TIE

Hi Valetie,

Sorry, but can you clarify what you mean by, "alleged legal entities are saying you definitely need one just for the money which varies enormously from place to place"?  A TIE is a residency card - if you live in Spain, it's not optional to have one.

Kind regards, 

Kim

Sorry do you mean we definitely need one despite being a fiscal resident and owning a property? We have had quotes ranging from 75 euros to 350 

Hi Valetie,

If you live permanently in Spain, you must be legally resident.  As you say you are "fiscal residents", do you mean that you have the green residency certificate (either A4 or credit card size)?  If so, it remains valid and there is currently no deadline to exchange it for a TIE; however,  both the Spanish and UK governments are now urging people to do so.

Anyone charging €350 to make the exchange for you is over-charging.  You can do it yourself for €12 each, using my detailed DIY guide:

https://www.costablancaforum.com/area/formentera-del-segura-spain-54/residency-in-formentera-del-segura-padron-residencia-passport-advice-23/guide-to-exchanging-residencia-for-a-tie-card-form-ex-23-117366/ 

Kind regards, 

Kim

At some point the green A4/residencia card will become void so IMO the sooner you get the TIE the better, it will save a lot of stress later down the line.

I agree with the comment above 350€ does seem extortionate.

I agree with all replies above, but here is a little more info of my understanding as only just been through the process of obtaining a new card - did not have green paper one. 

Residency cards are mandatory if you are living in Spain more than 6 months if the year, as passport only allows 90 days total in 180 days (note 180 days is less than 6 months)

They also have tax implications as a residency card also means you have to pay tax in Spain on earnings (post brexit rules I believe) - being a resident means you agree to paying Spanish tax. No tax, no residency status. 

IMO. They may start to charge more for TIE in the future, like driving licence exchange - today is free, 6 months down the line you will have to take lessons and a test to exchange uk for Spanish. 

And if you are exchanging green paper for TIE card and do not need to prove financial status then do it online yourself. If, like me, new request, you will need to have bank statements officially translated and verified etc etc so better to use a solicitor. I paid €250 for two people - full service. All I did was send some docs, sign a form and turn up to collect my cards. (2 visits - one to take photos to offices, run through forms, check passports, give finger prints etc, one to collect photo card and check finger prints (that’s how it worked in almeria)