The Future of the Green Residency Certificate for UK Nationals: Facts vs. Misinformation

The Future of the Green Residency Certificate for UK Nationals in Spain: Facts vs. Misinformation

By Myra Cecilia Azzopardi Senior Adviser at Citizens Advice Spain

As part of my ongoing work at Citizens Advice Spain, I often explore legal and administrative developments that affect UK nationals living in Spain. While the information I provide is based on established laws and policies, the following article also includes my own analysis and perspective on a topic that has recently caused confusion, whether the green residency certificate will remain valid in the coming years.

There is growing misinformation suggesting that the green certificate will no longer be valid by the end of 2025. While I firmly believe this claim is incorrect, I also recognise that future EU policy changes could lead to an eventual transition to biometric residency documentation. Here, I outline the facts, potential developments, and why I believe there is no immediate reason to worry, though UK nationals may wish to consider the TIE for practical reasons especially with EES/ETIAS coming into force later this year.

Recently, misinformation has been spreading that UK nationals in Spain will lose their green residency certificates at the end of 2025. This claim has no legal basis under the Withdrawal Agreement or Spanish law. However, changes in EU residency documentation may eventually lead to a transition away from the green certificate. This article clarifies the current legal status and explores how future EU policies might affect UK nationals.

Current Legal Status of the Green Certificate

Spain implemented Article 18.4 of the Withdrawal Agreement, which stated that UK nationals did not need to apply for a new residency status. As a result, there was no requirement to apply for a new registration document, but they had the option to obtain the TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero), a biometric card that serves as proof of their Withdrawal Agreement rights.

As of now:

The green certificate remains a legally valid proof of residency for UK nationals.

There is no official announcement from Spain stating that the certificate will become invalid.

Any change to its validity would require a new Spanish law, which could contradict the Withdrawal Agreement.

Why the Misinformation?

The confusion likely stems from upcoming EU travel system changes:

EES (Entry/Exit System) and ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) are being introduced in October 2025. These systems rely on biometric data, making the TIE a more convenient document for border control.

The green certificate is not biometric, which means it may lead to slower processing times at airports and borders.

Some people mistakenly believe that because the EU is prioritising biometric documents for travel, Spain must phase out the green certificate. However, these travel rules do not override the Withdrawal Agreement.

Could the Green Certificate Disappear in the Future?

While there is no immediate legal basis for Spain to revoke the green certificate, a potential long term shift could occur if the EU updates residency documentation for its own citizens.

The EU has expressed plans to introduce a biometric, machine readable residency card for EU citizens, replacing the current non biometric green certificate. If this happens, Spain may need to transition all residents—including UK nationals to biometric residency cards for administrative and technological consistency.

If such a change happens:

1. The EU replaces the green residency certificate with a biometric version for EU citizens.

2. Spain updates its residency system for all foreign residents, including UK nationals.

3. UK nationals transition to the TIE, not because their rights are being removed, but because the old non biometric certificate no longer exists.

This would be a gradual administrative update, not an arbitrary removal of rights.

So, no Need to Panic, but Consider the TIE for Convenience.

UK nationals with the green residency certificate can continue using it as their official proof of residence until further legal changes occur. However, for practical reasons, switching to the TIE may make border crossings smoother once the EES and ETIAS systems are in place.

Rather than misinformation claiming the green certificate will expire at the end of 2025, the real issue is whether future EU policies will lead to a full transition to biometric residency cards. If that happens, it will be part of a broader EU wide modernisation process, not a direct attack on UK nationals’ rights.

For now, the green certificate remains valid, but those who travel frequently may find it more convenient to switch to a biometric TIE sooner rather than later.

For UK Nationals who hold the green certificates and are travelling to other EU member states, it is important to read the information below;

Green Certificates Clarification: Entry into Spain after Travelling to the UK

The eventual phasing out of the green certificates is nothing new to me. I wrote this article almost four years ago, in July of 2021.

Why it is Likely That the Green (Residence) Registration Documents Will be Phased Out

Please note: The information provided is based upon our understanding of current legislation. It is not legal advice but is provided freely to enable you to be properly informed. We recommend that if you are considering taking action, you should seek professional advice.