Date Published: 24/02/2025

Renew your post-Brexit withdrawal agreement TIE: What you need to know to stay legal in Spain

In order to stay as a legal resident and avoid issues, act now with the help of Gestoría Carvajal professional paperwork services

As we move through 2025, thousands of UK nationals who secured residency in Spain under the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement are approaching a crucial milestone: the renewal of their five-year Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE).

If you are one of them, now is the time to prepare, say trusted local legal paperwork and administration experts Gestoría Carvajal in Mazarrón and Camposol.

Who needs to renew their TIE in 2025?

In 2020, more than 35,000 British citizens obtained residency under the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement. Those who were granted five-year TIE cards will now need to renew them.

When the UK left the EU, British residents in Spain had to apply for residency through different routes. Some long-term residents had previously obtained a green residency card, while others applied through the Spanish government’s Mercurio platform and received official approval, known as a ‘resolución favorable’ or ‘resolución concedido’. These approvals were necessary to obtain the TIE, which is now due for renewal for many.

How to renew your TIE

For those who previously held a green residency card before getting their TIE, the renewal process is relatively straightforward. They can go directly to the relevant police station (comisaría) to apply for the 10-year permanent residency card.

However, for those who applied via the ‘resolución’ method, the process is less clear. Different provinces or autonomous communities in Spain may have different requirements for renewal, and authorities have yet to confirm whether a fresh application is necessary. This uncertainty means it is essential to start the process early to avoid potential delays or issues.

The risks of letting your TIE expire

Failing to renew your TIE on time could lead to complications, including difficulties with:

Banking services
Signing new contracts for utilities and insurance
Travel within Spain and the Schengen Zone

It is crucial to keep an eye on your expiry date and initiate renewal procedures well in advance to prevent disruptions.

When should you apply for a 10-year TIE?

One potential complication is that for those who obtained their TIE through the ‘resolución’ method, the expiry date on their card may fall in 2026 rather than 2025.

The question remains whether they can apply for their 10-year residency card before the expiry date or must wait until the card expires. This lack of clarity could lead to delays and an influx of applicants at National Police stations across Spain.

Work visas and Non-lucrative Visas (NLV)

For those looking to apply for a work visa or an NLV, professional assistance can help streamline the process. If you need support with your residency renewal, visa application, or other legal paperwork, Gestoría Carvajal is also your point of call. They can guide you through the process, ensuring that all documentation is correct and submitted on time.

Whether you are one of those whose five-year TIE card is due for renewal in 2025 or you are in need of a work visa or NLV to live in Spain, now is the time to act. Contact a trusted gestoría to navigate the process smoothly and avoid potential complications: