EX-20 / EX-21 / EX-23 · TIE for Withdrawal Agreement beneficiaries (UK nationals and family)

Brexit TIE for UK nationals: the exchange, explained

If you were living in Spain before 1 January 2021 as a UK national, or are the family member of one, you keep your residence rights. The Withdrawal Agreement card proves it in a uniform EU format.

Reviewed: 24/10/2026Official sources below
Before 1/1/2021your residence must have started before this date[1]
€12.00official fee 790-012[2]
Recommendednot mandatory, but recommended[1]

Is it for you?

This is for you if…

  • You are a UK national (or family member) resident in Spain before 1/1/2021.[1]
  • You have a green EU registration certificate or EU family card to exchange, or can prove earlier residence.[3]

This is not for you if…

  • You arrived after 1/1/2021: the general immigration regime applies.[1]

Official document checklist

Checklist from official sources. Before your appointment we check it against the official requirements for your province.

  • With a registration certificate: exchange with form EX-23 (card application, art. 18.4 of the Withdrawal Agreement), a valid passport (if expired, a copy plus your renewal application), proof of payment of fee 790 code 012 and one photo.[3][4] The Police appointment for the Withdrawal Agreement (Brexit) card is booked on the official appointment portal.[5]
  • With an EU family member card (instruction 5): a) temporary card and under 5 years of legal residence: exchange in person at the Police with EX-23, full valid passport (if expired, a copy plus your renewal application), fee 790 code 012 and one photo; b) temporary card and 5 or more years of legal residence: first file form EX-21 at the Immigration Office (in person, through a representative or online) with your passport and proof of your situation; after the decision, within one month, go to the Police with EX-23, passport, fee 790-012 and one photo; c) permanent EU family member card: exchange in person at the Police with EX-23, full valid passport, fee 790-012 and one photo.[3]
  • With neither: EX-20 (UK nationals) or EX-21 (family), valid passport, any legally admissible proof of residence before 1/1/2021, and documents for your situation (work, resources plus health insurance, or studies) under art. 3 of Order PRE/1490/2012.[3][6]
  • Then a Police appointment for fingerprints and the €12.00 fee.[2][7]

Where and how to apply

Immigration Office or Police station of your province.[1] EX-20/EX-21 can be filed in person or online (Mercurio).[4][8]

Appointments are personal and free. We never sell appointments. We explain how to book the appointment yourself, free of charge, on the official appointment portal. We do not book or hold it for you.

What we do

  • We work out whether you need an exchange (EX-23) or a new application (EX-20 or EX-21).
  • We collect and organise your pre-2021 residence evidence.
  • We fill in forms and the fee.
  • We tell you which appointment you need and explain how to book it yourself, free of charge, on the official portal. We do not book or hold it for you. We never sell appointments.

What you do (in person)

  1. Pay the €12.00 fee.
  2. Attend the Police in person for fingerprints.
  3. Collect your card.

Timelines: Withdrawal Agreement TIE (Brexit)

Processing and issue times vary by province.

FAQ

Is it mandatory?
No, but the Ministry of the Interior recommends it and states it is essential to be exempt from Entry/Exit System registration and ETIAS at the Schengen external border.[1]
Is my green certificate still valid?
According to the Ministry of the Interior, registration certificates remain valid to prove residence before 1/1/2021.[1]
Which form do I use for the Brexit TIE?
EX-23 to exchange your registration (green) certificate for the TIE; EX-20 (UK nationals) or EX-21 (family members) for a new application, depending on your situation.[3][4]

Complex case? Check if you need a lawyer →

You may also need: Renew or replace your TIE

Related guides

€89 + fee €12.00
Start Withdrawal Agreement TIE (Brexit)