01The province with the most British residents in Spain
According to the Spanish National Statistics Institute's municipal register series by nationality and province, Alicante has more UK residents than any other Spanish province, ahead of Málaga.
A large share of our Costa Blanca enquiries therefore come from British nationals. Since Brexit, your position depends on when you arrived. If you were resident in Spain before 31 December 2020, you are entitled to the Withdrawal Agreement TIE; if you are arriving now, for immigration purposes you are a non-EU national and need a residence permit.
- Pre-2021 residents who still hold the green EU registration certificate and should exchange it for the TIE.
- Holders of the Withdrawal Agreement TIE who need to renew it or move to permanent residence.
- Retirees and families arriving now who apply for non-lucrative residence.
- Homeowners who spend long periods here and need to know whether to become resident or stay within the 90 in 180 day rule.
02How we work with Costa Blanca clients
We act for clients across Spain. With Alicante clients we work online: a video call to choose the route, a tailored document checklist, a review of every document and electronic filing under our professional certificate. Lawyers are required to deal with the administration electronically, so your application does not depend on securing a counter appointment.
If something needs to be done in person that you cannot do yourself, we have a network of collaborating professionals.
03Immigration Offices: Alicante and Altea
The Government Sub-delegation in Alicante has two immigration offices. The main one is at Calle Ebanistería, 4 y 6, on the Babel industrial estate. The second is in Altea, at Calle San Isidro Labrador, 1, open from 9:00 to 14:00.
Both handle, among other procedures, non-lucrative residence, family reunification, long-term residence, work permits, the EU Blue Card and the EU family member residence card.
04Fingerprints and residence card in the province
The foreigner identity card is issued by the National Police by appointment, booked on the public administrations' electronic portal (ICP section). The official police office finder places residence cards at the Provincial Immigration and Borders Brigade, Calle Campo de Mirra, 6, in Alicante.
The same finder lists EU and non-EU residence procedures at several police stations in the province: Benidorm (Calle Apolo XI, 36), Dénia (Calle Castell d'Olimbroi, 5), Torrevieja (Calle Arquitecto Larramendi, 3), Orihuela (Calle El Sol, 34) and Elche (Calle Abeto, 1). When you book, the system shows which offices have slots for your procedure.
05Other profiles in Alicante
Alicante is home to the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), which brings European professionals to the city and, with them, non-EU spouses and partners who need the EU family member residence card. We also act for remote workers based on the coast and for students at the University of Alicante and Miguel Hernández University.
06Valencian Community specifics
For family reunification, the Immigration Regulations (Royal Decree 1155/2024) require an adequate housing report from the regional government or, where the region has delegated it, the town hall. It must be issued within one month and be no more than six months old when the application is filed.
Unmarried couples can evidence their relationship by several means, including registration with the regional register of unmarried couples governed by Valencian Law 5/2012. This is useful, for instance, for the non-EU partner of a resident British national or of an EU citizen.
Frequently asked questions
I am British, have lived on the Costa Blanca since 2015 and hold the green certificate. Do I need to do anything?
It is advisable to exchange it for the Withdrawal Agreement TIE. The green certificate still evidences your rights, but the TIE is the document issued now and avoids problems at the border and in everyday dealings.
I own a home in Torrevieja and spend the winter here. Do I need residence?
It depends on how long you stay. As a non-EU national without residence, you may stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. To stay longer you need a residence permit, usually non-lucrative residence.
Where are fingerprints taken if I live in Benidorm or Dénia?
Residence cards are listed at the Provincial Brigade in Alicante, and the Benidorm and Dénia stations handle EU and non-EU residence procedures. When booking you will see which offices have fingerprint slots.
Do I need to go to the Alicante or Altea Immigration Office?
Not if you instruct us. We file electronically and keep you informed at every step. Your only visit is usually the fingerprint appointment.
Do you have an office in Alicante?
No. We work online throughout Spain, by video call. For a one-off task in person we have a network of collaborating professionals.
Where is the British Consulate in Alicante?
At Edificio Espacio, Rambla Méndez Núñez, 28-32, 6th floor. It is open by appointment only, for British passports and documents. Residence in Spain is handled by the Spanish authorities.