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Green Certificate vs. TIE: A Personal Reflection on Rights, Choices, and Respect
By Myra, Citizens Advice Spain
Over recent years, I’ve been reflecting on the growing divide among UK nationals living in Spain, specifically between those who have chosen to update to the biometric TIE, and those who continue to use their original green residence certificates. While I absolutely recognise the benefits of the new TIE, especially when it comes to travel, I’ve also noticed with some concern how people who’ve chosen not to switch are sometimes openly criticised, even mocked for their perfectly lawful decision.
These are just my own thoughts, shaped by observation, experience, and a deep concern for the people we help daily at Citizens Advice Spain. I want to stand up for those who are being unfairly judged or pressured, and hopefully shed some light on the reasoning both legal and personal that underpins their choice.
Since the introduction of the biometric Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) in Spain for UK nationals protected under the Withdrawal Agreement, many questions and unfortunately, criticisms have emerged around whether holders of the older green residence certificate should update to the new format.
Let’s be absolutely clear on the legal position: Under Article 18.4 of the Withdrawal Agreement, UK nationals who obtained residency in Spain before the end of the Brexit transition period are not required to apply for a new residence status. Spain chose to implement a new document (the TIE) to identify Withdrawal Agreement beneficiaries, but those who already held the green certificate were not obliged to switch. The Spanish government has confirmed repeatedly that the green certificate, whether A4 or credit card sized remains valid as proof of legal residency.
Despite this, some individuals within the expat community have been criticised for not switching to the TIE, even being unfairly compared to people who still use paraffin lamps suggesting stubbornness or backwardness. These comparisons are not only dismissive, but they overlook the legal, personal, and practical reasons some residents choose not to make the switch.
So why do these criticisms arise? Here’s a breakdown of the likely thinking:
1. Misunderstanding the Law
Many people mistakenly believe that the introduction of the TIE rendered the green certificate obsolete. This can stem from miscommunication, social media speculation, or even inaccurate advice from officials. In reality, the law is clear: both documents remain valid, and neither grants “more” or “less” residency rights.
2. Perception of Modernity
The biometric TIE looks more like an official ID card, complete with photo and chip. It’s newer, more modern looking, and machine readable. This leads some to assume it’s more legitimate or superior, even though it does not confer a different legal status.
3. Convenience for Travel
With the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) expected to be implemented later in 2025, the TIE may indeed offer easier travel, especially through automated passport gates. In fact, it should make travel smoother. For this reason, some people may rightly choose to obtain it.
However, ease of travel is a practical benefit, not a legal requirement. Green certificate holders can still travel, though they may be subject to manual processing. This does not mean they will be treated as tourists, nor does it mean they risk being refused re-entry to Spain.
4. Social Conformity and Virtue Signalling
There’s a psychological tendency for some people to view their own choices as “correct” and others’ as misguided. Some may feel that by switching to the TIE, they did the right thing, and expect others to follow suit. However, each resident’s circumstances differ, and what’s right for one person isn’t necessarily right for another.
5. Insecurity and Projection
In some cases, individuals may criticise others because of their own uncertainty or confusion about the rules. Criticising others becomes a way to validate their own decisions.
6. Unfair Stereotyping
Comparisons to paraffin lamp users may seem flippant but are actually quite offensive, especially to those who have made informed and lawful decisions not to switch. This kind of rhetoric dismisses the fact that many people do not travel, have concerns about privacy, or simply choose to exercise their rights as provided by law.
Choice Is Protected
Not changing to the TIE is not a sign of ignorance, laziness, or resistance to modernisation. It’s a legal right, backed by international agreement. Those who do not travel may not need the TIE’s practical advantages. Others may value the privacy of the green certificate, or simply prefer not to attend yet another bureaucratic appointment.
The green certificate does not have an expiry date, nor is there any legal requirement to renew it unless one chooses to do so. This is particularly important for people who are not travelling, who understand that their green certificate remains valid, and who do not feel the need to update it simply for appearances.
At the same time, I do not discourage anyone from switching to the biometric card. It can be highly useful, especially for frequent travellers and it should make travel easier under the upcoming EU border systems.
But let’s be clear: residency status is a matter of law not opinion. No one should feel pressured, judged, or undermined for making a perfectly valid legal choice. Respect for each other’s rights and reasons should remain at the heart of any community, especially one navigating the post-Brexit landscape.
Let’s support each other, not shame each other. After all, the very idea behind the Withdrawal Agreement was to protect rights, not to divide communities.
It is important to read the information below, for those that will be travelling to other EU member states and hold the green certificate.
For those U.K. Nationals that will be travelling to other EU member states and hold the green certificates, it is important to read the information below.
Green Certificates Clarification: Entry into Spain after Travelling to the UK
