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Long-term residence

Long-term residency in Spain allows foreigners to live and work in the country indefinitely, without needing to renew their residency permit. This authorization is an excellent option for those who have resided in Spain for an extended period and wish to establish a permanent residence. In addition to offering rights similar to those of Spanish citizens, it provides a high level of legal security and stability for those who obtain it.

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Benefits

 

1. Access to the Labor Market

With long-term residency, it is not necessary to have a specific employment contract to work in Spain. Holders can work in any sector without restrictions.

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2. Access to Public Services

Long-term residents have the right to access healthcare, education, and other social benefits, which guarantees them a higher quality of life.

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3. Legal and Immigration Stability

This residency provides legal security by allowing the holder to live and work in Spain indefinitely, without the need for periodic renewals.

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4. Ease of travel within the EU

Holders can travel freely within the member states of the European Union, giving them greater flexibility to move within the Schengen area without a visa.

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Requirements

 

  • Application form

  • You must have resided legally and continuously in Spain for the 5 years prior to applying.
    - Absences of up to 6 consecutive months are permitted, provided the total absences do not exceed 10 months in those 5 years.
    - If the absences were for work reasons, they can be up to 18 months in those 5 years.
    - Specific cases:

  • Study, mobility, volunteering, or training period:
    - If you were in Spain on a study, mobility, volunteering, or training visa, only 50% of the time is counted in these situations.
    - You must be legally residing in Spain when you apply.

  • If you have an EU Blue Card:
    - You must have accumulated 5 years of legal residence in the EU (of which 2 years must be in Spain).
    - Absences within the EU can be up to 12 consecutive months, provided they do not exceed 18 months in those 5 years.

  • If you have international protection status:
    - If you have international protection status in Spain, the entire period from the time you applied for protection until you obtained residency will be counted.
     

  • Prove you have fixed and regular resources to support yourself and your family.

  • Prove you have health insurance.

  • A valid passport or travel document, valid for at least one year.

  • If applicable, documentation proving periods of previous residence in another Member State as an EU Blue Card holder, highly qualified, with research experience, etc.

  • Prove you have no criminal record in the last five (5) countries where you have lived.

  • Proof of payment of the administrative fee.

 

AWARD: Five years.

 

POST-AWARD PROCEDURES: Once your visa has been authorized, you must personally apply for the TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) at the Immigration Office or Police Station in the province where you applied for the authorization. This procedure must be completed within one month of receiving notification of the visa approval.

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