Starting this autumn, the European Union will launch its new border control system known as the Entry/Exit System (EES). This system will automatically register the entry and exit of third-country nationals in the Schengen Area and will apply a 90-day limit of stay within a 180-day period.
In light of this change, Spain and the United Kingdom have issued a joint recommendation to British citizens legally residing in Spain: obtain your Foreigner’s Identity Card (TIE) as soon as possible. This will be the only valid document to avoid being registered by the EES as a short-stay visitor, which could result in travel-related complications.
⏺️ Why is having a TIE so important?
Many British citizens still use the old EU Citizen Registration Certificate (commonly known as the “green card”), which will no longer be considered valid proof of residence under the new system. If travellers are identified solely with this “green card”, the EES will consider their entry as that of a tourist, triggering the 90-day stay limit.
Those mistakenly recorded as tourists and who overstay the 90-day limit will be flagged by the system as “overstayers”. They will then have to visit a National Police station in Spain to prove their resident status and request a correction in the EES register — a step that could be avoided entirely by obtaining the TIE in advance.
The TIE is a biometric card that includes a facial image and fingerprints. It provides undisputed proof of your legal residency in Spain and is the only document accepted by the new EES system to prevent misregistration or unlawful stays.
⏺️ Start the process now — don’t wait
Between 2020 and June 2025, Spain has issued over 138,000 permanent TIEs for beneficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement and over 100,000 temporary residence cards. However, it is estimated that around 50,000 British residents in Spain have yet to apply for their card.
To facilitate the process, the Spanish National Police has reinforced staff numbers, especially in regions with a strong British presence such as the Valencian Community, Andalusia and the Balearic Islands. Still, both the Spanish Ministry of the Interior and the UK Home Office urge affected citizens to apply as soon as possible, as issuing the card takes time.
⏺️ How to apply for your TIE
If you are a British citizen legally residing in Spain under the Withdrawal Agreement, you must apply for a TIE. The process requires an appointment at a designated National Police station and properly prepared documentation.
At ARC Legal, we manage the entire process for you: we help prepare the required documents, secure your police appointment and guide you through every step until your card is issued. This way, you avoid delays or issues that could otherwise result in having to justify your status at a later date if the EES mistakenly registers you as a tourist.
⏺️ Still don’t have your TIE?
ARC Legal can help you apply for your TIE and avoid any border issues once the EES comes into force. Contact us today and sort out your situation before it’s too late.
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Prefer to read this article in Spanish 🇪🇸? You can find it here: ¿Eres ciudadano británico residente en España? Necesitas tu TIE antes de que entre en vigor el nuevo sistema europeo de control fronterizo
The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration regulations are subject to ongoing administrative and interpretative changes. At ARC Legal, we do our best to keep all information up to date and verified through official sources, but we always recommend consulting a qualified professional before taking legal action. If you need personalised assistance, you can contact our firm.