Living in Spain as a British National: Residency, the TIE Card and the Padrón
In this guide
What do British nationals need to do to live legally in Spain? GOV.UK says newly arrived British nationals must register as residents and on the municipal register (padrón municipal) at their local town hall. Children must also be registered with their own residency documents. The residence card is the TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero), and you must renew it when it expires.
Quick answer
- Register as a resident and on the padrón municipal at your local town hall.
- Get a TIE, the residence card. Renew it when it expires.
- If you moved before 1 January 2021 you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement. With no residence document, you must register and get a TIE.
- Carry your passport and TIE when entering, leaving or travelling within the Schengen area.
- Legally resident British nationals with a biometric TIE do not need to register with the EU Entry/Exit System (EES).
What is the TIE and why does it matter?
GOV.UK says the TIE is the only residency document listed in the Withdrawal Agreement. A green certificate (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión Europea) cannot be used to show that you are exempt from EES registration. The page says the Spanish authorities and the British Embassy strongly recommend that you exchange it for a TIE.
| Document | What GOV.UK says |
|---|---|
| TIE | The residence card. Renew when it expires. The only residency document in the Withdrawal Agreement |
| Green certificate | Cannot be used to show EES exemption. Exchange it for a TIE |
| Passport | Always carry it with your TIE when crossing borders |
What should you carry at the border?
Always carry your passport and TIE when entering, leaving or travelling within the Schengen area. If border control asks for your passport, also show your TIE or other proof of residence, or your passport may be stamped.
Is there a deadline to register?
The GOV.UK page I checked did not give a registration deadline for residents, and it did not mention a 90-days-in-180 rule. For the registration steps, the TIE application process or appeals, it refers you to its guidance on registering as a resident and getting a TIE, and to your local foreigners’ office (extranjería), a police station, a Spanish consulate or an English-speaking lawyer.
What comes after registration?
- Register for healthcare. See healthcare in Spain for UK nationals.
- Check your UK obligations, including UK tax if you live abroad.
- Read about the UK State Pension abroad if you are nearing pension age.
- Register to vote as an overseas voter: vote from abroad.
Common mistakes
- Relying on the old green certificate. Exchange it for a TIE.
- Forgetting the padrón. Registration includes the municipal register.
- Travelling without the TIE. Your passport may be stamped.
- Missing TIE renewal. It must be renewed on expiry.
FAQ
Do children need their own documents?
Yes. GOV.UK says children must also be registered with their own residency documents.
Who do I ask for help?
Your local foreigners’ office (extranjería) or police station, a Spanish consulate, or an English-speaking lawyer.
Where is the definitive information?
Spanish authorities. GOV.UK summarises it for UK nationals.
Key takeaways
- Register as a resident and on the padrón.
- The TIE is your key document. Carry it with your passport.
- Check the registration guidance and Spanish authorities for current steps.
Related guides
- Moving abroad checklist
- Your first 90 days in a new country
- Healthcare in Spain for UK nationals
- Documents needed to move abroad
- Apostille for documents used abroad
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Rules change, so check GOV.UK and the Spanish authorities.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Spain, register your residency