Welcome to TIE Card Spain information page on exchanging your old green residency card or a4 document to a TIE-Card after Brexit. Below you can find all the information you need on how the process is done.
Want to exchange your old Green residency card to the NEW TIE card today? Click here to book now.
If you’re a UK passport holder living in Spain and still clutching that old green residency card, you’re not alone — and you’re definitely not “illegal”.
But here’s the truth no one tells you clearly:
👉 The green card still works… until it suddenly doesn’t.
This article is your complete, plain-English guide to how, why, and when to change your green card to a TIE card in Spain, what the Spanish authorities actually expect, and how to avoid the mistakes that trip people up every single day.
If you’ve ever Googled “change green card to TIE card” and come away more confused than before — this one’s for you.
What Is the Green Residency Card?
Before Brexit, UK citizens living in Spain were issued a green EU residency certificate (often called the green card). It was never meant to be a full ID card — more a registration certificate confirming your right to live in Spain under EU free-movement rules.
Key things to know:
- It’s green paper, not plastic
- It has no photo
- It was issued under EU law, not Spanish national law
- It was never designed to be used as ID
For years, it worked just fine… until Brexit changed everything.
What Is a TIE Card?
A TIE card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is a biometric residency card issued to non-EU nationals living in Spain.
It:
- Is plastic (credit-card sized)
- Contains your photo and fingerprints
- Is recognised by banks, police, airports, and government offices
- Confirms your post-Brexit legal status
For UK citizens protected under the Withdrawal Agreement, this specific version is often called the Brexit TIE.
Do UK Citizens Have to Change the Green Card to a TIE?
Short answer?
No — but also yes.
Legally:
- The green card remains valid under the Withdrawal Agreement
Practically:
- You will increasingly face problems without a TIE card
Real-world issues reported by UK residents include:
- Banks refusing services
- Problems at Spanish airports
- Police not recognising the green certificate as ID
- Issues renewing padrón, healthcare, or benefits
- Confusion when dealing with local officials
Spain itself has publicly encouraged UK nationals to exchange the green card for a TIE, even though it’s not technically mandatory.
Think of it like this:
The green card is legally valid
The TIE card is practically usable
Why Spain Wants You to Change to a TIE Card
Spain didn’t do this to make your life harder (even if it feels that way).
From the authorities’ perspective:
- The green card doesn’t confirm identity
- Police can’t easily verify status
- Systems are now designed for biometric residency
- Border checks have tightened post-Brexit
The TIE card aligns UK residents with Spain’s modern immigration system, while still protecting your rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
Who Can Change a Green Card to a TIE?
You can exchange your green card for a TIE if all of the following apply:
- You are a UK passport holder
- You were legally resident in Spain before 31 December 2020
- You hold a green EU residency certificate
- You continue to live in Spain
If that’s you — congratulations. The process is far simpler than applying for residency from scratch.
What the TIE Card Gives You (That the Green Card Doesn’t)
This is where the upgrade really shows.
With a TIE card you get:
- A recognised Spanish ID
- Faster border crossings
- Easier bank interactions
- Fewer explanations at police checks
- Less confusion at town halls
- A single document that “just works”
Most people who finally switch say the same thing:
“I wish I’d done this years ago.”
Step-by-Step: How to Change Your Green Card to a TIE Card
Let’s walk through the process without the usual government waffle.
Step 1: Book a TIE Appointment
You must attend an appointment with the Policía Nacional (or authorised immigration office).
Appointments are booked online and availability varies wildly by region.
This is where many people get stuck:
- Appointments disappear fast
- The system is in Spanish
- Errors can cancel your booking
Miss one detail, and you start again.
Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents
You’ll usually need:
- Valid UK passport
- Green residency certificate
- Proof of address (empadronamiento)
- EX-23 form (application form)
- Modelo 790 fee payment receipt
- Passport photos
- Appointment confirmation
Some police stations ask for extra copies or additional documents. This is normal in Spain.
Step 3: Attend the Appointment
At the appointment:
- Your documents are checked
- Your fingerprints are taken
- Your photo is captured
- Your data is entered into the system
This is not an interview — it’s an administrative process.
Step 4: Collect Your TIE Card
After around 30–45 days, you return to collect your TIE card.
From that moment:
- Your green card becomes irrelevant
- Your TIE is your official proof of residency
Common Mistakes That Cause Delays
Here’s where people trip up most:
- Booking the wrong appointment type
- Missing a document copy
- Incorrectly completed forms
- Not paying the correct fee
- Turning up without padrón
- Assuming rules are the same everywhere
Spain runs on regional interpretation, not national consistency.
Can You Do This Without Help?
Yes — many people do.
But here’s the honest reality:
- The system isn’t user-friendly
- Appointments are scarce
- One mistake can mean weeks of delay
- Spanish-only systems cause stress
- Police discretion varies by location
That’s why many UK residents choose expert help — not because it’s impossible alone, but because their time and sanity matter.
How TIE CARD SPAIN helps UK Citizens Change Their Green Card to a TIE Card
If you want this done correctly, calmly, and without drama, services like TIECARDSPAIN exist for one reason:
To remove uncertainty.
They:
- Check your eligibility
- Prepare the correct paperwork
- Guide you on appointments
- Ensure nothing is missed
- Reduce rejection risk
For many people, it’s the difference between:
“Why is this so stressful?”
and
“That was actually easy.”
What Happens If You Never Change Your Green Card?
Nothing dramatic… until something happens.
Common scenarios:
- Bank account update request
- Police identity check
- Border questioning
- Administrative renewal
- Healthcare paperwork
That’s when the green card suddenly becomes a problem instead of a protection.
Is There a Deadline to Change?
There is no official deadline, but:
- Spain strongly recommends it
- Other EU countries already require biometric cards
- Practical pressure is increasing yearly
The direction of travel is clear:
👉 The TIE card is the future
Final Thought: Green Card vs TIE Card
If you’re settled in Spain long-term, the decision is simple.
The green card represents the past.
The TIE card represents certainty.
FAQs: Changing Your Green Card to a TIE Card
Is the green residency card still valid in Spain?
Yes, legally it remains valid under the Withdrawal Agreement — but it causes increasing practical problems.
Do I lose my rights if I change to a TIE card?
No. Your rights are protected, not replaced.
Can I travel with a green card?
You can, but border officials increasingly prefer the TIE card.
Is the TIE permanent?
Most Brexit TIE cards are issued with long-term validity, often 10 years.
Do I need Spanish language skills?
No, but the process is entirely in Spanish.
Can my application be refused?
Rarely — but mistakes can delay or derail the process.
Do I need to surrender my green card?
Usually yes, once your TIE is issued.
Is the process the same everywhere in Spain?
No. Procedures vary by province.
Can someone do this for me?
Yes — authorised services can guide or manage the process.
Should I wait?
If you plan to stay in Spain, waiting offers no advantage.