Spanish Long-Term Residence (Residencia de larga duración)

Who it's for

Non-EU nationals who have lived legally and continuously in Spain for around five years on temporary permits (work, study-converted, non-lucrative, family, etc.) and want permanent status.

Requirements

• Around 5 years of continuous legal residence in Spain (limited absences permitted)
• No relevant criminal record
• Evidence of prior residence permits and continuity of stay
• Valid passport
• Applicable fees paid

What you can do

• Live and work in Spain indefinitely without a purpose-specific permit
• Access employment and self-employment freely
• Enjoy broadly equal treatment with nationals for many purposes
• Move toward Spanish nationality if other conditions are met

How to apply

The application is made in Spain to the immigration authorities once the qualifying period of legal residence is reached, providing proof of continuous residence and background documents.

Once granted, the status is durable; the physical residence card is renewed periodically, but the underlying right does not need to be re-justified by purpose.

Documents

• Application form for long-term residence
• Valid passport
• Proof of continuous legal residence (prior permit cards/resolutions)
• Criminal record documentation as required
• Proof of fee payment