British Citizens In Spain Need To Get a TIE
Residents In Spain Need To Get a TIE To Prevent Travel Problems
The British Embassy in Spain is urging all British nationals residing in Spain to exchange their green residency certificates for the Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) as soon as possible. This recommendation comes ahead of the European Union’s implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES), now scheduled for October 2025.
Although the green residency certificate remains a valid proof of residency within Spain, it lacks biometric data and will not be recognized by the EES. This discrepancy could lead to complications at border crossings, including potential delays or denial of entry. The TIE, being a biometric card, aligns with the EES requirements and serves as a more durable and universally accepted proof of residency.
How To Exchange a Green Residency Certificate For A TIE
EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) and Its Impact on British Residents in Spain

The EES is designed to enhance border security by automating the recording of non-EU travellers’ entry and exit data, including passport details and biometric information such as fingerprints and facial images. While the system aims to streamline border crossings, it necessitates that residents possess valid biometric identification.
British Ambassador to Spain, Sir Alex Ellis, emphasized the importance of this transition, stating that obtaining the TIE is crucial for ensuring smooth travel once the EES is operational. He advises starting the process promptly, as it can take a few months to complete.
In summary, while the green residency certificate remains valid within Spain, exchanging it for the TIE is highly recommended to prevent potential travel disruptions when the EES is implemented in October 2025.
If you need to exchange your green residency certificate for a TIE in Malaga, contact us today.
EXCELLENT Based on 103 reviews Hazel Feeney2025-08-12 Simple English Advice were outstanding! They are extremely efficient, helpful and informative. I wish I had knew of their existence before I wasted hours on line trying to obtain the NRA for my apartment. Recommend 100% Bravo! Deniss Litovcenko2025-08-05 Fast and reliable service. Thank you for your help. Thomas Hartvik2025-07-31 Very, very satisfied! Fast, friendly & professional. Clear instru tions, they really know what they are doing. Highly recommended! Arno van Zaanen2025-07-31 Amazing service! Applied for NRA and they managed just last minute before their holiday closure, all went so swiftly. Perfect communication and decent price for the performed service! Adios! Anna Batista2025-07-24 Fantastic service!! quick, easy and very good communication. They helped us change over our new motorbike paperwork into our name. Spain is notorious for its never ending paperwork - so this agency was a lifesaver - it would have taken us weeks to so what they managed in just a day or 2. Highly recommend. Fallon Cowley2025-07-18 Del was very helpful and the process to obtain NRA was very easy from start to finish. Rick Hellawell2025-07-08 Dale was excellent, very clear with instructions, and patient when you messed it up. All we were doing was getting a scooter ownership changed to us, but that is neither simple, nor necessarily cheap. Though is was pretty cheap with Simple English Advice. We are based in Catalyuna, and they are down south somewhere, but everything was done over whatasapp. Very painless for us and effecient by them. I would definitely recommend them Cathy Cook2025-07-03 Turned the nightmare that is the Spanish regulation system into a breeze. Applied for our Short Term Rental Registration Number on our behalf. Straightforward and quick. Highly recommended! Kalayna R2025-07-03 I hired Simple English Advice to obtain the newly required NRA number for my rental property in Spain. The process was straightforward and I was able to get this important number quickly thanks to Simple English Advice. I can highly recommend their service if you don't want to go through this administrative process by yourself and don't mind paying their related fee which appears reasonable. Frank Birkin2025-07-02 Simple English provided me with a prompt service and I recommend them for your Spanish professional consultancy needs.