EU Long-term residence permit

The EU Long-Term Residence Permit is a residence authorization that allows non-EU nationals to reside and work in Spain indefinitely under conditions comparable to those of Spanish citizens. This permit also provides the possibility to obtain residence or work authorizations in other EU Member States, subject to their specific regulations. 

 

What is the EU Long-Term Residence Permit?

Ti permit is designed for non-EU nationals who have legally and continuously resided in Spain for at least five years. It grants the holder rights similar to those of Spanish citizens, including: 

  • The ability to live and work in Spain indefinitely. 
  • Access to social and economic benefits under the same conditions as Spanish citizens. 
  • The opportunity to apply for residence or work permits in other EU Member States. 

However, the conditions for obtaining these benefits may vary depending on the Member State. 

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for the EU Long-Term Residence Permit, applicants must meet the following requirements: 

  1. Non-EU Citizenship: Applicants must not hold citizenship of an EU Member State, the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland. Additionally, family members of EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens who benefit from Union citizen rights are not eligible. 
  2. Clean Criminal Record: The applicant must have no criminal record in Spain or in any previous country of residence for crimes recognized under Spanish law. 
  3. No Entry Bans: Applicants must not have an entry ban for Spain or other territories with which Spain has agreements regarding migration. 
  4. Continuous Legal Residence: Applicants must have resided legally and continuously in Spain for at least five years. Short absences are permitted: 
    1. Up to six consecutive months, provided the total does not exceed ten months within five years. 
    2. Up to one year for work-related reasons. For EU Blue Card holders, residence periods in other EU Member States may count towards the five years, provided the last two years were spent in Spain. Absences from the EU must not exceed 12 consecutive months or 18 months total within the five years. 
  5. Sufficient Financial Resources: Applicants must prove they have stable and adequate income to support themselves and their family: 
    1. For a two-person household: 150% of the IPREM (Public Income Index). 
    2. For additional family members: 50% of the IPREM per person. 
  6. Health Insurance: Applicants must have public or private health insurance that covers risks commonly insured for Spanish citizens. 

Required Documentation

Applicants must provide the following documents: 

  • Application Form: Completed and signed EX–11 form (available here). 
  • Passport Copy: A complete copy of a valid passport or travel document. 
  • Proof of Residence: For EU Blue Card holders, evidence of residence in other EU Member States. 
  • Financial Proof: Documentation proving stable and sufficient income. 
  • Health Insurance: Evidence of coverage through public or private health insurance. 

Important: 

  • Documents issued outside Spain must be translated into Spanish or a co-official language of the region where the application is submitted. 
  • Foreign public documents must be legalized or apostilled under the Hague Convention unless exempt. 

How to Apply?

  • Inside Spain: Submit the application in person or through a representative at a public registry, addressed to the Immigration Office of the applicant’s province of residence. For details, consult the official Immigration Office site. 
  • Outside Spain: Submit the application at the Spanish consulate or diplomatic mission in the applicant’s country of residence. 
  • Payment is required at the time of submission using the Model 790 code 052, section 2.6. Download the payment form here. Payment must be made within ten business days. 
  • Applications are typically processed within three months. If no response is received, the application may be considered approved by administrative silence. 

Post-Approval: Obtaining the Foreigner’s Identity Card

After approval, the applicant must request their Foreigner’s Identity Card (TIE) within one month. The following are required: 

  • Proof of card fee payment. 
  • Three recent passport-size photos with a white background. 
  • Valid passport or travel document for identity verification. 

Renewal of the EU Long-Term Residence Permit

Permit holders must renew their Foreigner’s Identity Card every five years. Renewal applications should be submitted 60 days before expiration to avoid penalties. 

Additional Notes

Documents issued outside Spain must meet Spanish legalization requirements or bear the Hague Apostille. Translation into Spanish is mandatory unless the document is exempt under international conventions. 

If the resolution cannot be notified directly, it will be published in the “Single Edictal Board” (TEU). The applicant has 10 working days to access and confirm the notification. 

To maintain the permit, holders must comply with all conditions, including timely renewals and adherence to residency requirements. 

 

For personalized assistance, our legal experts are ready to guide you through the entire process. Contact us today to start your journey toward obtaining the EU Long-Term Residence Permit.