Beyond Brexit: 5 Years In, What’s Next for Your Spanish Residence permit?

When the UK officially left the European Union in 2020, the EU–UK Withdrawal Agreement safeguarded the rights of British nationals already living in EU countries, including Spain. Under the Agreement, UK nationals who moved to Spain before 31 December 2020 — and their family members — are guaranteed broadly the same rights they enjoyed before Brexit: to live, work, study, and access healthcare in Spain.

For thousands of UK residents, this meant access to a special residence status and a biometric card (TIE) confirming their legal stay. Now, five years later, many are eligible to move from their temporary card to a permanent residence card, a step that provides even greater legal certainty.

 

More information

How to Apply for the Permanent Brexit Residence Card

The process is straightforward, but it requires action from the resident:

• Who is eligible? UK nationals and their family members who already hold a valid residence card under the Withdrawal Agreement.
• Where to apply? Applications are handled directly at the police station (Comisaría de Policía) in your place of residence.

Steps to follow

1. Book an appointment online.
2. Attend the fingerprinting appointment at the police station.
3. Return in person to collect your TIE card.

Key Requirements

When attending your appointment, you must bring:

• A valid passport.
• Your current Residence Card under the Withdrawal Agreement.
• Passport-size photographs.
• The official application form (EX-23).

Renewal and Validity

Once granted, the permanent residence card is valid for 10 years. After this period, it is renewable under the same conditions, provided you still reside in Spain.

Renewal applications can be submitted from 30 days before the card expires and up to 90 days after its expiration. Submitting within this window ensures that the employee’s legal status remains uninterrupted.

Why Upgrade to the Permanent Card?

Obtaining the permanent TIE card brings significant advantages:

• Legal certainty: Confirms your status as a Withdrawal Agreement beneficiary.
• Administrative ease: Facilitates access to healthcare, employment, education, and social services.
• Travel benefits: Simplifies border crossings within the EU.
• Durability: Biometric card is more secure than the old paper certificate.
• Family rights: Protects your right to family reunification and residence.

FAQs and Common Issues

What if I missed the application deadline?

While the Withdrawal Agreement set clear timelines, Spanish authorities may consider late applications if there are valid reasons. Legal assistance is recommended in such cases.

Can someone apply on my behalf?

No. Biometric data (fingerprints) must be provided in person.

What if I plan to move to another EU country?

Your status under the Withdrawal Agreement only protects your rights in Spain. For another EU country, you would need to meet that state’s national immigration rules.

Does the Withdrawal Agreement protect my family?

Yes. Family members covered by EU law (spouses, registered partners, children, parents, and even durable partners) retain the right to join you in Spain, provided the relationship existed before 31 December 2020.

✅ How Can We Help You?

Five years after Brexit, many UK nationals in Spain are now eligible to secure their permanent status. Applying for the new TIE card is not just a bureaucratic formality — it is the key to long-term security, smooth access to services, and the continued enjoyment of your rights in Spain.

At Adlanter, our Mobility and Immigration team can guide you through the process, ensuring compliance with the latest regulations and avoiding unnecessary delays.