Gov.UK issues update

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/residenc...tent=immediate

And regarding changing from the green form to TIE, it categorically says you do not have to do so. Contrary to some info coming from some town halls, there is no time limit for this option.

Totally agree Fred and maybe my 'Final call' was unintentionally misleading (it was aimed at maybe UK Gov's last update on this topic)

I think there is a lot of scare mongering re this point. I had a gestor try and say it was compulsory to change after 31 Dec, allegedly from local police? I pointed out that both spanish and UK government Web sites in their guidance said it was an option but not actually required as green residencia still applies with no time limit. I sent the gestor both links, they then said yes not a requirement but just advising you that we can do the exchange for you! Which wasn't what they had initially implied. At the end of the day all other EU citizens are still using the green card and we were EU citizens when issued it.

Bound to be some scallywags who try to generate some business out of it as well as those that genuinely don't understand the options.

Yes taking the opportunity of confusion or simply confused themselves. It is quite clear on both Government Web sites that you can change to TIE if you wish but it is not mandatory for those with green card or A4 sheet.

Well they want you to do it through them don´t they. So they can charge you. Everyone seems to try to rip you off here unless you are savvy enough to know a little about r
ules and regulations.

Yes very true

I went to extranjería and was told similar information. Also of note the A4 sheets are no longer given out, just small green paper cards, but they are both recognized equally.

I was under the impression that small green cards are no longer issued, and you have to get a TIE if you are applying for residencia?

ONLY TIE cards are issued now to Brits.

Even if you lose your EU green paper and need a replacement?

Does the TIE have any benefits? are we granted permanent residence regardless of which we have, or do we need to satisfy any criteria? (like having a work contract etc)

I have the green paper, but have had it for years.

The replacement is the TIE - NO more green papers will be issued.

Regarding benefits depends on your view and I think they have all been covered in this thread.

Been here 2.5 years and nobody tried to rip me off yet.

Seems to me far too many abandon their common sense and caution at the ferry or airport on the way out of UK.

There's an old adage which says "you can't cheat an honest man" and it's very true.

Yes. No more green papers ever no how never ever at all ever. When you go for "residency" now you get a TIE card.

That is yet to be "proven" - the first people have started to apply for TIE cards .. we´ll see the result. The rules say the cant ask for proof - if you have already got permanent residency - but we´ll see when people actually go for the 1st and second "meetings".