Long Term Residence Permit in Spain (Residencia de Larga Duración)

What Is the Spain Long-Term Residence Permit (Tarjeta de Larga Duración)?

The Long-Term Residence Permit (Tarjeta de Residencia de Larga Duración) is a legal document granting eligible non-EU nationals the right to reside and work in Spain on a continuous and indefinite basis. The physical permit card is issued for five years and is renewable without limit, provided the holder continues to meet the conditions of residence.

Spain, known for its vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and welcoming people, is a popular relocation destination. The Long Term Residence Permit (Tarjeta de Residencia de Larga Duración) is a valuable option among the many options available for those looking to make Spain their home.

This permit is open to those who have lived in Spain for a specific period of time, have a stable income, and have sufficient resources to support themselves. Additionally, those who are married to a Spanish national or have children born in Spain may also be eligible to apply.

Obtaining a Long Term Residence Permit has many benefits, such as working, studying, and accessing public healthcare. It also grants the holder freedom of movement within the Schengen Area, and after five years of continuous residence, it may be possible to apply for permanent residence or Spanish nationality.

Key Facts – Tarjeta de Larga Duración (Long Term Residence in Spain)

If you are considering making Spain your home and are interested in applying for a Long Term Residence Permit, our Immigration Advice Service is here to help. Our team of experts can guide you through the process and answer any questions. Contact us at +44 (0)333 414 9244 or online for more information.

Spain Long-Term Residence Permit Requirements: Who Is Eligible?

Obtaining a Long Term Residence Permit can be a great way to live and work in the country for an extended period. However, obtaining this permit can be a bit complicated, and it’s essential to understand the eligibility requirements before starting the application process.

• Proof of Sufficient Economic Means
• Evidence of Health Insurance Coverage
• Residence Permit in your Home Country
• Clean Criminal Record
• Advantages of Long Term Residence Permit
• Applying for Long Term Residence Permit

Financial Requirements: Minimum Income Thresholds for Spain Long-Term Residence

One of the first things you’ll need to show is that you have enough money to support yourself while living in Spain. This can be a job offer, a pension, or even a savings account with a healthy balance.

Spanish immigration regulations require applicants to demonstrate sufficient economic resources, typically assessed against a multiple of the IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples). As of 2026, the IPREM is €600.53 per month. The required threshold depends on household size and the specific application. Applicants should confirm the applicable figures with their immigration adviser or the relevant consulate at the time of application, as these thresholds are reviewed annually.

The point is to show that you won’t be a burden on the state and that you can take care of yourself financially.

Health Insurance Requirements for Spain Long-Term Residency

Also, you’ll need to show that you have health insurance coverage. This is to ensure that you’ll be able to pay for any medical treatment you may need while living in Spain. You can get a private health insurance policy or enroll in the Spanish National Health System.

Legal Residence Requirement: Proving Five Continuous Years in Spain

To qualify, applicants must demonstrate five years of legal and continuous residence in Spain.

This means holding valid residence status throughout the qualifying period, with no unlawful gaps or overstays.

Brief authorised absences from Spain are permitted (subject to the limits set out in Royal Decree 557/2011), but the overall legal status in Spain must have been uninterrupted.

Criminal Record Requirements for Spain Long-Term Residence

Lastly, you must have a clean criminal record to qualify for a Long Term Residence Permit. This means that you cannot have any outstanding warrants or criminal convictions. The Spanish government will conduct a background check to ensure that you meet this requirement.

Eligibility Requirements for Long-Term Residence Permit

Key Benefits of Qualifying for Spain’s Long-Term Residence Permit

A Long Term Residence Permit allows you to live in Spain for five years, after which you can renew it and also apply for Spanish citizenship. With this permit, you can work and study in Spain, and your family members can join you. You will also be able to access the Spanish healthcare system and social security benefits.

Applying for Long Term Residence Permit

To apply for a Long-Term Residence Permit, applicants must submit: a completed EX-11 application form; a valid passport with copies of all pages; evidence of five years of legal and continuous residence in Spain (prior residence permit history); a certificate of criminal record from all countries of residence in the last five years, apostilled and translated into Spanish where required; proof of sufficient economic resources; and proof of valid health insurance.

If you’re interested in obtaining a Long Term Residence Permit, it’s essential to understand the eligibility requirements and gather all necessary documents before you begin the application process. With the proper preparation, you can increase your chances of being approved for a permit and start living and working in Spain for an extended period.

EX-11 Form and Documents Required for Spain Long-Term Residence Permit

Applying for a Long Term Residence Permit requires a specific set of documents for the application to be processed. Depending on the applicant’s situation, some documents may be required, while others may not. Here, we’ll discuss the documents needed for the application process and the factors that affect the required fees.

• The EX-11 Application Form: The EX-11 application form is the first document to be completed before submitting a Long Term Residence Permit application. The form is available in Spanish and English and is used to collect information about the applicant, such as their home address, family information, and work experience.
• A Valid Passport and Copy of It: The second document that must be submitted is a valid passport and a copy. This document is used to prove the applicant’s identity and nationality. It is crucial to ensure the passport is valid for at least six months after the application is submitted.
• A Certificate of Criminal Record: Another document you must submit is a certificate of criminal record. This document is used to prove that the applicant does not have any criminal convictions. The authorities of the applicant’s country of origin or legal residence must issue the certificate.
• Proof of Sufficient Economic Resources: This document is proof of sufficient economic resources. This document proves that the applicant has enough money to support themselves during their stay in Spain. The amount of money required will depend on the individual circumstances of the applicant.
• Proof of Health Insurance: The fifth and final document that must be submitted is health insurance. This document proves that the applicant has adequate health insurance coverage.
• Additional Documents: Depending on the applicant’s situation, additional documents, such as a residence permit or travel pass, may be required. The Spanish authorities will specify these documents.

Required Documents for Application

It’s essential to note that compiling all these documents can be a daunting task. We recommend contacting the Immigration Advice Service for help with your application. Their team of experts will guide you through the process and ensure that you have all the necessary documents. You can reach them at +44 (0)333 414 9244.

Spain Long-Term Residence Permit Fees, Processing Times and Payment (Modelo 790)

The fees for a Spanish Long Term Residence Permit vary from €90 to €674. Factors that can affect the required fees include:

• Renewing or Applying for a New Permit: The fee for renewing a permit will differ from the fee for applying for a new one. Renewing a permit will typically cost less than applying for a new one.
• European Union Citizen or Non-European Union Citizen: Fees for EU citizens may differ from fees for non-EU citizens.
• Individual Circumstances: The fee may also vary depending on the applicant’s particular circumstances, such as their income level or the reason for their stay in Spain.
• Timeline for the Application Process: The application process for the Long Term Residence Permit typically takes three months from the day after the application is submitted.

Renewing Your Spain Long-Term Residence Permit: Timelines, Forms and What to Avoid

Renewing a Long-Term Residence Permit can be daunting, but it is crucial to understand the process and requirements to maintain your legal status in the country. In this section, we will go over the steps you need to take to renew your permit, the potential consequences of not renewing, and what to do if you want to change the conditions of your permit.

• Renewing the Permit
• Consequences of Not Renewing
• Changing the Conditions of Your Permit

How to Renew Spain Long-Term Residence Permit (EX-17 Form and Requirements)

To renew a Long-Term Residence Permit, applicants must submit the EX-17 application form (Solicitud de Modificación o Renovación de Autorizaciones de Residencia), along with their expired TIE card and a copy, a valid passport and copy, evidence of continued economic resources and health insurance, and confirmation of continued registration at their local town hall (empadronamiento).

The renewal application must be submitted before the card’s expiry date to avoid a gap in legal status.

It is important to note that the application process may vary depending on your country of origin and the type of permit you hold. It is best to check with the local immigration office or consult a professional for guidance on the specific requirements of your situation.

What Happens If You Don’t Renew Your Spain Residence Permit in Time?

Not renewing a Long Term Residence Permit can lead to the loss of the permit and the inability to re-enter Spain. In some instances, recovering the Long Term Residence Permit may be possible, but this is not guaranteed. If an application for residence or a renewal is rejected, it may be necessary to apply for a non-lucrative residence visa instead.

It is important to note that failure to renew your permit promptly can also result in fines and penalties. It is best to renew your permit well before it expires to avoid complications.

Changing the Conditions of Your Permit

To change the conditions of a Long Term Residence Permit, applicants must cancel their appointment at least four days in advance. They must also bring the ex-17 form, their census (empadronamiento) if they have changed their address, the original card, a copy, and proof that they have been living legally in Spain for at least five years.

Please note that European Union citizens do not need a visa when moving to Spain but must register with the local police office where they will reside.

It is important to note that the process of changing the conditions of your permit may vary depending on your country of origin and the type of permit you hold. It is best to check with the local immigration office or consult a professional for guidance on the specific requirements of your situation.

If you need clarification about the process of maintaining your Long Term Residence Permit, feel free to contact a professional. The Immigration Advice Service is an excellent resource for guidance on this matter. You can reach us at +44 (0)333 414 9244 or online.

Maintenance, Renewal & Consequences

Don’t risk your legal status in Spain by failing to understand the process of renewing, maintaining, and changing the conditions of your Long Term Residence Permit. Contact the Immigration Advice Service today for help.

Benefits of Spain Long-Term Residence Permit: Work, Healthcare, Tax and Education Rights

One of the most important things to consider when living in Spain is obtaining a Long Term Residence Permit. This permit, also known as the Tarjeta de Larga Duración, offers a variety of benefits for those who can get it. This section will discuss some of the critical advantages of having a Long Term Residence Permit.

• Tax Benefits
• Access to Public Health
• Access to the Spanish Education System
• Access to the Spanish Labor Market

Tax Benefits

One of the most significant advantages of having a Long Term Residence Permit is the potential for tax benefits. For example, individuals with this permit may be eligible to become tax residents and be subject to Spanish tax rates. This means that they are only taxed on their income in Spain instead of their worldwide income. This can result in substantial savings for those who earn a significant portion of their income in Spain.

Additionally, they may be eligible for other benefits, such as the administrative tax of 790.12 euros, a one-time fee for obtaining the permit. They may also qualify for specific residence criteria and proof of financial means, which can make getting the permit more streamlined. It’s worth mentioning that these benefits can vary depending on your specific situation, so it’s essential to consult with a tax professional or government official to fully understand your potential tax benefits.

Access to Spain’s Public Healthcare System (Sistema Nacional de Salud)

Another key advantage of having a Long Term Residence Permit is access to public health care. This includes those who have obtained a permanent certificate after living in Spain for five years and those who move to Spain on an Non-lucrative visa (NLV) and become permanent residents after five years.

To access public health care, individuals must register and provide a certificate accrediting the public or private health insurance contracted with an insurance entity authorised to operate in Spain.

This is a significant benefit, as it means that individuals with Long Term Residence Permits will have access to quality medical care at an affordable cost. Furthermore, they can also access the Spanish public healthcare system, which can be very beneficial in an emergency.

Access to the Spanish Education System

Besides the benefits mentioned above, having a Long Term Residence Permit also gives you access to the Spanish education system. This includes studying at a Spanish university for at least 90 days and obtaining a Spanish residence permit card for the right to work.

This permit allows you to enroll in any Spanish educational system, including primary, secondary, and tertiary education. This can be an excellent opportunity for those who want to improve their Spanish language skills or pursue higher education in Spain.

Full Right to Work in Spain Without a Separate Work Permit

Finally, another significant advantage of having a Long Term Residence Permit is access to the Spanish labor market. Individuals with this permit can obtain a residence permit with the right to work under a contract (Residencia Temporal y Trabajo por Cuenta Ajena) if a Spanish employer invites them.

Under new rules, students and holders of study visas (estancia por estudios) can take up more employment and access the Spanish labor market. This means that individuals with Long Term Residence Permits can work in Spain without restrictions, benefiting those looking to build a career in Spain.

Benefits / Rights with Long-Term Residence Permit

How to Apply for Spain Long-Term Residence Permit: Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to applying for a Long Term Residence Permit, there are a few steps that you’ll need to take to ensure that your application is processed smoothly and efficiently. In this section, we’ll go over the critical points of the application process so that you know what to expect and can plan accordingly.

Step 1: Submit Your Application in Person at the Spanish Consulate or Oficina de Extranjería

The first step in the application process is to personally deliver your application to the Spanish Embassy in your country of residence. This means you’ll need to gather all the necessary documents and make an appointment to meet with the Embassy staff.

It’s important to note that you should only submit your application once all the required documents have been gathered, as incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Step 2: Immigration Authorities Review Your Application (What Happens Next)

Once you’ve submitted your application at the Embassy, it will be sent to the relevant authorities for processing. This can take a few weeks, so it’s essential to be patient and only contact the Embassy about the status of your application once the appropriate amount of time has passed.

Step 3: Receiving Your Decision and Collecting Your Residence Permit Card

Once your application has been processed, they’ll notify you of the outcome. If your application is approved, you’ll be able to pick up your visa at the Embassy. If your application is denied, you’ll be given the reason why and the opportunity to appeal the decision.

Application Process Steps

Reasons for Denial and Appeal of Long-Term Residence Applications

Applications for long-term residence may be denied for:

• Not living in the same place for five years in a row
• Staying outside of Spain for too long
• Having a record of crime
• Not having enough money or health insurance that works
• Turning in an application that is missing information or is late

How to File an Appeal?

You will receive a letter explaining why your application was turned down, if applicable. You have three main ways to fight the decision:

• You have to file an Administrative Appeal (Recurso de Reposición) within a month of being told about a refusal. It allows the same authority to review your case again.
• Judicial Appeal (Recurso Contencioso-Administrativo): You have to file it within two months with an administrative court.
• You can reapply after fixing the problems if your appeal is denied. 

Add any missing or new documents, like proof of residence, income, or a clean criminal record, to make your reapplication or appeal stronger.

How Long Can You Leave Spain Without Losing Your Long-Term Residence Permit?

A long-term residence permit (Tarjeta de Larga Duración) means you can live and work in Spain indefinitely, almost like a Spanish citizen. You could lose your right to reside in Spain if you stay outside the country for an extended period.

Maximum Allowed Absence

Under Royal Decree 557/2011 (Article 148), the national long-term residence permit is extinguished if the holder is absent from Spain for more than 12 consecutive months. For the EU Long-Term Residence Permit (Larga Duración-UE), EU Directive 2003/109/EC (Article 9) provides that the status is lost after 12 consecutive months outside the EU. These rules differ between the two permit types — see the comparison section below for details.

If you have an EU long-term residence permit (Residencia de Larga Duración-UE), the rules vary slightly. You could lose your status if you stay outside the EU for more than 12 consecutive months or if you obtain long-term residence in another EU country.

How to Recover Your Spain Long-Term Residence After an Extended Absence

Your long-term residence may be revoked if you are outside of Spain for more than the permitted amount of time. To regain it, you would need to reapply under Spain’s general immigration rules and provide proof of income, health insurance, and ties to Spain.

You can apply or appeal to regain your long-term residence in rare cases if you were away for humanitarian or family reasons, such as being sick or having to care for someone abroad.

Common Situations

• If you take a short-term job outside of Spain, be sure to keep relevant paperwork, such as employment contracts or proof of your continued residency in Spain (e.g., a rental contract or tax payments), to demonstrate that your absence is temporary.
• If you need to leave to care for family members who live abroad, you should have medical or family documents to support your request.
• If you study or take a break abroad for personal reasons, ensure that you don’t stay longer than the law allows and that your local registration (empadronamiento) remains active.

Comparing Rights: A Long-Term Resident Who Is Not an EU Citizen vs. an EU Citizen

Spain has two kinds of long-term residence permits to people who are not from the EU:

1. National Long-Term Residence (Tarjeta de Larga Duración): Spain Only

With this status, you can live and work in Spain for as long as you want. You have the same rights as Spanish citizens regarding work, education, and social security. This permit only works in Spain. It doesn’t let you to work in other EU Member States.

2. EU Long-Term Residence (Larga Duración-UE): Mobility Rights Across the EU

The EU Long-Term Residence permit is based on Directive 2003/109/EC. It gives you the same rights in Spain and lets you live, work, or study in another EU country, as long as you follow that country’s rules.

Key Differences

How to Switch from National Long-Term Residence to the EU Long-Term Permit in Spain

If you have lived in the country legally for five years, have a steady income, and health insurance, you can apply to switch from the national long-term permit to the EU long-term residence permit.

If you decide to stay in Spain permanently later, you can return to the national version without losing your rights. The EU version is beneficial for individuals seeking to work or study in another EU country.

Rights and Responsibilities of a Long-Term Residence Permit

After obtaining the long-term residence permit, you are entitled to certain rights, have duties, and tax obligations. 

Rights

• Be an employee or self-employed person in Spain
• Study and get a public education
• Get help from the government with health care and social security
• Apply for family reunification for your spouse, partner, and any other family members who depend on you.

Responsibilities

• Make sure your address is still registered (empadronamiento) with your local town hall.
• Every five years, you are required to obtain a new Foreigner’s ID Card (TIE).
• If you move, get married, or change jobs, you are required to notify the relevant authorities.

How Can IAS Help with your Spain Long-Term Residence Permit Application?

Are you looking to obtain a long-term residence permit in Spain? The Immigration Advice Service (IAS) can help! Our team of experts offers a range of services, including legal research, document drafting, document review, and legal advice. We also specialise in contract review, dispute resolution, and legal document preparation.

Our goal is to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible for our clients. We understand that navigating the legal system can be overwhelming, but with the IAS on your side, you can rest assured that your case is in expert hands.

Don’t hesitate to contact us at +44 (0)333 414 9244 or online. Let us help you achieve your goal of obtaining a long-term residence permit in Spain. Trust us to provide the guidance and support you need to make your dream a reality.