Permanent Residence Permit in Spain

Embarking on the journey to obtain permanent residence in Spain opens the door to a vibrant and culturally rich life in this picturesque European country. With its diverse landscapes, warm hospitality, and a rich historical tapestry, Spain beckons those seeking a long-term connection to its unique charm.

Following five years of legal and continuous residence in Spain, a host of benefits become accessible. Those who have fulfilled these criteria can now apply for a highly advantageous permit in the country, known as long-term residency (formerly referred to as permanent residency).

The key requirements for obtaining the indefinite card, as we've outlined, are straightforward and manageable:

1. Maintain a clean criminal record. While it's no longer an absolute barrier, it is advisable to avoid any criminal activities. However, if you have committed a crime, you can take steps to address and rectify the situation.
2. Ensure legal and continuous residency in Spain for a minimum of 5 years. While short absences are acceptable, they should not exceed a total of 10 months within the last 5 years or extend beyond 6 continuous years.
3. Hold citizenship from outside the European Union.
4. Avoid being in an irregular situation in Spain at the time of application.
5. Long-term residence can also be achieved if you've been the holder of an EU blue card for a consecutive 5-year period.

After reaching the requisite number of years of residence in Spain, obtaining a permanent residence permit becomes a straightforward process. Simply take the application form and required documents to the relevant police station or, in some cases, directly to the immigration department. It's crucial to apply approximately three months before your current visa or permit expires.

When applying for Spanish permanent residency, alongside the EX-17 form, essential documents include your current passport and residency permit, proof of residence like a rental agreement, a medical certificate, and health insurance. Additionally, evidence of five years' residency, such as payrolls or tax returns, is required. Depending on circumstances, you might also need criminal record certificates from Spain or your home country, as well as marriage or divorce certificates.

Upon approval, an official notification will be issued. Subsequently, visit the local police station to submit fingerprints and finalize the application. Within a month, you can return to collect your permanent resident card.

The student visa functions solely as authorization to reside in Spain during the period of study. Consequently, when calculating the requisite years for permanent residency or Spanish nationality, the duration spent under a student visa is not considered.

Certainly, obtaining residency in Spain is achievable through the golden visa initiative, allowing non-EU citizens to secure a two-year residence permit (renewable) by investing a minimum of €500,000 in property.

Key aspects of this process include the stipulation that the initial €500,000 for the property purchase cannot be financed with a mortgage and that the property must be free of encumbrances.

Furthermore, the €500,000 investment can be a combination of different sources. For example, acquiring both a property and a garage, as long as the total surpasses €500,000, qualifies for residency.

After meeting this minimum investment, you can commence the legal residency application process directly from Spain within three months of entering the country as a tourist.

It's worth highlighting that, aside from real estate, there are alternative investment opportunities that also make individuals eligible for the same residency permit.

The EU Blue Card serves as a temporary residence and work permit granted to foreign professionals residing outside of Spain, enabling them to work in positions demanding higher education qualifications and experience.

Possessing an EU Blue Card allows individuals to legally work and live in Spain for the duration of the card's validity.

While in Spain, permanent residency and citizenship provide nearly identical status and rights, there are noteworthy distinctions to be mindful of. Acquiring permanent residency requires a residence period of five years, whereas obtaining citizenship entails a longer residency period of 10 years in the country.

‘Individuals with permanent residency in Spain enjoy the flexibility of staying outside the country for as long as they wish, without any imposed time constraints. Unlike temporary residents, who were previously required to spend a minimum of 180 days per calendar year in Spain, holders of permanent residency face no such limitations. This change was prompted by a decision from the Spanish Supreme Court on June 20, 2023, abolishing the strict 180-day rule for temporary residents. While the Spanish government reserves the right to reinstate previous rules if necessary, the current legal landscape allows those with temporary residence permits to travel abroad for more extended periods without jeopardizing their residency status. It's important to note that residents seeking to upgrade their temporary permits to permanent status must still adhere to the rule that prohibits staying outside of Spain for more than ten months within a five-year period prior to the permanent residence permit application.

Bill from London says: "I'm currently in a relationship with a Spanish woman, and I'm concerned because she's hesitant about marriage for the sole purpose of obtaining a passport. Unfortunately, securing a sponsor from a Spanish company seems challenging, leaving marriage as the primary option for a long-term solution. Although I'm anxious about the situation, I'm committed to continuing with the program to buy myself more time."