Episode 30: TIE Renewal in Spain: A Practical Guide

In this episode of Spainfully Honest, Paul and Catherine talk through what renewing your TIE (Tarjeta de Identificación de Extranjero) in Spain actually looks like in real life, especially if you’ve been here five years or more. They break down what you need to have ready, why being organised really matters, and how having your paperwork in order can save you a lot of stress later on.

They also chat about how much of the process has moved online in recent years, and why getting comfortable with Spain’s digital systems is no longer optional if you want things to go smoothly. Along the way, they share personal experiences, practical tips, and a few hard-earned lessons — including the value of keeping everything in one clearly organised folder and not leaving things until the last minute.

The episode also looks at how the renewal process can differ depending on where you’re from, with specific mention of British, American, and Irish residents, and the slightly different hoops each group may need to jump through. Overall, it’s a straightforward, honest guide for anyone trying to navigate Spanish residency without feeling overwhelmed by the bureaucracy.

We’ve also put together printable checklists and guides to help you through the process. If you’d like a copy, just email us and we’ll send it over.

Email: hello@spainfullyhonest.com


Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Spainfully Honest
01:43 Celebrating Episode 30 and catching up
09:18 Understanding TIE Renewal Process
15:51 Documents Needed for TIE Renewal
23:35 Financial Requirements for Residency
24:06 Understanding Autonomous Payments and Digital Processes
25:35 The Importance of Digital Certificates and Signatures
27:54 Making the Fingerprinting Appointment
32:21 Collecting Your New Residency Card
36:35 Renewal Process for Non-EU Residents
40:30 Special Considerations for Irish Residents
41:53 Preparing for Bureaucratic Challenges
49:58 Final Tips for a Smooth Experience

Just to be clear, we’re not lawyers, gestores, or immigration specialists. This episode is based on our own experience and research, and is shared for general information only.