Urgent call for UK nationals in Spain to exchange residency cards

The UK Embassy in Madrid has intensified its appeal to British residents in Spain, urging them to replace their green EU residency certificates with Tarjetas de Identidad de Extranjero (TIEs). In a recent statement, the embassy emphasized that failure to make this exchange could result in individuals being treated as tourists who have overstayed their welcome in the Schengen Zone.

In a recent Facebook post, the embassy reiterated, "Only those with a biometric TIE are exempt from the EES when entering Spain." This statement underscores the growing urgency surrounding the issue, as the green certificates will no longer serve as valid proof of residency under the new Entry Exit System (EES).

Since July 2020, British residents were informed that their EU green certificates would remain valid and that exchanging them was not mandatory. However, both Spanish and British authorities have increasingly encouraged the acquisition of the biometric TIE, which is similar to those held by other third-country nationals in Spain but marked with "Acuerdo de Retirada" (Withdrawal Agreement).

This marks the third advisory from the British Embassy since March 21, 2025, indicating a concerted effort to stress the importance of compliance. Previously, the embassy praised the TIE for its durability and biometric features. Now, officials are cautioning that the green certificate will not be recognized by the EU’s EES, which may commence operations as early as October.

According to the embassy, "To be exempt from registering with the EES, British residents in the EU will need to show a valid uniform-format biometric card." Thus, for British nationals residing in Spain, only the TIE will be accepted by Spanish and EU authorities when traveling.

The implications of not having a TIE are significant. The embassy warned that individuals possessing only the green certificate could be perceived as tourists at border checks, potentially leading to allegations of overstaying the 90-day limit within the Schengen Zone.

Data from Spain's Immigration Observatory reveals that, as of June 2024, 403,925 UK nationals were registered as living in Spain, yet only 217,408 of them had obtained TIEs. This discrepancy suggests a considerable number of British nationals have yet to complete the necessary exchange.

The response from the British community in Spain has been mixed. Some residents have voiced frustration over the lack of available appointments for exchanging their residency cards, while others argue that ample time has passed for individuals to make the switch.

One resident expressed, “My partner has been trying to get an appointment in Valencia to change his green certificate for a TIE since last September.” Another lamented, “I hope the Consul is going to ask the Spanish authorities to make more appointments available. Many existing TIEs will be approaching renewal, and appointments are already scarce.”

Securing an online appointment for such administrative processes has become increasingly challenging, with reports of criminal groups exploiting the system by booking up available slots and charging individuals for them. This practice has raised concerns about the accessibility of necessary services.

While some Brits suggest hiring a gestor to facilitate the exchange, this option involves additional costs for a service that should fundamentally be free of charge. Many community members recall that the Withdrawal Agreement assured recognition of green residency certificates, leading to ongoing debates about the necessity of the exchange.

As the situation continues to evolve, the UK Embassy remains steadfast in its commitment to assist British nationals in navigating these changes. The urgency of this message serves as a reminder of the importance of compliance with evolving residency regulations in Spain.