The short answer
To renew your Spanish TIE (Foreigner Identity Card), book an appointment at an authorised police station or foreigners' office, complete the appropriate application form and pay the renewal fee.
For British residents protected by the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, form EX23 is normally used. You should apply during the month before your card expires, although applications may also be accepted up to three months afterwards, potentially with a penalty.
The process differs for other residence permits, so check which rules apply to your particular TIE.
Updated 24 October 2026
The TIE (*Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero*) is the physical identity card issued to non-EU nationals legally resident in Spain. You must renew it when it expires, but the procedure depends on your type of residence status.
When should you renew your TIE?
For British nationals covered by the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, Spanish regulations specify applying during the month before the card expires.
Applications can also be submitted within three months after expiry, although a late application may result in an administrative penalty.
Other residence permits have different deadlines. For example, many temporary residence authorisations can be renewed from 60 days before expiry until 90 days afterwards.
It's best to arrange your appointment well in advance, particularly in areas where availability is limited.
How do you renew a Withdrawal Agreement TIE?
If your TIE displays *Artículo 50 TUE*, indicating protection under the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, the usual process is:
1. Complete [Form EX23](https://www.citizensadvice.org.es/ex23-download/), the application for a Withdrawal Agreement residence card.
2. Pay the applicable fee using Modelo 790, Código 012.
3. Book an appointment through Spain's official immigration appointment system, selecting the relevant police procedure for TIE renewal.
4. Attend your appointment with your valid passport, current TIE, application form, payment receipt and a recent passport photograph.
5. Provide fingerprints if requested and follow the instructions for collecting your replacement card.
Additional documentation may be required depending on your circumstances and the office handling your application.
Will you receive a five-year or ten-year card?
Under the Withdrawal Agreement, temporary residence cards are generally issued for five years, while permanent residence cards are valid for ten years.
If you've completed five years of qualifying legal residence in Spain, you may be entitled to permanent residence and a ten-year TIE.
You don't necessarily have to wait until your current card expires to request recognition of permanent residence once you meet the requirements.
What happens if your TIE expires?
An expired TIE does not automatically mean you've lost your legal residence rights.
For Withdrawal Agreement beneficiaries, permanent residence rights are not lost simply because the physical card has expired. However, an expired card can cause practical difficulties when travelling or proving your status.
If you need to leave Spain while your replacement card is being processed, check whether you need an *Autorización de Regreso* (return authorisation) before travelling.
What if you have a different type of TIE?
If you moved to Spain after Brexit under a non-lucrative visa, work visa, digital nomad permit or another immigration route, your renewal requirements may differ.
In some cases, you must renew the underlying residence authorisation before obtaining a replacement TIE. Different application forms and supporting documents may apply.
What should you do first?
Check the type of residence permit printed on your TIE and its expiry date. Then confirm the correct procedure, documents and deadline with your local foreigners' office or police station.
Avoid leaving renewal until the last minute, particularly if you have international travel planned.
People also ask
›Does my TIE stay valid while I renew it?
Yes. Your residence authorisation remains valid while the renewal or modification request is being decided, as long as you apply within the renewal window. Keep your renewal application receipt with your expired card.
›Will I get a 5-year or 10-year TIE when I renew?
If you had temporary residence, the card is for 5 years. If you had permanent residence, it is for 10 years. You can move from temporary to permanent once you have five years of legal residence.
›Can I renew my TIE before it expires?
Yes. You can apply from 60 days before the expiry date, and you do not lose any time because the new card is dated from the original expiry.