UK nationals in Spain risk fines of up to €500 and complex immigration hurdles if they delay renewing their EU family residence cards beyond strict 2025 deadlines, with processing times in Madrid now stretching to four months. New requirements demand proof of uninterrupted cohabitation, updated municipal registration, and financial stability checks – while post-Brexit demand creates appointment bottlenecks in major cities.
Complete Guide to Renewing Your EU Family Residence Card in Spain (2025)
The Vital Document for Foreign Residents
The EU Family Member Residence Card is the essential document for family members of European or Spanish citizens residing in Spain. If you’re a British or American citizen with this permit, renewing it before expiry preserves your rights to residence, work and access to public services. Failure to renew on time may result in fines of up to €500 and complicate future immigration procedures.
Renewal Timeframes for 2025
Official deadlines establish specific windows according to your card type:
- 5-year cards:Application from 60 days before until 90 days after expiry
- 10-year cards:Processing from 90 days before expiry (no delays permitted)
We recommend starting the process 4 months before expiry, especially at busy offices like Madrid or Barcelona.
Updated Requirements for 2025 Renewal
You must meet these conditions:
| Condition | Details |
| Family bond | Maintain the original family connection (marriage, civil partnership or direct ascendancy/descendancy) |
| Residence | Not having remained outside Spain for more than 6 consecutive months |
| Cohabitation | Demonstrate continuous cohabitation with the EU family member |
Mandatory Documentation
- Valid passport + complete copy
- Current TIE + photocopy
- Updated joint municipal registration certificate (maximum 3 months old)
- Properly completed EX-19 form
- Updated proof of family relationship (family book, marriage certificate, etc.)
- Proof of financial solvency (minimum €2,500 monthly for singles)
- Public or private health insurance with full coverage
Foreign documents require sworn translation and apostille. Consult the official list of translators.
How to Book Your Renewal Appointment
- Access the online appointment system
- Select “Police-Residence Card (TIE)”
- Choose your province and preferred office
- Download and save your appointment confirmation
Tip:Appointments are released daily at 8:00 AM Spanish time. Use updated browsers to avoid technical errors.
Step-by-Step Renewal Process
- Prepare all documents with 2 copies each
- Pay fee 012 (€19.74) at any bank or online
- Attend your appointment 30 minutes early
- Submit documents and have fingerprints taken
- Receive your provisional receipt (valid for 3 months)
- Collect your new TIE within 1-2 months after SMS confirmation
| Step | Description |
| 1 | Prepare all documents with 2 copies each |
| 2 | Pay the fee 012 (€19.74) at any bank or online |
| 3 | Attend your appointment 30 minutes in advance |
| 4 | Submit documents and have fingerprints taken |
| 5 | Receive your provisional receipt (valid for 3 months) |
| 6 | Collect your new TIE within 1-2 months after SMS confirmation |
Current Processing Times
Timeframes vary significantly by region:
- Andalusia: 45-60 days
- Catalonia: 75-90 days
- Valencia Community: 60-75 days
- Madrid: 90-120 days
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Submitting expired or untranslated documents
- Forgetting to update your annual municipal registration
- Not verifying data on the EX-19 form before signing
- Confusing administrative fees (use model 790 code 012)
Expert Advice for Guaranteed Success
- Digitise all documents in PDF format (less than 5MB)
- Maintain a physical and digital dossier with backups
- Update your address in the municipal register immediately after moving
- For complex cases (divorces, changes in civil status), consult with immigration experts
Need Specialised Assistance?
At Nimextranjería we offer complete renewal services with personalised monitoring. Our solicitors verify documentation, manage appointments and resolve administrative issues, ensuring your peace of mind throughout the process.
You can schedule a consultation with us here.
