marriage certificate / record of civil partnership for spouse / partner
Official translations of documents that are not in Spanish must be provided.
Additional documents to support your application
The Foreign Office when reviewing applications apart from checking that you qualify, are also looking to see that the applicant is actively living and present in Spain. The list below taken from their request for further information on an application. It is extensive and you may not be able to provide everything on the list, however the more you can provide, the higher chance you have of first time acceptance.
*receipts of transactions in Spain or showing in bank statements
*proof of attendance at medical consultations – dentist or doctors appointments/vet appointments
*contracts of any nature entered into in Spain
*receipts for utility supplies (electricity, water, gas, telephone …)
*receipts for fixed or mobile telephony at your address in Spain
*documents from public or private entities that demonstrate having received a service in Spain
*plane ticket/boarding card from entering Spain showing arrival in Spain
*entry stamp to Spain in passport
*documents showing relationship with public or private entities in Spain (e.g. clubs associations, training centres, gym …)
*income tax returns in Spain
*tenancy agreement
*shopping receipts
When your application is received, a receipt will be issued confirming that it has been presented. It will then be reviewed accordingly at the foreigners office. If for any reason your application is not immediately accepted, 10 business days will be given to supply any additional information that may have been asked for to continue with the application.
Notification of the approval of your application will be sent within 3 months, and you have one month to make an appointment and complete the second stage application at the National Police Station.
Second Stage TIE Application
The second stage application process is relatively straight forward, and appointments are readily available in most areas at the Foreigners Offices and National Police Stations.
For your second stage application you need to have a pre-booked appointment.
You can make an appointment through the following link:
https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es/icpplus/index.html
For your appointment you will need:
*EX23 application form
*Your first stage approval notice / existing EU residency Card and a copy
*Passport and a copy ( a copy of your passport and the application is acceptable if you are in the process of renewing it)
*Small passport (carnet size) photo 32mmx28mm
*Recent padron
*Modelo 790 form with €12 tax paid and stamped by the bank, or with payment receipt attached
When you present your application your fingerprints will be taken, and if everything else is in order, you will be given confirmation of your processed application and told to make an appointment to go back and collect you card in 3 weeks.
Your first TIE is valid for 5 years. At the 5 year expiry of your TIE you can apply for a 10 year permanent residency TIE