This page applies to UK passport holders who obtained a TIE card after 1st January 2020, or who previously held a green EU residency certificate and later exchanged it for a TIE card that is now due for renewal after five years.

If this does not apply to you please visit our TIE Card home page.

Incredibly 5 years have now passed since the first TIE cards were issued under the Brexit withdrawal agreement or to those who exchanged there existing green residency cards to Brexit TIE cards.

We are now taking pre orders for appointments for Brexit TIE Card 5 year renewals. We have been informed by the police they will not be renewing any card until after the expiry date so your appointment will be the week following your expiration written on your card. We are expecting a large number of people requiring appointments so we are now taking pre orders. Need help? Call us on 0034 665556070

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By completing this form you agree that 'TIE CARD SPAIN' will book your appointment at the police station and complete your associated paperwork. Your appointment will be After the expiry date not before as this is how the police have requested this is done.

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We will be back in touch once the dates you require come online. Please ensure you have an upto date Padron Certificate and two passport photos available when you attend your appointment.

Renewing your Article 50 Brexit TIE card in Spain for UK nationals

Following the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union, UK nationals living in Spain found themselves navigating an entirely new legal and administrative landscape. One of the most significant protections for British citizens already resident in Spain before the end of the Brexit transition period is the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, specifically Article 50, which safeguards residency rights.

To formalise these rights in Spain, eligible UK nationals were issued a TIE card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) clearly marked as being issued under Article 50 of the Withdrawal Agreement. These cards confirm protected status and grant rights broadly equivalent to EU residency rights, including access to healthcare, employment, education, and social security.

However, many of these TIE cards are time-limited and must be renewed. Confusion around renewal deadlines, permanent residency eligibility, documentation, and appointments has caused unnecessary stress for thousands of British residents.

This article provides a comprehensive, up-to-date guide on:

Who must renew an Article 50 TIE
When renewal is required
How the renewal process works
The difference between temporary and permanent Article 50 TIE cards
Common mistakes and refusals
What happens if your card expires

Whether your card expires in 2025, 2026, or later, this guide explains everything you need to know.

What Is an Article 50 TIE Card?

An Article 50 TIE card is a biometric residence card issued to UK nationals and their eligible family members who were legally resident in Spain before 31 December 2020.

The card confirms that the holder benefits from the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, meaning:

Your residency rights are protected for life (subject to conditions)
You are not treated as a standard third-country national
You retain the right to work, study, and access services in Spain

Unlike non-EU residency cards, Article 50 TIE cards:

Are governed by international treaty law
Cannot have conditions changed unilaterally by Spain
Carry stronger legal protection

However, the card itself is a physical document, and like passports or driving licences, it has an expiry date.

Temporary vs Permanent Article 50 TIE Cards

Understanding what type of card you hold is essential before starting the renewal process.

Temporary Article 50 TIE (5-Year Card)

Most UK nationals initially received a temporary Article 50 TIE, valid for 5 years.

You likely have a temporary card if:

You had lived in Spain for less than 5 years at the time of application
You previously held a green EU residency certificate with under 5 years’ residence
Your card shows an expiry date five years from issue

Permanent Article 50 TIE (10-Year Card)

You may qualify for permanent residency under the Withdrawal Agreement if:

You have lived legally and continuously in Spain for 5 years or more
You did not spend excessive time outside Spain during that period

Permanent Article 50 TIE cards are valid for 10 years and are renewable indefinitely.

Do You Have to Renew an Article 50 TIE Card?

Yes. While your rights do not expire, the physical TIE card does.

If your card expires and you do not renew it:

You may face problems proving your legal status
You may be refused services
You could experience difficulties when travelling
Employers and banks may reject expired documentation

Renewal is therefore mandatory.

When Should You Renew Your Article 50 TIE Card?

You can usually apply for renewal:

Within 60 days before expiry
Up to 90 days after expiry (late renewals may attract fines)

Best practice is to begin the process 2–3 months before expiry, as appointment availability can be limited in some provinces.

What Happens at Renewal?

The renewal process depends on whether you are:

Renewing a temporary card, or
Upgrading to permanent residency

Scenario 1: Renewing Temporary Article 50 TIE

If you still have under 5 years of residence, you will:

Renew for another temporary period only if applicable
In most cases, applicants reaching 5 years move to permanent status instead

Scenario 2: Moving from Temporary to Permanent Article 50 TIE

This is the most common scenario.

At renewal, Spanish authorities will:

Verify your length of legal residence
Check absences from Spain
Issue a permanent Article 50 TIE if requirements are met

Documents Required for Renewal

Exact requirements vary slightly by province, but typically include:

Core Documents

Valid passport (original + copy)
Current TIE card
Completed application form (EX-23 or equivalent)
Proof of payment of the renewal fee (Modelo 790)

Proof of Residence History

Padrón certificate (current)
Previous residency certificates or green EU card
Empadronamiento history if requested

Additional Documents (if applicable)

Proof of continued residence
Evidence of not exceeding allowed absences
Family relationship documents (for dependants)

Unlike non-EU renewals, financial means, private health insurance, or income thresholds are generally not required under Article 50 protections.

Absences From Spain and Their Impact

One of the most misunderstood aspects of renewal is time spent outside Spain.

Under the Withdrawal Agreement:

Absences of up to 6 months per year are allowed
One absence of up to 12 consecutive months is permitted for important reasons (health, work, study, COVID)

Excessive absences may:

Prevent access to permanent residency
In extreme cases, affect protected status

Always disclose absences honestly.

Where Do You Apply for Renewal?

Renewals are carried out through:

Immigration offices (Oficina de Extranjería)
Police stations authorised to process TIE cards

The process usually involves:

Booking an appointment
Submitting documentation
Fingerprinting appointment
Card collection several weeks later

Common Problems When Renewing Article 50 TIE Cards

1. Appointment Shortages

Some regions experience long waiting times. Early booking is essential.

2. Confusion With Non-EU Rules

Some applicants are incorrectly asked for:

Income proof
Health insurance
Non-EU residency documents

Politely insist that your application falls under the Withdrawal Agreement.

3. Lost or Damaged Cards

Lost cards must be reported before renewal can proceed.

4. Incorrect Application Forms

Using the wrong form can delay or invalidate your application.

What If Your Article 50 TIE Card Has Already Expired?

If your card has expired:

You do not lose your rights automatically
You should renew as soon as possible
A small administrative fine may apply

Do not leave Spain without valid documentation if possible, as re-entry can be complicated.

Travelling While Your Card Is Being Renewed

During renewal:

You may receive a receipt or resguardo
This document does not always guarantee re-entry

If you need to travel urgently, seek advice before leaving Spain.

Family Members and Article 50 Renewals

Eligible family members (spouses, registered partners, dependent children) also hold Article 50 cards.

Their renewal:

Must be kept in line with the main applicant
May require proof of continued family relationship

Permanent Status: What Changes After Renewal?

With a permanent Article 50 TIE:

You no longer need to prove residence duration
Renewals are simpler
Rights are more secure
Absence rules remain important

Permanent cards still expire physically every 10 years and must be renewed.

Differences Between Article 50 and Non-EU Residency Renewals

Article 50 TIE	Non-EU TIE
Treaty-protected	Domestic law
No income tests	Income required
No insurance proof	Insurance required
Easier renewals	Stricter renewals
Protected rights	Revocable permits

This distinction is crucial when dealing with officials unfamiliar with Brexit protections.

Final Thoughts

Renewing an Article 50 TIE card is not optional, but it should not be difficult when done correctly.

The key points to remember:

Your rights are protected for life, but the card must be renewed
Most renewals result in permanent residency
Start early and keep documentation organised
Ensure your application is processed under the Withdrawal Agreement, not non-EU rules

Staying proactive ensures continuity of rights and peace of mind.