On 31 January 2020, the United Kingdom officially left the European Union, in what became widely known as Brexit. The Withdrawal Agreement safeguarded the residence rights of British citizens and their family members already living in Spain before the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020. To prove this status, a specific Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) under the Withdrawal Agreement was introduced.
Five years after the system came into effect, the latest official statistics published this week provide a clear picture of its evolution.
⏺️ Balance up to June 2025
By June 2025, the system has proven effective and has provided legal certainty to the British community residing in Spain.
Since July 2020, a total of 253,247 applications for a Withdrawal Agreement TIE have been submitted, of which 89% (225,888 permits) were granted.
These applicants fall into three main groups:
- 169,376 people with prior authorisation: they were already registered before Brexit and simply exchanged their existing certificate or card for the new TIE. This group represents the majority and consolidated their status the fastest.
- 51,083 people without prior registration: they had not registered in Spain’s Central Register of Foreign Nationals before 31 December 2020, but were able to prove their residence in other ways. This group highlights the flexibility of the system in recognising real-life residence situations.
- 5,429 people with an existing TIE: these are renewals or updates, for example moving from a temporary to a permanent card, or correcting duplications.
⏺️ Where British citizens live and who they are
The statistics also show where most British citizens live in Spain and what their profile looks like.
- Alicante (25%): with over 56,000 beneficiaries, it is the main hub for the British community. The Costa Blanca remains a preferred destination for retirees and families alike.
- Málaga (18%): with over 40,000 beneficiaries, the Costa del Sol continues to be a major area of attraction for long-term residential tourism.
- Balearic Islands (8%): almost 17,000 beneficiaries live here, many linked to seasonal work and tourism.
In terms of demographic profile:
- Age: the population is largely older, with 35% aged 65 and over and another 29% between 50 and 64 years old.
- Gender: there is an almost perfect balance, with 51% men and 49% women.
⏺️ Recent trends
Most applications were submitted immediately after Brexit: 65% of all requests were filed between July 2020 and June 2021.
In the following years, the pace slowed down steadily. In the second quarter of 2025, only 2,110 new cards were granted, 27.5% fewer than in the previous quarter. This shows that most British citizens have already completed the process.
🚨 However, demand for the TIE is expected to increase in the coming months with the introduction of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES). Both the British Embassy and Spanish Consulates strongly recommend obtaining the TIE, as it makes border crossings much smoother by biometrically confirming Withdrawal Agreement beneficiary status.
For more on how the EES may affect you if you are a British resident in Spain, see our related article: British citizens living in Spain: get your TIE before the new EU border control system comes into effect
⏺️ Conclusion
The data confirm that the vast majority of British citizens living in Spain before Brexit have consolidated their status under the Withdrawal Agreement. However, around 200,000 people still hold only the old EU registration certificate and have not yet applied for the TIE. While not mandatory, the card makes it easier to prove rights across the EU and simplifies entry and exit from the Schengen area.
At ARC Legal, we help British citizens and their families manage this process safely and efficiently, whether you need to exchange an existing document or apply for the first time. If you need legal guidance or wish to start your application, contact us and we will guide you through every step.
Related publications
- Are you a British citizen living in Spain? You need your TIE before the EU’s new border system comes into force
- All about the Spanish Foreigner Identity Card (TIE)
- Schengen Entry/Exit System start date confirmed: 12 October 2025
Prefer to read this article in Spanish 🇪🇸? Click here: Británicos en España: cinco años de balance del Acuerdo de Retirada y la obtención de TIE
The information provided in this article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the content, immigration regulations are subject to change and interpretation by the relevant authorities. For personalised and up-to-date guidance, we recommend consulting an immigration lawyer.