Changing to T I E

If you registered for residency before 6 July 2020 and have a green paper residence certificate, you do not have to take action. Your green certificate (A4 or credit card-sized) remains valid and proof of your rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.

You may exchange it for the new TIE if you want to. The Spanish government recommends obtaining the TIE as it is more durable and may simplify some administrative processes. If you want to exchange your green paper certificate for the TIE there is no deadline for doing so.

To start the process you must apply for an  online appointment .

For more information click on the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/residency-requirements-in-spain#:~:text=Your%20green%20certificate%20(A4%20or,may%20simplify%20some%20administrative%20processes.

You will not be able to use the green card at airports after the new ETIAS systems start up as they do not contain biometric details. There are also departments and companies who will not accept the green card as it has no photo and states this is not to be used for ID purposes.

Both the Spanish interior ministry and the UK embassy advise you to change the card now for a TIE as the green cards may cause problems.

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The British authorities in Spain are advising the thousands of British citizens living in Spain who still have their old pre-Brexit Spanish Green Cards to obtain a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) as soon as possible. This is recommended in anticipation of the implementation of the new European Union (EU) Entry and Exit System (EES), which is likely to be introduced.

"Obtaining the TIE is crucial for British residents in Spain, as it serves as a reliable and permanent method of proving their rights in the country. In addition, the TIE will avoid any inconvenience at the border once the EU Entry and Exit Regime is implemented," said Hugh Elliott, outgoing British ambassador, in his press release."

Some will never be told though - until it does become a problem (and it will) and then they will be loudest complainers!