Here we look at obtaining Long-Term residence in Spain.
For non-EU citizens who have built a life here, achieving long-term residence (Autorización de Residencia de Larga Duración) is a key milestone. This permit grants indefinite stay in Spain, with rights similar to Spanish citizens, including work and access to public services.
In this blog post from SpainResidency.com, we’ll break down the requirements, eligibility, application process, and recent updates for 2025. Whether you’re on a temporary visa or nearing your five-year mark, understanding these steps can smooth your path to permanence.
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In this post we cover the following: (click any section to see its content)
Obtaining Long-Term residence in Spain
- WHAT IS LONG-TERM RESIDENCE IN SPAIN? »
- ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR 2025 »
- BENEFITS OF LONG-TERM RESIDENCE »
- COMMON PITFALLS AND TIPS »
- ALL TYPES OF RESIDENCY AVAILABLE IN SPAIN »
- SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A SOLICITOR »
WHAT IS LONG-TERM RESIDENCE IN SPAIN?:
Long-term residence, often called permanent residency, allows non-EU nationals to live and work in Spain without time limits after five years of legal residence. There are two main types:
- National Long-Term Residence: Valid only in Spain, renewable every five years (or 10 years for those over 30 in some cases, per 2025 updates).
- EU Long-Term Residence: Offers mobility across the EU, with additional requirements like integration proof.
This status is distinct from citizenship, which requires 10 years of residence (with exceptions) and a separate application. It’s ideal for retirees, workers, or families who’ve integrated into Spanish society.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR 2025:
To qualify for long-term residence in Spain as of 2025, you must meet these core conditions:
- Continuous Legal Residence: At least five years in Spain on a temporary residence permit (e.g., non-lucrative, work, or student visa). Absences must not exceed six months per year or 10 months total over five years (12 months if work-related). Student visa time counts as half.
- No Criminal Record: A clean police record from Spain and your home country (or countries of residence in the last five years). Certificates must be apostilled and translated if needed.
- Economic Stability: Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and dependents without relying on public aid. For 2025, this means at least €600/month per person (100% of IPREM), often verified via bank statements or income sources like pensions or salaries.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage equivalent to Spain’s public system, either private or through social security if employed.
- Integration (for EU Permit): Pass a Spanish language test (A2 level) and demonstrate cultural integration, such as through a CCSE exam or residency history.
Note: Recent 2025 reforms emphasize faster processing (3-6 months) and digital applications, but stricter renewal rules apply, including residency continuity checks.
BENEFITS OF LONG-TERM RESIDENCE:
- Indefinite stay and work rights in Spain.
- Access to education, healthcare, and social benefits.
- Easier family reunification.
- Path to citizenship after an additional five years.
- EU permit holders can live/work in other EU countries for up to three months.
COMMON PITFALLS AND TIPS:
- Track Absences: Use a diary to monitor time abroad—exceeding limits can reset your clock.
- Act Early: With 2025’s streamlined processes, apply digitally to avoid delays.
- Seek Expert Help: Immigration rules evolve; consult professionals to avoid rejections.
At SpainResidency.com, our team of immigration lawyers can guide you through the process, from document preparation to appeals. Contact us for a free consultation and make your long-term stay in Spain a reality!
ALL TYPES OF RESIDENCY AVAILABLE IN SPAIN:
- Digital-Nomad visa Spain (Remote worker in Spain)
- Non-Lucrative visa Spain (Spanish visa non lucrative)
- Student-Visa Permit (Student-Visa & up-to 30 hours work per week)
- Self-Employed visa Spain (Self employed expats in Spain)
Please see-here our video-blog with options and legal-advice to obtain residency in Spain.
Remember that immigration procedures and immigration regulations change regularly, so it’s crucial to stay updated with the latest information from reliable sources. If you have specific questions or concerns about your situation, it’s advisable to consult with immigration authorities or legal professionals specializing in immigration matters, to do this, please click-here »
DO YOU REQUIRE ASSISTANCE TO APPLY FOR RESIDENCY IN SPAIN?
We are a Spanish Solicitor and assist our clients with all types Spanish legal processes.
Permanent residency is obtained after 5 years of Spanish Residency through Self-Employed Residency, Digital-Nomad, Non-Lucrative Residency or Golden-Visa. This followed by 5 years as a permanent resident in Spain and means you can then obtain Spanish Citizenship with a Spanish Passport.