davethedog

Hi all.

Just after some indication of how long we are likely to be waiting to then make the appt to have fingerprints taken and then get the TIE cards after presenting documents to relevant office de extranjeros? The re were no issues mentioned at that appointment.

We have signed on the Padron before this.

We presented the documents on 2 sep and when we go online to check it says "in process".

Thanks

Joppa

At Malaga, it was around 3 week mark to get the notification of approval for those who presented the documents remotely (through a gestor, say), but they are apparently very busy with applications. They have up to 3 months to consider application but hope they will be quicker than that. Once you get the approval, you have two appointments at the national police station till you get your TIE, which may be a few more weeks.

davethedog

Thanks very much and will keep checking.

bobd22

We presented the documentation for stage 1 of the process ourselves at Malaga Extranjero Office and were given the authorisation immediately to proceed to stage 2 at police station. We made an appointment for that the following week. Having completed stage 2 unless they tell you how long to wait to collect the card you are supposed to wait 45 days to collect the card. That's what we did and card was waiting for us. You need to make appointments for all stages online. Once you have completed stage 1 you must attend for stage 2 in 30 days or start over again. I think overall process (doing it ourselves) was 7 or 8 weeks from start to finish. It is not too daunting and we found everyone helpful.

Joppa

It is now quite difficult to book Stage 1 appointment at Malaga because of huge demand. So the best way is to do it online, either by yourself with digital signature or through a professional like gestor.

bobd22

I know when we booked the appointment for stage 1 it had to be booked over the phone. The hardest part was deciphering the right button to press as per normal. Once we got through to someone with a bit of basic Spanish it was fine. Mind you that was within a week of the change to TIE coming in. I would guess that there will be many applying now due to end of transition looming who have probably been living here a while.

davethedog

Thanks all and will just have to keep checking the govt website as well as await the official letter to say we can proceed to the next stage.

Oh, and we are doing this in the Canary Islands.

bobd22

When you submit documentation to the Extranjero Office they have 3 months to process the application. In our case it was done there and then and they issued the authority to procede to stage 2 at police station. They should have given you some paperwork proving that you have formally applied? Check that for any contact details to find out what is going on.

Bonzodog

Is there any point in applying for a TIE card, for those with a green long term residencia certificate.?

Fred James

There is no obligation to do so nor is there any time limit within which you have to get one. The advantage of a TIE is that it is effectively a Spanish ID card which the green form is not.

Bonzodog

Thanks for that Fred.
I have heard it said that the TIE card may only be a temporary measure, to be eventually replace with something more permanent, though that may be nothing more than a rumour.

Joppa

TIE is the permanent document stating the holder is the beneficiary of the withdrawal agreement.

bobd22

Why would the TIE card change? Other 3rd country Nationals resident in Spain also use the TIE. Also all other EU nationals use the green residency card / paper just as UK did pre Brexit. The change came about simply because we are no longer EU citizens but now have 3rd country status with protected rights of residence for those resident prior to 1 January 2021. However those with a green card were issued with them when they were classed as EU Nationals. Spanish government have clearly and repeatedly said if you have a green residencia you do not have to to exchange it for a TIE card but if you wish to then you can by going through the exchange procedure, you can do that now or at some point in the future. As Fred says main difference is TIE has a photo on it so can be used as a form of ID but if one has a green card and Spanish drivers licence that does the same in reality. As it has a photo on it the TIE has to be renewed with new photo after 5 years(initial temp residencia) 10 years permanent residency. Green card has no photo so does not require renewal. It's really a simple matter of choice. There is little point speculating on what may or may not happen x years down the road because no one knows.