How to get Permanent residency in Spain?

Permanent residency is a status for non-EU citizens who have lived continuously and legally in Spain for five years. You can renew this card after its five-year validity period. This card is only for non-EU citizens. With this card, you can work in Spain as a self-employed or an employee. Keep reading for more information on permanent residency in Spain.

How to obtain Spain’s permanent residence card?

It’s simple, follow the timeline of a person who has just arrived in the country with their first residence permit.

The first permit they obtain will allow them to live and work legally in Spain for one year. One can refer to it as a residence and work authorization. When that period expires, they must renew, obtaining a residency permit for the next two years. Again, once those two years are up (for a total of three years in Spain), they will need to renew for two more years, bringing their total time in the country to five.

During the next renewal, they will receive their permanent residency card after these five years.

Documents you require to get permanent residency in Spain.

In terms of documents and requirements, obtaining permanent residency is not difficult. You can think of it as a reward for living in the country for five years. As a result, getting it will be a simple task for you.

• Payment of the applicable fee
• The presentation of the completed EX-11 form
• Valid residency card (the one about to expire)
• Original and duplicate passports

Other Spain PR requirements

Having clean criminal records, not being in a voluntary return situation, and proving that you have lived in Spain for the past five years will suffice.

You can use evidence such as your rental contract to demonstrate this last point. Furthermore, the authorities will accept your tax returns or working payrolls as proof of your employment in the country.

When should you start your Spain PR process?

We recommend doing it at least 60 days before your current permit expires. Remember that bureaucracy can be slow sometimes, and things may not go as smoothly as expected. As a result, you should get started as soon as possible.

After submitting the required documents, you will receive a letter stating that the permit has been approved in 3 months. You will then be required to present your fingerprints at the Police Department, where you will be assigned a guard. After 30 days, you will return to the Police Station, and after presenting your passport and prior residency card, they will issue you a permanent residency card valid for five years.

How to renew long duration card?

Again, the renewal is straightforward. One can renew the permanent residency card every five years. You simply need to go to the police station, present your fingerprint, and have your document renewed.

It is an effortless procedure compared to the renewal of the other permits. Why? Because you are not renewing your legal status in Spain as a foreigner. You are simply renewing the card.

As a result, the Spanish Immigration Law states that the country can consider you a legal resident in Spain even if you do not renew your card. However, there will be a financial penalty if you do not renew on time.

Simply bring the ex-17 form, your census, if you have changed your address, the original card and a copy (the expired one), your passport, and proof that you have paid the corresponding fee.

Remember, you need not prove that you have been living in Spain for the last five years to renew your visa. That was required when obtaining the permanent residency card for the first time but not when renewing it.

Another thing to remember is that you cannot renew your card while it is still valid. That is why you should make an appointment with the Police Department before the expiration date to renew on the following day.

Differences with the EU long-term card

Many people get them mixed up. These two very similar types of residences can be obtained after five years in Spain and allow you to work as an employee or self-employed. They both have an indefinite personality.

However, there are significant differences in their requirements and advantages. First and foremost, ‘normal’ long-term residency is sought without the need to demonstrate financial means. You may not be working at the time of your application, but as long as you meet the other requirements, you will be granted this permit.

On the other hand, the long-term EU visa requires proof of sufficient economic means, which must be your own. In other words, you must be employed or self-employed or have a bank certificate demonstrating adequate savings.

However, this is a critical point. The long-term EU card allows you to live and work in any country within the European Union (something that the general permanent residency does not). So, this is your best bet if you want to live in another country in the region.

Key takeaways

• You can obtain a permanent residency card once you complete five years of legally living in Spain. 
• You must apply for residency at least 60 days before your current residency card expires.
• You will receive your statement of approval within three months of submission.
• A standard long-term residency will not require you to show your financial means, but a long-term EU residency will need economic proof of stability.

Did you find this blog informative? If so, please share your thoughts in the comments below. Click here to contact us for more information on permanent residency in Spain. We would be happy to assist you with your queries.

Liked this blog? Read next: How to obtain permanent residency in New Zealand

FAQs

Q1. What is Spain Golden Visa?

Answer- The Spanish Golden Visa program grants residency to foreign non-EU citizens who spend at least €500,000 on real estate in Spain.

Q2. What is the Schengen 90/180 rule?

Answer- Non-EEA nationals are only permitted to be visa-free for a maximum of 90 days within 180 days under the terms of Schengen. Furthermore, once you’ve used up your 90-day quota, you can’t return to Schengen until another 90 days have passed.

Q3. Which countries can you visit with a Spanish residence permit?

Answer- You can visit Ireland, Turkey, Bulgaria, Portugal, Greece, and more with a Spanish residence permit.