Remember to renew your TIE, British residents in Spain

In Spain, the process for renewing a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) card and applying for permanent residency is consistent across the country. Here's a breakdown of the steps involved.

For TIE card holders, the rules mirror the residency rights of EU citizens holding the CUE (green card) under the Withdrawal Agreement. This means that you have the automatic right to permanent residency under Spanish law, subject to meeting certain criteria.

When renewing your TIE card, you have the option to do so either online or in person. If you choose the online route, use the Mercurio platform with a digital certificate or similar to upload the EX-17 form (or relevant form) and supporting documents. For in-person renewal, book an appointment at the Foreigners' Office in your local province via the SEDE website, submit all documents, and receive a "Resguardo" (confirmation) confirming your application.

Both online and in-person TIE renewal methods require subsequent fingerprinting and TIE collection appointments at a National Police Station. It's important to note that if your TIE expires while you're abroad, applying for a "Certificado Autorización de Regreso" before travel can help avoid potential problems upon re-entry to Spain.

If you're applying for a permanent residency TIE, it's advisable to do so 60 days before the expiry date of your current TIE card, as the card's expiry date is likely later than the five-year residency mark. However, expats in Spain with TIE cards issued in the second half of 2020 under the Withdrawal Agreement must wait for their TIE card to expire before applying for permanent residency.

The "Certificado Autorización de Regreso" is valid for 90 days from the day after your TIE expires. If you overstay the 90-day Regreso period, you may need to re-enter Spain as a tourist, explain your situation, and then apply for a permanent TIE.

For more details on the Certificado de Regreso and your rights to stay in Spain indefinitely, consult a legal expert specializing in Spanish residency. Some reputable law firms focusing on residence rights and Certificado de Regreso include Pérez-Llorca, Cremades & Calvo-Sotelo, and Sagardoy Abogados.

It's also worth mentioning that the rule for address updates may vary among Policía Nacional immigration offices. In some cases, a new permanent card may be issued earlier if an address update is needed.

Lastly, remember that the actual TIE card needs to be renewed every 10 years as a photo ID. Some offices may hesitate to issue a "Regreso" unless there's a compelling reason for your travel, so be prepared for a potential argument. If an issue arises, it may be helpful to consult a legal expert for guidance.