Common Mistakes When Renewing Residency in Spain and How to Avoid Them
6 Marzo, 2024
In Spain, there is a considerable population of foreign citizens who reside and work with residency permits, regardless of the modality. However, these permits must be renewed periodically, and sometimes refusals occur due to reasons that could have been avoided. Therefore, it is crucial to consider certain aspects before initiating the renewal process for your card and avoid committing common errors.
Allowing the residency card to expire.
To ensure a successful renewal of your card, we strongly recommend avoiding its expiration. That's why we always suggest starting the renewal process before the card expires. According to immigration regulations, you have the option to initiate renewal up to 60 days before the expiration date of your card, or up to 90 days after its expiration. Although you can renew within both deadlines, it is preferable to do so before the card expires. If you renew within the 90 days afterward, you could face a fine imposed by the Immigration Office. Keep in mind that if you are renewing a Residence Card for a Family Member of a Community Citizen, the deadlines are different. In this case, you can initiate renewal up to 30 days before the expiration date of your card or up to 90 days after.
Wating to be notified.
Do not rely on the usual letter that is usually sent as a reminder that your card is about to expire. Sometimes, those letters do not reach their destination. Take the initiative to renew your card on your own, even if you have not received any notification or communication regarding it. The responsibility lies with you. You must correctly note the deadlines or rely on professionals who are in constant contact with immigration to avoid unnecessary surprises.
Not paying the fees correctly.
Another common mistake is not paying the administrative fees when renewing our card or doing so with errors in the submitted model. In most cases, residency cards in Spain require the payment of the corresponding fee, which may be, for example, 790 codes 052, 062, or 038, depending on each situation. It is advisable to pay the fees and attach the receipt along with the rest of the documentation. This way, you will avoid requirements and delays in the process. If you do not pay the fees or do so incorrectly, your application will be archived.
Not staying in the country.
Residence and work permits in Spain are specifically designed to live within our country. It is important to note that if you spend long periods of time outside of Spain, you could lose your residency card. Remember the periods in which you can stay outside of Spain without affecting your resident status:
For temporary cards (for example, work and residence authorization for two years, family reunification, or non-lucrative residency): you can be outside of Spain for a maximum of six months in a one-year period. For Long-Term or Long-Term-UE cards: you can be continuously outside of the European Union for a maximum of one year. It is essential to comply with these deadlines to ensure the validity of your residency card.
Stay attentive to the expiration of your documents.
It is of vital importance to have all the necessary documents in force at the time of renewing a residency. Each of these documents plays a crucial role in the process, and their validity is essential to ensure a successful renewal. Below are examples of essential documents:
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Passport: It is necessary to have a valid and in good condition passport since this document is used to verify identity and the validity of migratory status.
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Criminal record: Criminal records are another critical aspect to consider. It is necessary to have an updated and valid criminal record certificate. If this document expires or is not renewed on time, it can cause delays or even the denial of residency renewal.
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Labor documents: In the case of work permits, it is essential to consider the validity of labor documents, such as employment contracts, work permits, or any other document related to work activity in Spain. These documents must be in force and updated to demonstrate the continuity of work activity and support the renewal application. Proofs of registration: Registration is a common requirement for residency renewal. It is necessary to have the updated proof of registration demonstrating continuous residence in Spain.
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Health insurance: In some cases, it is necessary to have valid and in-force health insurance for residency renewal. This insurance must meet the requirements established by immigration authorities and must be valid during the renewal period.
Having all documents in force and updated is crucial to avoid complications and delays in the residency renewal process. It is advisable to review and renew the relevant documents in advance, ensuring compliance with all legal requirements established for a successful renewal.
