The UK government has reminded expats in Spain to ensure that they have exchanged their old green ID cards for a TIE card, ahead of the introduction of the new EES system.
According to Euroweeklynews, Nathaniel Amos, a representative of the UK government, attended a conference in La Cala de Mijas to speak to 200 British expats. He was there to remind them that it is essential to exchange old green ID cards for a biometric TIE identity card. Previously, it was thought not essential to upgrade your identity card to stay in Spain, but the new EES system has changed this. Those that do not have a TIE could face issues returning to Spain, even if they have been away just for a short spell.
If you are registered as living in Spain and have a TIE card, you are exempt from the new EES system, as the TIE card will have your biometric data.
Make sure you have the relevant documents for life in Spain.
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What is a TIE identity card?
TIE stands for tarjeta de identidad de extranjero – a foreigner ID card. It is simply proof that you, as a foreigner, have the legal right to live in Spain. It is necessary if you have a visa that allows you to stay in Spain for longer than six months, such as a digital nomad or golden visa. It applies to those from a non-EU country, living long-term in Spain. Since Brexit, this includes Britons.
The TIE card will have your name, period of validity, and your NIE. An NIE is your personal tax number in Spain, you can find out about obtaining one here.
The TIE card is more durable and recognised across Europe than the green card, which it replaces. It is just valid for the period it is issued for.
According to the British Embassy in Madrid, in June 2024, 200,000 British residents in Spain had yet to exchange their green ID cards for the TIE.
It is expected that green card holders will face significant delays at the Spanish border once the EES system is introduced.
How to apply for a TIE card:
You can apply for a TIE card (or exchange a green card) at your local police or immigration office in Spain.
You will need the following documents to apply: completed application form, proof of payment, proof of address, visa, two passport sized photos and your NIE number.
Children must also be registered and obtain their own TIE.
The new EES: what it means for your travel plans
There has been a fair amount of speculation about when exactly the new Entry/Exit System will be launched across the Schengen Zone, it was supposed to come into force this month. However, an early 2025 launch date is looking increasingly more likely.
It will be an automated registration for visitors from the UK and other visa-exempt non-EU countries. Designed to make border security safer and more efficient, it will register the traveller’s name, biometric data (through face scans and fingerprints), and the point of entrance and exit. The biometric data will be taken and then valid for three years.
For anyone thinking of driving to their Spanish home, there will be checks in Port Dover, the Eurostar and Eurotunnel. Otherwise, border control at airports.
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