If you are living legally in Spain as a non-EU citizen — including British nationals protected under the Withdrawal Agreement — understanding 5 year renewals is absolutely critical.
A 5-year Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) is not “lifetime status.” It is a physical residency card that must be renewed at the appropriate time to maintain valid documentation in Spain. Whether you are renewing long-term residency, permanent residence, or dealing specifically with Brexit 5 year renewals, this guide explains everything clearly and in depth.
This article covers:
- What a 5-year TIE card actually represents
- Who needs 5 year renewals
- How Brexit 5 year renewals differ
- When and how to renew
- Required documents
- Common mistakes
- Legal implications of missing deadlines
- Step-by-step process
- Costs and timelines
- Frequently asked questions
If you are a British citizen whose 5-year Brexit card is approaching expiry, you should read this dedicated page as well:
👉 https://tiecardspain.com/renewing-your-brexit-tie-card/
Understanding the TIE and What “5 Year Renewals” Really Means
The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is Spain’s official biometric residency card issued to non-EU nationals. It contains:
- Your NIE number
- Your residency type
- Your photo and fingerprints
- Expiry date
- Legal residence category
A 5-year TIE typically reflects one of the following:
- Long-term residence (Residencia de Larga Duración)
- Permanent residence status
- Brexit Withdrawal Agreement residence card
- Certain family member residence categories
The important distinction is this:
Your residency rights and your physical card are not the same thing.
You may have permanent or long-term residence rights, but your physical TIE card still expires. That is why 5 year renewals are mandatory.
Who Needs 5 Year Renewals in Spain?
1. Non-EU Nationals with Long-Term Residence
If you have lived legally in Spain for 5 continuous years and obtained long-term residence, your TIE card will usually be issued with 5-year validity.
Even though long-term residence status is indefinite, the physical card must be renewed every five years.
2. Family Members of EU Citizens
Family members holding long-term family residence cards may also receive 5-year cards that require renewal.
3. British Citizens Under Brexit (Withdrawal Agreement)
This is where Brexit 5 year renewals become particularly important.
British nationals who:
- Registered before 31 December 2020
- Were covered by the Withdrawal Agreement
- Received either a 5-year temporary residence card or a 5-year long-term card
Will eventually face a 5-year renewal process.
For detailed Brexit-specific guidance, visit:
👉 https://tiecardspain.com/renewing-your-brexit-tie-card/
What Is Different About Brexit 5 Year Renewals?
Brexit 5 year renewals fall under the Withdrawal Agreement between the UK and Spain (as part of the EU).
Key points:
- Your rights are protected if you were legally resident before Brexit deadlines
- The renewal is generally procedural (card replacement)
- However, proof of continued residence may still be required
- You may transition from temporary (5-year) to permanent status
Unlike other non-EU nationals, British citizens protected under Brexit do not usually need to prove income again for long-term renewal — but procedural steps must still be followed.
Failure to renew the physical card does not cancel your protected rights — but it creates administrative and legal complications.
When Should You Apply for 5 Year Renewals?
The general rule:
You can apply:
- 60 days before expiry
- Up to 90 days after expiry (with possible administrative fine)
However, do not wait.
Spain operates through appointment systems (cita previa), and availability can vary by province.
Missing the deadline does not automatically cancel your long-term rights, but:
- You may struggle with travel
- Banks may freeze documentation updates
- Employers may question your legal proof
- Police checks may cause unnecessary stress
Proactive 5 year renewals prevent these problems.
Step-by-Step Process for 5 Year Renewals
Step 1: Confirm Your Residency Category
Before starting, confirm:
- Are you long-term resident?
- Are you renewing a Brexit TIE?
- Is it a simple card replacement or status modification?
Step 2: Prepare Documentation
Standard documentation typically includes:
- Valid passport (original + copy)
- Current TIE card
- EX application form (usually EX-17 for card renewal)
- Proof of address (empadronamiento)
- Payment of applicable fee (Modelo 790 code 012)
- Passport photos
For Brexit 5 year renewals, additional documentation may sometimes be requested depending on your original status.
Step 3: Book Cita Previa
Appointments are booked online via the Policía Nacional system.
Select:
“Toma de Huella (Expedición de Tarjeta)” or appropriate renewal category.
Step 4: Attend Fingerprint Appointment
At your appointment:
- Submit documents
- Provide fingerprints
- Confirm personal data
You will receive a receipt confirming application.
Step 5: Collect Your New Card
Typically 30–45 days later (varies by province), you return to collect the new 5-year card.
What Happens If You Do Not Complete 5 Year Renewals?
This is a common misunderstanding.
Your long-term residence status does not automatically disappear when the card expires.
However:
- The expired card is no longer valid ID
- Travel outside Spain may become risky
- Re-entry could become complicated
- Administrative fines are possible
For Brexit citizens, failure to renew does not remove Withdrawal Agreement rights — but it complicates proof of residence.
Do not confuse “status validity” with “card validity.”
Financial and Legal Requirements for 5 Year Renewals
For most long-term residents:
You are not reapplying for residence from scratch.
Therefore, you usually do not need to:
- Reprove income thresholds
- Reprove health insurance
- Restart residency qualification
However, if your circumstances changed dramatically, additional review may occur.
Brexit 5 year renewals typically follow streamlined processes — but correct documentation is still essential.
Costs of 5 Year Renewals
Fees are generally modest.
The standard card issuance fee (Modelo 790 Código 012) is typically around €20–€25 (subject to change).
Always confirm updated fees at your local office.
Common Mistakes During 5 Year Renewals
- Waiting until after expiry
- Booking the wrong appointment category
- Forgetting updated empadronamiento
- Not paying the correct Modelo 790 fee
- Confusing status change with card renewal
- Assuming Brexit protection means “no renewal needed”
Even protected residents must renew the physical document.
Travel During 5 Year Renewals
If your card expires and you must travel:
- Keep your renewal receipt
- Carry passport
- Consider requesting authorization of return (Autorización de Regreso) if traveling outside Schengen
Planning ahead avoids complications.
Transition from 5-Year Temporary to Permanent Residence
For some residents (including certain Brexit categories), the 5-year mark allows transition to permanent status.
This is not simply a card renewal — it may require:
- Updated residency verification
- Proof of 5 years continuous residence
If you are unsure which category applies, professional guidance can prevent delays.
Read more about 10 year TIE Cards
Brexit 5 Year Renewals: Special Guidance
British nationals who originally received:
- A 5-year temporary residence card
- Or a 5-year Withdrawal Agreement card
Must eventually renew or transition status.
Key considerations:
- Ensure continuous residence
- Maintain empadronamiento records
- Keep tax, social security, or utility history if needed
- Do not leave Spain for extended continuous periods
For detailed Brexit-specific renewal support:
👉 https://tiecardspain.com/renewing-your-brexit-tie-card/
This page provides structured guidance specifically for British nationals under the Withdrawal Agreement.
Timeline Overview for 5 Year Renewals
60 days before expiry – Begin preparation
30–45 days before expiry – Book appointment
Appointment day – Submit fingerprints
30–45 days later – Collect card
In high-demand provinces, allow extra time.
Long-Term Residence vs Card Validity: Legal Clarification
Spanish immigration law distinguishes between:
- Administrative status (residence rights)
- Physical documentation (TIE card)
Long-term residence status is indefinite.
The card must be renewed every 5 years.
This is why the term 5 year renewals refers primarily to the physical TIE card — not requalifying for residence.
Frequently Asked Questions About 5 Year Renewals
What happens if my 5-year TIE expires?
Your residence status likely remains valid, but your card is no longer a valid ID document. You must renew.
Can I renew after expiry?
Yes, up to 90 days after expiry, possibly with a fine.
Do I need to show income again?
Usually not for long-term residents. Brexit renewals typically do not require fresh income proof if status is secure.
How long does 5 year renewal processing take?
Usually 30–45 days after fingerprint appointment.
Do I need a lawyer for 5 year renewals?
Not necessarily — but errors can cause delays. Many residents prefer structured assistance.
Is Brexit 5 year renewal different?
Yes. It is governed by Withdrawal Agreement protections and may involve status transition.
What if I moved address?
Update your empadronamiento before renewal.
What if I lost my card before expiry?
That is a duplicate request, not a standard 5 year renewal.
Why Proper 5 Year Renewals Matter
Spain is increasingly digitised and interconnected across:
- Tax systems
- Banking
- Social security
- Employment databases
- Police ID verification
An expired TIE may trigger administrative friction in all of these areas.
Maintaining updated documentation ensures smooth integration.
Final Thoughts on 5 Year Renewals in Spain
Whether you are:
- A long-term non-EU resident
- A family member of an EU citizen
- Or a British national protected under Brexit
Understanding 5 year renewals is essential to maintaining uninterrupted legal documentation in Spain.
The process is generally procedural — but mistakes, delays, or misunderstanding Brexit-specific rules can complicate matters unnecessarily.
If you are approaching the five-year mark as a British national, you should review:
👉 https://tiecardspain.com/renewing-your-brexit-tie-card/
Proactive planning prevents stress.
Renew early.
Prepare correctly.
Keep your status secure.
Links
2026 Spanish immigration amnesty complete expert guide
How to get a criminal record check for a TIE Card in Spain
How to upgrade your old Green Card for a new TIE Card
How the Spanish Police make the TIE CARD
Can I fly on an Expired TIE Card?
🇪🇸 Spanish Government Immigration Portal
Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones
Official immigration regulations and residency framework.
🔗 https://www.inclusion.gob.es/
This is the official ministry responsible for Spanish immigration law, long-term residence rules, and administrative regulations relating to 5 year renewals.
👮 Policía Nacional – TIE Appointments (Cita Previa)
Official fingerprint and card issuance booking system.
🔗 https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es/icpplus/
All 5 year renewals require an appointment for fingerprinting (“Toma de Huellas”) via this official portal.
📄 Official TIE Card Application Forms
Spanish Government immigration forms including EX-17 (TIE issuance/renewal).
🔗 https://extranjeros.inclusion.gob.es/es/ModelosSolicitudes/
This section contains official forms required for 5 year renewals and Brexit 5 year renewals.
💳 Official TIE Renewal Fee (Modelo 790 Código 012)
Government tax payment form for TIE card issuance.
🔗 https://sede.policia.gob.es/Tasa790_012/
This is the official fee payment portal required for all physical card renewals.
🇬🇧 UK Government – Living in Spain After Brexit
Official UK guidance for British nationals residing in Spain under the Withdrawal Agreement.
🔗 https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-spain
This page explains rights of British nationals and the framework surrounding Brexit 5 year renewals.
🇪🇺 European Commission – Withdrawal Agreement Overview
Legal framework governing UK nationals’ residence rights post-Brexit.
Useful reference for understanding protected residency rights during 5 year renewals under Brexit provisions.
⚖️ Important Note
Government procedures for 5 year renewals may vary slightly by province. Always confirm requirements locally before attending your appointment.