The new TIE card

The Spanish TIE card is the new photo ID card that replaces the old green residency certificate or card. It is not essential at this point in time that you exchange your original residency document. However, many people are doing so as the new card can also be used as a form of identification which removes the requirement to always carry your passport with you.

It is very advisable to be up-to-date with the latest Spanish documentation, as you cannot be sure how the requirements for the same process will change after the 31st of December 2020.

There are two types of TIE cards in Spain. For those people who have had a residency certificate for more than 5 years they will receive a TIE of 10 years duration. For those who have residency for less than five years, they will receive a TIE of 5 years validity that can be renewed automatically.

HOW TO REPLACE YOUR GREEN RESIDENCY DOCUMENT FOR THE TIE CARD IN SPAIN 

The first stage in obtaining your TIE is to make an appointment at the “Oficina de Extranjería”  Calle de la Ebanistería, 4, Alicante. 

Once the documents have been presented you will be given a telephone number that you have to call within 3 or 4 weeks to confirm if the card is ready for collection.

When you have confirmation that your new card can be collected then you must go to the “Oficina de Extranjería“, Calle Campo de Mirra, 6, to hand in the original residency document and to collect your new TIE card.

THE DOCUMENTS YOU NEED TO PRESENT:

Form EX23 - obtained and filled in online

Tasa/Tax 720/012 and proof of payment - again the form is online - take it to your bank to make the payment. 

Original passport + copy - the copy only needs to be of the page with your information. 

Original residency document + copy

Recent and valid padrón + copy*

Photo ID (passport size)**

* If you are replacing an existing green resident's card or certificate and your address hasn't changed, I understand you do not need a copy of the padron. 

** Recent photo, 32 by 26 mm, face camera directly, with full face in view, in color, white plain background. With the head completely uncovered and without dark glasses or any other garment that may prevent or make identification of the person difficult.