Renewal of the Residence Card in Spain
Is your residence card about to expire? At Sterna Lawyers, we help you renew your residence permit in Spain quickly, legally, and securely. Whether your permit is based on employment, self-employment, or family reunification, we explain everything you need to know to maintain your legal status.
When and how to renew your residence permit
Regardless of your type of authorization (employment, family reunification, or self-employment), it has a limited duration and must be renewed on time to avoid falling into an irregular status.
Renewal deadlines:
✅ From 60 days before your permit expires
✅ Up to 90 days after expiration (this may involve a minor penalty, although it is not common)
👉 If you do not renew within this period, you will lose your legal resident status. Contact us before it’s too late!
Requirements to renew your residence
Submitting the renewal application is not enough, you must have complied with the legal requirements during your stay in Spain. This includes:
✅ Having worked if your permit is based on employment
✅ Having paid into Social Security as a self-employed worker
✅ Maintaining family ties if your permit is based on family reunification
✅ Being up to date with your taxes and having no criminal record
Renewal of self-employment residence permit
To renew your self-employment permit, you must demonstrate:
🔹 You continue the economic activity that justified your permit
🔹 You are up to date with tax and Social Security obligations
🔹 You have no criminal record
🔹 Your partner or spouse has sufficient means to support you
🔹 You receive benefits due to cessation of activity
🔹 Your children are enrolled in school (if applicable)
Renewal of employment-based residence permit
If you hold a residence and work permit as an employee, you must meet one of the following conditions:
🔹 Continue in the same job that led to your initial authorization
🔹 Have worked at least 6 months per year and have a new employment contract
🔹 Be receiving unemployment benefits or social assistance
🔹 Be registered as a job seeker
🔹 Have worked at least 9 out of the last 12 months (or 18 out of 24 months)
Renewal of residence permit for family reunification
In this case, it is essential to maintain the family relationship and prove that the conditions that allowed the initial reunification are still met:
🔹 The sponsor must have adequate housing and sufficient financial means
🔹 The family relationship must be maintained (special attention to separations or divorce)
🔹 Valid health insurance must be in place and, if minors are involved, proof of school enrollment
🔹 The application must be submitted within the legal timeframe (before expiration or within 90 days after)
Why choose us?
At Sterna Lawyers, we help you avoid mistakes, missed deadlines, or unnecessary rejections.
- Do you have questions about how to renew your residence permit in Spain?
- Not sure what documents you need or whether you can apply online?
Schedule your renewal with an expert attorney
Ready to renew your residence permit?
Frequently asked questions about work permits in Spain
Can I renew my residence permit online?
Yes! Online renewal is possible if you have a digital certificate.
💡 At Sterna Lawyers, we have digital certificates and can handle your renewal process entirely online-no travel required and with full legal validity.
What if I don’t meet the requirements?
All is not lost. If you do not meet the requirements, other legal options may be available, such as modifying your residence status, applying under exceptional circumstances, humanitarian grounds, or filing an administrative appeal.
How do I know if my renewal application has been approved?
You will receive an official notification from the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration once your application has been approved. In some cases, you will be issued a new residence card. If you do not receive a response within the expected timeframe, you can check the status of your application or file a claim.
Can I work while my renewal is being processed?
Yes, as long as your renewal is in process and you are within the validity period of your current residence card, you can continue working. However, if your card has expired and you did not renew it within the allowed period, you will not be able to work legally until your renewal is approved.