Whether you are already living in Spain or planning a move to one of its territories, understanding the residency process is essential. Below is an updated, fact‑checked guide for 2026, covering both UK nationals protected under the Withdrawal Agreement and EU/EEA/Swiss nationals moving to Spain today.

🇬🇧 Residency for UK Nationals Living in Spain Before 1 January 2021

If you were legally resident in Spain before 1 January 2021, your rights are protected under the UK–EU Withdrawal Agreement. You can continue living, working, and accessing services in Spain, but you must be correctly registered.

✔️ Valid Residency Documents

Depending on when you registered, you may hold one of the following:

1. Green EU Residence Certificate (A4 or credit‑card size)

Issued before 6 July 2020. This document remains valid indefinitely and continues to prove your Withdrawal Agreement rights. You are not required to exchange it for a TIE.

2. TIE – Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (Biometric Card)

Issued to UK nationals registering after 6 July 2020 or to those who choose to exchange their green certificate. The TIE explicitly states it is issued under the Withdrawal Agreement (Art. 18.4).

✔️ Should You Exchange Your Green Certificate for a TIE?

You can, but you don’t have to. The Spanish government recommends the TIE because:

• It is biometric and more durable
• It simplifies administrative processes
• It avoids issues with banks, airports, and service providers
• It will work more smoothly with upcoming EU border systems (EES/ETIAS)

🔄 TIE Renewals & Permanent Residency (2026 Update)

• A temporary TIE is valid for 5 years
• A permanent TIE is valid for 10 years
• After 5 years of legal residency, you may upgrade to permanent status, regardless of when your card was issued

Important: Many police stations in 2025–2026 only process renewals after the card has expired, even if you already qualify for permanent residency. This is a practical restriction, not a legal one.

🧭 Support for UK Nationals

If you need help with your residency application, you can access:

• The UK Nationals Support Fund
• Local voluntary organisations listed on the Support in Spain website
• Official Spanish government guidance for UK nationals

🇪🇺 Residency for EU/EEA/Swiss Nationals Moving to Spain

EU nationals enjoy freedom of movement, but must still complete formal registration if staying longer than 3 months.

✔️ Step 1: Register Your Residence (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión)

If you plan to stay more than 90 days, you must apply for the EU Citizen Registration Certificate. This is a green credit‑card‑sized document (not biometric).

You will need:

• Passport or national ID
• Proof of employment, self‑employment, or sufficient financial means
• Proof of health insurance (public or private)
• Proof of address may be requested

This certificate does not expire, but your rights depend on maintaining legal residence.

✔️ Step 2: Register on the Municipal Padron

All EU nationals must register with their local town hall (padrón). This is required for:

• Healthcare
• School enrolment
• Local services
• Some residency procedures

✔️ Step 3: Permanent Residency After 5 Years

After 5 years of continuous legal residence, EU nationals can apply for permanent EU residency in Spain.

✈️ Moving to Spain After Brexit (UK Nationals Arriving Now)

If you moved to Spain after 1 January 2021, you are treated as a third‑country national and must apply for the appropriate visa before arrival.

Common visa routes include:

• Non‑Lucrative Visa (retirees, remote workers)
• Digital Nomad Visa
• Work Visa
• Student Visa
• Family Reunification Visa
• Golden Visa (investment‑based)

After arrival, you must apply for your TIE within the required timeframe.

📌 Key Takeaways (2026)

• Green certificates for UK nationals remain valid
• TIE is recommended but not mandatory
• EU nationals still enjoy freedom of movement but must register after 3 months
• Permanent residency is available after 5 years for both UK WA beneficiaries and EU nationals
• New arrivals from the UK require a visa
• EES/ETIAS systems launching in 2025–2026 will make biometric documents more convenient