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Brits in Spain struggle with appointment chaos for residency renewals
Renewing the Brexit TIE: A growing challenge
Five years after Spain introduced the non-EU residency card for UK nationals—known as the Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE)—thousands of Britons are now facing significant hurdles renewing their temporary cards. The process, reliant on the infamous cita previa (prior appointment) system, has plunged many into a bureaucratic nightmare.
Introduced on July 6th, 2020, the Brexit TIE was a direct result of the Withdrawal Agreement between the UK and the EU. It replaced the green residency certificate used by EU nationals and marked a symbolic shift for Britons, now classified as non-EU residents in Spain. Beyond symbolism, the TIE became a vital document for confirming residency rights, facilitating travel, and handling work-related matters.
Temporary TIEs, issued to UK nationals with under five years of residency in Spain, are valid for five years and must now be exchanged for permanent cards. With an estimated 403,925 Britons officially residing in Spain in 2024, and tens of thousands who applied for TIEs in late 2020, the renewal demand is soaring.
The cita previa crisis
The primary obstacle for many seeking to renew their TIE is securing a cita previa. Spain’s online appointment system, managed by regional extranjería offices and police stations, is plagued by criminal interference. Criminal groups deploy bots to book appointments within seconds, reselling them for up to €90—despite appointments being free by law.
This illegal practice is particularly severe in regions with high foreign populations, such as Alicante, Málaga, Palma de Mallorca, and Barcelona. Even in areas unaffected by bots, the sheer number of applicants often overwhelms the system, leaving many frustrated.
Social media forums reflect the struggles of Britons trying to navigate the system. One resident in Barcelona expressed concern over time running out, while another in Valencia lamented weeks of unsuccessful attempts. In contrast, regions with fewer foreign residents, such as Extremadura, report minimal issues with appointment availability.
Official responses and guidance
The British Embassy in Spain has acknowledged the challenges faced by UK nationals and has urged the Spanish government to provide more appointments. In a statement, embassy officials advised applicants to check for slots at different times of the day and consider alternative extranjería offices within their province.
The Spanish government has also clarified that residency rights under the Withdrawal Agreement remain protected even if a TIE card expires. Applicants have a 90-day grace period after expiry to secure renewal without losing their residency status. However, expired cards could lead to complications with travel and administrative matters.
A broader issue
Compounding the issue, an estimated 50,000 Britons in Spain have yet to switch from the older green residency certificates to the TIE. While the green certificates remain valid for now, they will soon lose utility for travel under the EU’s forthcoming Entry/Exit System.
The ongoing appointment chaos highlights systemic flaws in Spain’s residency management for foreign nationals, sparking frustration and uncertainty among the British expatriate community.