Long term residence permits in Spain allow applicants to live and work indefinitely under the same conditions as Spanish citizens. These permits authorize residence without requiring professional activity, enabling you to work for someone else or as a self-employed individual.

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Who Can Apply for Long Term Residence Permits in Spain?

Nationals of non-EU countries can apply for these long term residence permits if they have resided continuously and legally in Spain for at least five years. Your residency will remain valid even if you are absent from Spain for up to six continuous months, as long as the total absence does not exceed ten months during the five-year period. For work-related absences, you can be away for a maximum of one year within the five years.

Calculating Your Time in Spain

While in the Long Term Residence Permit only the periods of legal residence are taken into account for the computation of those five years, for the EU Long Term Residence Permit the periods in circumstances of stay for studies, student mobility, or non-work internships are also taken into account, counting 50% of their duration.

Scope of application of the Long-Term Residence

Another of the main differences between both permits is that the EU Long Term Residence Permit offers its holder the possibility of obtaining a Long Term Residence in other Member States of the European Union in a simpler way, always taking into account the specifications of the regulations of that other country, unlike the Long Term Residence Permit whose validity is strictly national.

How to Apply for Long Term Residence Permits in Spain

The requirements for applying differ between the two permits. The Long Term Residence Permit considers only your effective and continuous residence in Spain for five years prior to your application. The EU Long Term Residence Permit requires additional conditions:

  • You must have fixed and regular financial resources for your own maintenance and, if applicable, for your family.
  • You must possess public or private health insurance that covers the risks normally insured for Spanish citizens.

Once you submit your application, the Administration has a maximum of three months to process it. If you receive no notification within that time, you may assume your request has been granted due to administrative silence.

Additional Steps

After your Long Term Residence Permit or EU Long Term Residence Permit is granted, you must personally request the Foreigner Identity Card at the Immigration Office or Police Station in your province within one month of receiving your authorization.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about long term residence permits in Spain, please contact us. We are here to help you navigate the process and ensure a smooth experience.

 

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