The content of this page is for guidance only. Only the provisions set forth in the regulations in force at the time of submitting the application shall apply.
European permanent residence
Long-term EU residence permit
Topics
Description
This authorization allows you to live and work in Spain indefinitely under the same conditions as nationals, and also to apply for transfer to other member states of the European Union under certain conditions. Its granting confers a special status as a long-term EU resident regulated by European Union law.
Avantages
✨ Allows you to live and work in Spain under the same conditions as Spanish citizens.
✨ Enables relocation and residence in other EU member states under harmonized conditions.
✨ Provides legal stability by not depending on the periodic renewal of residence.
How to apply? (including family members)
✔️ Any foreign person who has resided legally and continuously in Spain for at least five years may apply for this authorization.
✔️ The main applicant is the one who proves such continuous legal residence.
✔️ Family members who are already part of their household and have also resided legally and continuously during the same period may accompany them from the start.
Requirements
✅ For the initial application for the Long-term EU residence authorization:
🔹 Prove legal and continuous residence in Spain for at least five years.
🔹 Have stable and sufficient financial means.
🔹 Have public or private health insurance providing coverage equivalent to the National Health System.
🔹 Not pose a threat to public order or public security.
🔹 Have fulfilled tax and Social Security obligations.
📌 For holders of international protection, the period of residence may be counted under certain conditions according to the new Royal Decree.
Required Documents
📌 The following documentation must be submitted in all cases:
🔹 Valid and complete passport.
🔹 Proof of having legally resided in Spain for five years (registration certificates, previous residence permits, etc.).
🔹 Documentation proving sufficient financial means (pay slips, employment contracts, income tax returns, etc.).
🔹 Valid public or private health insurance in Spain.
🔹 Proof of compliance with tax and Social Security obligations.
📌 If applying for family members, you must also include:
🔹 Documents proving the family relationship.
🔹 Evidence of cohabitation in Spain during the required period.
Duration and Renewal
📌 This authorization is valid indefinitely as long as the requirements that led to its granting are maintained.
📌 The physical residence card is valid for five years and must be renewed periodically, without affecting the long-term EU residence status.
Application Process
Gathering documentation
Collect all documents proving continuous residence, financial means, health insurance, and other required conditions.
Submission of the application
The application is submitted either in person or online to the Immigration Office corresponding to the place of residence.
Resolution
The Administration must notify the decision within a maximum period of three months. If no response is given, it is considered approved by positive administrative silence.
Entry into Spain and final procedures
Once granted, the foreigner’s identity card (TIE) is issued, valid for five years and renewable.
Normative
Organic Law 4/2000, of January 11
Regulation approved by Royal Decree 557/2011, of April 20
Royal Decree 1155/2024, of November 19
Council Directive 2003/109/EC, of November 25, 2003
