Lydia Spencer-Elliott
PANIC has descended among expats in Parque La Vina, Mollina, after they were told their residencia paperwork would soon be invalid.
Owners told the 200 residents that without the new TIE card their residencia would become void, according to a new government announcement.
With rumours flying and expats across Spain worried and confused, Olive Press spoke to the British Embassy to get to the bottom of the paperwork maze.
“The most useful thing is to look at official sources, ” said the embassy. “If you registered before 6 July 2020, you will have a green certificate from the Extranjeria or police that is valid and proves your rights under the Withdrawal Agreement, even after the transition period ends. ”
“You CAN exchange your paper residence document for the new TIE but you are NOT OBLIGED to.”
The new TIE card is sturdier than older paper documents and may speed up some administrative processes, which is why it is recommended by the Spanish government. However, it is not required by law.
Other information can be found on the British government’s Living in Spain guide.
And make sure to head to the Brits in Spain Facebook page on Tuesday September 15 at 6pm for a live Q&A with British Embassy officials.
See an English translation of the Spanish Government’s Withdrawal Agreement instructions here.
They clearly state: “Nationals of the United Kingdom, members of their families and any other persons residing in Spain under the conditions laid down in the Agreement shall not be required to apply for a new resident status or to submit to a new documentation process.”
So, essentially, if you had your residencia before July 6 you are among the lucky lot who can sit back and do nothing. But if you are applying for residencia for the first time, life may be a little harder.
