The Brexit transition period ended 31st December 2020. This means there are now new Spanish residency requirements for British citizens / UK nationals effective from January 1st 2021.

British citizens / UK nationals now have to follow the same process as other non-EU national citizens of third countries to get Spanish residency.

Since July 2020, British citizens / UK nationals taking up residency in Spain, have had to partially follow the non-EU process, as Spain introduced the ‘Withdrawal Agreement’ TIE ‘tarjeta de identidad de extranjeros‘. The TIE is the foreigners ID card which all non-EU nationals have to obtain when they reside in Spain. During the transition period, and thereafter for those who already have a Spanish residency certificate, a special ‘withdrawal agreement’ card is issued. This ‘Withdrawal Agreement’ TIE card confirms the holders protected rights as a former EU citizen according to the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement.

The process for obtaining the ‘Withdrawal Agreement’ TIE ‘tarjeta de identidad de extranjeros‘ was the same as for other non-EU nationals. however the qualifying criteria remained the same as for the Spanish residency certificate for EU citizens.

Christmas Eve marked the moment the UK finally reached a Brexit agreement with the EU, full details of which have now been published.  The so called ‘Free Trade Agreement: a new economic and social partnership with the United Kingdom’, is of most interest to UK nationals living in Spain and other EU countries, those planning to and those with other interests such as business or a holiday home.

The agreement covers not just trade in goods and services, but also a broad range of other areas such as, tax transparency, air and road transport, energy and sustainability, fisheries, data protection, and social security coordination.

Notable points for UK nationals in Spain or other EU countries in the agreement are that:

• It provides for zero tariffs and zero quotas on all goods that comply with the appropriate rules of origin.
• On transport, the agreement provides for continued and sustainable air, road, rail and maritime connectivity, though market access falls below what the Single Market offers. It includes provisions to ensure that competition between EU and UK operators takes place on a level playing field, so that passenger rights, workers’ rights and transport safety are not undermined.
• On social security coordination, the agreement aims at ensuring a number of rights of EU citizens and UK nationals. This concerns EU citizens working in, travelling or moving to the UK and to UK nationals working in, travelling or moving to the EU after 1st January 2021.

This agreement at least brings closure to the uncertainty that has been hanging for so long, and is good news in part for many British Nationals in Spain.

Zero tariffs and quotas at least means that goods won’t cost more due to tax, and UK vehicles brought to Spain won’t be subject to customs import taxes as long as they were originally UK or EU vehicles.  As free movement will stop, there will be more checks on goods and people coming into the Spain and the EU from the UK.

The agreement on social security coordination will be welcomed by many who have moved to Spain to retire, or planned to, as many will have been relying on the reciprocal healthcare arrangement as their means of access to healthcare.

The deal also allows UK Nationals to visit EU countries for up to 90 days without the need for a visa.  Longer stays will however require a visa, so there will be a new lengthy step in the process for UK Nationals who want to move to Spain.

Read more about the post Brexit visa requirements for UK citizens in the EU.

Spanish Residency Long Stay Visas

The United Kingdom left the European Union on 31 January 2020.  The transition period that to negotiate future arrangements between EU and the UK ends on 31st December 2020, with a deal finally agreed at the last minute.

As of the end of the transition period, privileges enjoyed under EU freedom of movement come to an end.  British UK Nationals and their non-EU family members will be subject to all Spanish immigration rules for third-country (non-EU) nationals.

However, UK nationals and their family members who took up residency in Spain and other EU Member State before the end of the transition period in accordance with EU free movement law, will maintain their free movements rights after 31st December 2020.

As British Nationals will no longer be exempt from travel restrictions, new regulation will come into force on 1st January including the requirement to obtain Visa’s and possible travel bans.

The website for the Spanish Consulate in London notes:

‘In compliance with EU Regulation 2018/1806 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 November 2018 British passport holders travelling to Schengen countries for holidays, business or to visit family do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days in a 180 day-period, provided the visit is not for gainful activity. Please note that the 90 days will start counting from the date they enter any of the Schengen countries, including Spain.

British citizens and their family member need Visas for journeys undertaken after 31st December 2020 for the purposes of residence, studies for period larger than 90 days, work, professional, artistic or religious activities.’

Most nationals of non-EU countries require visa to enter Spain, including if the stay is intended to be less than 90 days for tourist purposes.  (A tourist visa known as a Schengen visa, valid for all of the countries in the Schengen area, is issued by the Spanish Embassy in the applicant’s home country, or the embassy of the Schengen country in which a traveller will arrive).

The deal for UK Nationals, is the same as the deal enjoyed by citizens of around 35 other non-EU countries where a Schengen visa is not required to just to enter Spain.

The holder of a Schengen visa is not permitted to work or to stay longer than 90 days in the entire Schengen area, not just Spain. The same applies to nationals of non-EU countries that are exempt from needing a Schengen visa.  So, if the intention is to stay more than 90 days, a long stay visa will be required.

The Spanish Consulate has also published a list of long stay visa fees that will be applicable for British Nationals from January 1st.

Visa Fee List British Citizens

In their FAQ’s they also detail what you need to do if you are a UK citizen who wants to move to Spain and need to get a residence visa.

Read more about Spanish Residency for non-EU citizens and Spanish Residency Long Stay Visas

Nationals of non-EU countries require a visa to enter Spain, if the stay is intended to be more than 90 days.  The Schengen visa in most cases cannot be used to apply for residency in Spain.

There is an exception when an immediate family member is joining a family member who already lives in Spain and holds Spanish residency.   In all other circumstances a citizen of a non-EU country must apply for, and obtain a long stay visa through the Spanish Embassy in their home country.

Since UK has now left the EU, UK citizens / British nationals also have to apply for a visa if they want to live or work in Spain.

Once the visa has been issued, the applicant can travel to Spain and apply for residency and get their TIE, ‘tarjeta de identidad de extranjero‘.

The following is a summary of the main types of long stay visas that citizens of non-EU countries can apply for.

Non-lucrative residence visa

The non lucrative residence visa is for those who have means to support themselves without working whilst residing in Spain.

Residents with this visa, cannot engage in any economic activity in Spain, and to obtain the visa must have private medical insurance and prove that they have either sufficient capital to fund the duration of their residency, or adequate secure income, e.g. pension.

Work Visas

There are numerous different types of Spanish Work Visas. In most cases the applicant is required to apply in person through the Spanish embassy or consulate in their home country.  Some countries have special schemes, for example for Canada, the Youth Mobility Program.

Employment Visa

Highly skilled non-EU nationals can apply for jobs for which there is a lack of suitable candidates within the EU. The employer requests a Work Visa from the Ministry of Labour.

These applications can take  6 to 9 months to so forward planning is needed. Once the Ministry of Labour has approved the application, the embassy or consulate issue the work visa.  The applicant can then travel to Spain and apply for their Spanish residency card.

Seasonal Workers Visa

The process of obtaining a visa for seasonal work, is similar to the process for highly-skilled workers, the employer applies on behalf of the worker.

Seasonal workers have to have suitable accommodation arranged, all travel costs are covered, and proof that they will return to their country once the job has finished, as the visas is only valid for the duration of the seasonal work contract.

Self-employed & Freelance Workers Visa

This is a one year visa which is renewable if conditions continue to be met.

A business plan is required to demonstrate that the self-employment / freelance activity will generate sufficient income.  This has to be supported by evidence, e.g. pre-signed contacts, or proof of an existing business activity that will continue, e.g. online marketing or teaching online.

EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is Europe’s answer to the US Green Card.  It is for people who spent at least 3 years completing a higher education qualification which allows them to work as a skilled professional.  People who have a minimum of 5 years’ professional experience at a high level are also eligible.

The prospective employer submits an initial application for a temporary residency and work permit on the behalf of the employee.

A valid work contract under the scheme, is one that includes a salary which is at least 50% more than the average wage in Spain (or 20% more if the skills are in demand).  Once approved, the applicant then applies through the Spanish embassy or consulate in their home country for a residence and work permit as an employee.  When they arrive in Spain they then apply for their TIE. Spanish residents foreigners ID card.

Blue cards are valid for one year and can be renewed if conditions are still met.

Au Pairs Visas

Individuals aged between 17 and 30 can apply for a special Au Pairs visa via the Spanish embassy or consulate in their home country before coming to Spain.  Applicants need to have an Au Pair agreement with a host family stating the salary and conditions, (proof of sufficient finances to self-support), and private medical insurance.

Entrepreneur Visa

Those with a high-tech, high-growth business idea and the qualifications to pull it off can apply for an entrepreneur visa.  The business plan has to be approved by the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness and the applicant must have the financial means to start the business.  If you are in Spain already (legally – including on a tourist visa) you can apply, or through the usual route of the Spanish embassy in your home country.

The entrepreneur visa is a temporary work residency, valid for two years and renewable.

Investment Visa

The Spanish Residence Permit Program, more commonly know as the Golden Visa, allows investors and their families who meet the requirements to secure Spanish residency by investing in Spain.

Any of the following are the defined qualifying investments:

*€500.000 or more into real estate
*€1,000,000 bank depositor or purchase of share in a Spanish company
*€2,000,000 into Spanish Government bonds

In addition, starting a business that creates employment, contributes to technological or scientific innovation or that has a strong socio economic impact will also qualify the investor

The ‘Golden Visa’ doesn’t impose a minimum period of residence. An initial residency card is granted for one year (or two years if you visit Spain), and can then be renewed every five years, and then again for another five years. Permanent residency can be applied for after you’ve actually lived in the country for a period of five years. Please note that applicants will be required to visit Spain to collect their biometric data.

While it is not necessary to live in Spain in order to obtain and renew the residency visa permit, the pathway to citizenship does require the investor or qualified family members to live at least 6 months per year in Spain for ten consecutive years. Investors must also travel to Spain twice a year, leaving no more than 5.5.-6 months between each visit. This will then allow eligible investors and/or their families to apply for Spanish citizenship. Some nationalities, including former Spanish colonies, can benefit from a reduced length of full-time residency in order to be able to apply for nationality.

Pre-requisites for the investor visa applicants must:

*have a clear criminal record.
*not be on the nation’s list of undesirable people.
*hold valid medical insurance and an official health certificate
*not have previously been refused visas or entry into the Schengen zone.
*have enough funds to support themselves in Spain.

Student visa

As the name suggest, this visa allow Spanish residency for those coming to study in Spain.  You can apply for the student visa for undergraduate courses, Masters, Ph.D. and other short term qualifying studies.

The student visa is valid for one year and renewable.  It also allows work for up to 20 hours per week on an internship, gives easy access to getting a work permit once your studies have finished.  Student visas also allow the students family members to get Spanish residency subject to the conditions of financial means being met.

Canada Youth Mobility Program

The Youth Mobility Program offers Canadians aged between 18 and 35 the opportunity to live and work in Spain.  There is a limited quota of 1,000 per year, and successful applicant get the opportunity to gain work experience related to their area of expertise, complement their post-secondary training with an internship, and improve their knowledge of the Spanish language, culture and society.
Eligible applicants must first get an NIE, and unlike most other visas, the application doesn’t need to be made in person at the Spanish Embassy and can be made by post.

The TIE, Tarjeta de Indentidad de Extranjero, is the Spanish identification card for citizens from third countries (non-EU) who reside in Spain.  As the UK is no longer in the EU British UK nationals also have to apply for this card to take up residency in Spain.

During the transition period the qualifying requirements for applicants e.g. for proof of means remained the same as they were when the UK was in the EU.  However from the 1st of January most British UK Nationals will need to obtain a long stay visa, before they can apply for residency and get their TIE, Tarjeta de Indentidad de Extranjero.

Read more about the Brexit Agreement and visas for British UK Nationals.

The process below is the procedure for applying for the Withdrawal Agreement TIE.  British UK Nationals could apply under the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement up until the 31st December.  Thereafter the Withdrawal Agreement TIE is only available to holders of the green EU residency certificate, and immediate family members of those that already have Spanish residency.  It may possibly (not yet officially confirmed), be available to those who didn’t obtain residency documentation, who can prove that that they were otherwise legally residing in Spain, before 31st December 2020.

The TIE Application Process for British UK Nationals

There are two stages in the process.  In the first stage an application is presented to the Foreigners Office (extranjeria) in the province where you reside.  The second stage is completed at the National Police Station in the area that you live.

The initial application can be presented in person or by an authorised representative, and can be done face to face at the Foreigners Office, or submitted online.

In most places, you have to call the foreign office to make an appointment to present your application.

The online submission system is working well, and the Foreign Office are encouraging the use of this system.  To submit you application you need to have a digital signature and certificate in place.  If you don’t have one, you can authorise someone else or a company to complete the online submission on your behalf.

This is done using the ‘Designacion de Represenante‘ form.

First Stage TIE Application & Documentation Required

The wide variances that exists from one town to the next regarding documents for EU residency certificate applications, does not apply to TIE applications, as all applications are processed at the provincial head office not at the Police Station closest to where you live.  This makes it a lot easier to assess and prepare applications, and provides a lot more consistency.

Official translations of documents that are not in Spanish must be provided.

Additional documents to support your application

The Foreign Office when reviewing applications apart from checking that you qualify, are also looking to see that the applicant is actively living and present in Spain.  The list below taken from their request for further information on an application.  It is extensive and you may not be able to provide everything on the list, however the more you can provide, the higher chance you have of first time acceptance.

*receipts of transactions in Spain or showing in bank statements
*proof of attendance at medical consultations – dentist or doctors appointments/vet appointments
*contracts of any nature entered into in Spain 
*receipts for utility supplies (electricity, water, gas, telephone …)
*receipts for fixed or mobile telephony at your address in Spain
*documents from public or private entities that demonstrate having received a service in Spain 
*plane ticket/boarding card from entering Spain showing arrival in Spain
*entry stamp to Spain in passport
*documents showing relationship with public or private entities in Spain (e.g. clubs  associations, training centres, gym …)
*income tax returns in Spain 
*tenancy agreement
*shopping receipts

When your application is received, a receipt will be issued confirming that it has been presented.  It will then be reviewed accordingly at the foreigners office.  If for any reason your application is not immediately accepted, 10 business days will be given to supply any additional information that may have been asked for to continue with the application.

Notification of the approval of your application will be sent within 3 months, and you have one month to make an appointment and complete the second stage application at the National Police Station.

Second Stage TIE Application

The second stage application process is relatively straight forward, and appointments are readily available in most areas at the Foreigners Offices and National Police Stations.

For your second stage application you need to have a pre-booked appointment.

You can make an appointment through the following link:

Proceso automático para la solicitud de cita previa

For your appointment you will need:

*EX23 application form
*Your first stage approval notice / existing EU residency Card and a copy
*Passport and a copy ( a copy of your passport and the application is acceptable if you are in the process of renewing it)
*Small passport (carnet size) photo 32mmx28mm
*Recent padron
*Modelo 790 form with €12 tax paid and stamped by the bank, or with payment receipt attached

When you present your application your fingerprints will be taken, and if everything else is in order, you will be given confirmation of your processed application and told to make an appointment to go back and collect you card in 3 weeks.

Your first TIE is valid for 5 years.  At the 5 year expiry of your TIE you can apply for a 10 year permanent residency TIE

The New TIE for British UK Nationals

Need a Hand Getting Your TIE?

British Citizen TIE Application Service

Call / WhatsApp

(+34) 951 77 55 44 / (+44) 033 0001 0777

Fortunately these days, if you don’t know the Spanish language, translating basic documents is relatively easy.  There are abundant translation apps such as the popular Google Translate which a quite accurate.  Of course, if you need to have a Spanish translation of a more detailed or official document, you’ll need to get someone to do the translation for you.

There are various types of official document translations and certifications that you might need when living in Spain or during the process of applying to do so.  E.g. for visa and residency applications.

Sworn Translations

These are translations done by an official translator who is legally authorised as a translator.  Sworn translations, are accompanied by a signed declaration from the translator attesting to the accuracy and authenticity of the translation. The translator appears on an official list of certified translators and interpreters approved by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  The translator will sign and certify any translations they complete.

Sworn translations have a formal status with authorities, so these are what you have to get when you need to translate documents for things like visas, residency applications, social security etc.

Certified Copies of Documents

Sometimes the authority that requires your translated documents, may also want to see the  original documents as well.  If you don’t want to send original documents,you can get certified copies of the original.  Certification of documents in Spain is done at the Notary.  You provide them with the original documents and they will make copies and attach their stamp and signature to make the copy official.

Sometimes you may need documents to be certified for use outside of Spain, such as your home country.  Notary certified copies will be accepted, and in some countries, for example the UK, copies certified by a licenced professional such as a lawyer or accountant may also be ok.

Legalisation of Documents

Documents are legalised by the attachment of an apostille.   The apostille is an official stamp that verifies that an official document is authentic.  The word comes for the Hague Convention and the Apostille Treaty, which set in place an international model for certification of documents.

Documents can only be legalised by the country that issued the document.  For example a British birth certificate has to be ‘apostilled’ at the UK Legalisation Office.

Sometimes a notarised declaration has to accompany the documents that are to be legalised confirming what they are and attesting to their authenticity.

If documents that need to be translated also need to be legalised, you should get the legalisation done first and then translate the legalised document.

Official documents such as birth and marriage certificates issued in EU countries, don’t need to be legalised before being translated for formal use.

BRITISH DOCUMENTS:  As the UK is no longer part of the EU, legalisation of official documents is now required before they are translated.

Need Documents Translated?

We arrange all types of English / Spanish translations including sworn translations.  Prices start from €35 +IVA for a one page document with per case pricing for multiple page orders or documents such as property deeds.

If you need certified copies of documents to use in the UK we can do this, providing you have the original document.

Get A Quote for Document Translation

Phone & WhatsApp (+34) 951 77 55 44 / (+44) 033 000 10 777

The TIE, Tarjeta de Indentidad de Extranjero, is the Spanish identification card for citizens from third countries (non-EU) who reside in Spain.  Since July 6th 2020 British UK nationals moving to Spain also have to apply for this card, as the UK is no longer in the EU.

If you already have a Spanish residency certificate, you do not have to apply for the TIE, but can voluntarily exchange your certificate for the card.

The card is a full bio-metric national ID card so much more useful than the paper certificate.  The card also has the words ARTICULO 50 TUE, a reference to note that the holder was resident in Spain before the end of the transition period.

The Residency Certificate TIE Exchange Application Process

The application process is relatively straight forward, and appointments are readily available in most areas at the Foreigners Offices and National Police Stations.

You need to have a pre-booked appointment.

You can make an appointment through the following link:

Proceso automático para la solicitud de cita previa

For your appointment you will need:

*Completed EX23 application form
*Your existing EU residency Card and a copy
*Passport and a copy ( a copy of your passport and the application is acceptable if you are in the process of renewing it)
*Small passport (carnet size) photo 32mmx28mm
*Recent padron (if you have changed address since you obtained your residency certificate)
*Modelo 790 form with 12 euros tax paid and stamped at the bank

When you present your application your fingerprints will be taken, and if everything else is in order, you will be given confirmation of your processed application and told to make an appointment to go back and collect you card in 3 weeks.

If you currently have a temporary residency certificate, your new TIE will be valid for 5 years.   You can apply to get a permanent one, either when you reach the 5 year anniversary of the date you got your residency certificate, or at the 5 year expiry of your TIE.

If you currently have a permanent residency certificate (with the word ‘permanente’), your new card will be issued for 10 years and thereafter is automatically renewable.  If you have held a temporary residency certificate for more than 5 years (but didn’t upgrade it to permanent), you may also be issued with a 10 year permanent TIE.

The TIE for British UK Nationals

Need a Hand With Your Residency Certificate TIE Exchange Application?

Residency Certificate TIE Exchange Service

Call / WhatsApp

(+34) 951 77 55 44 / (+44) 033 0001 0777

Spain does not have a system to issue personalised licence plates.  It does however have a system to identify and recognise Classic Cars.  Cars that qualify can achieve the status of being certified as a ‘historical vehicle’.  Classic Cars with this status can be registered with historical licence plates, so the owner can enjoy the kudos of having their beloved motor officially recognised and marked as a Classic Car.

Getting ‘historical vehicle’ status for a Classic Car, also brings with the added perks of cheaper insurance, longer gaps between ITV´s and road tax exemption.

The starting qualifying criteria is the age of the car, the qualifying age being 30 years.  The age for a Classic Car in Spain used to be 25 years, however was changed to 30 years in May 2018.  This change was not retrospective.  Classic Cars that already had historical number plates kept them, so there are cars with these plates that are less then 30 years old.

Update – Spanish Residency for British UK Nationals During the Transition Period

The article below was written the UK left the EU under the withdrawal agreement in January 2020.

Under the withdrawal agreement, British Nationals who hold a residency certificate have their rights as an EU citizen secured.  On July 6th 2020, the residency application procedure for British UK nationals, switched for the EU residency certificate to the withdrawal agreement TIE ‘tarjeta de indentidad de extranjeros’. Both the certificate and the new TIE give the holder equal status in terms of protected EU rights under the withdrawal agreement.

Read more about Spanish Residency for British UK Nationals and the Transition Period

Article written 13th April 2019

Earlier this year, the Spanish Government published its ‘No Deal Brexit’ Contingency Plan. The Contingency Plan was approved by Royal Decree 1st March, and affirms that the Spanish residency certificate will be needed to confirm legal residence in Spain. The plan makes provision for those residing in Spain who’ve not obtained their Spanish residency EU registration certificate before Brexit, to obtain residency documentation. However, it makes clear that British nationals in this situation will be treated differently to to those who have obtained their certificate BEFORE the UK leaves the EU.

The DGT has a page of frequently asked questions relating to driving and the Coronavirus state of alarm here in Spain.

You can read the FAQ’s here: http://www.dgt.es/es/covid-19/ under the tab, ‘Preguntas Frecuentes’, and we have translated some of the key ones below:

Questions about driving licenses

Can I drive with an expired licence?

A licence which expires during the state of alarm will be automatically extended for the duration of the alarm and until sixty days thereafter.

I am a foreign driver, how does this situation affect me?

You can continue driving in the same way as before the alarm situation was declared.  In addition, the duration of the alarm situation does not count towards the six-month period in which you can drive in Spain with your foreign licence.  The calculation of the six-month period is frozen, resuming as soon as the state of alarm ends.