How to Obtain Permanent Residency in Spain and Move for Long-Term Stay

Permanent residency (PR) in Spain is a legal status that grants foreign nationals nearly the same rights as Spanish citizens, with the exception of voting rights and eligibility for government positions. According to the «Law on the Rights and Freedoms of Foreigners», applicants who have legally resided in the country for more than 5 years are eligible to apply for permanent residency. Amendments to immigration legislation came into effect in 2023, particularly concerning employment and family-based immigration pathways. Currently, approximately 7.3 million foreign nationals reside permanently in Spain.

What Permanent Residency in Spain Offers

Permanent residency in Spain grants foreign nationals several key benefits:

• visa-free travel throughout all countries in the Schengen Area;
• the ability to run a business or be employed in Spain without the need for special work permits;
• access to free healthcare under the national insurance system;
• family reunification for close relatives;
• eligibility to apply for Spanish citizenship in the future.

Who Is Eligible for Permanent Residency

Foreign nationals who have already obtained a Spanish residence permit and have legally resided in the country as temporary residents for at least five years are eligible to apply for permanent residency. Among the main requirements are a clean criminal record and proof of stable income. Certain categories of applicants may be eligible for permanent residency in Spain sooner than the standard timeline. The residency period may be shortened for self-employed individuals or employees who:

• have reached retirement age;
• ended their professional activity due to disability;
• after three years of uninterrupted employment and residence in Spain, worked in another EU country while returning to Spain daily or at least once a week each year.

Pathways to Obtaining Permanent Residency

To relocate to Spain with permanent residency status, a foreign national must first legalize their stay in the country. Temporary residence is typically granted for one year and can be renewed. Both temporary and then permanent residency can be obtained on specific legal grounds.

Study

A residence permit is issued to applicants admitted to Spanish universities, exchange students, and participants in language programs. Foreign nationals receiving education in the Kingdom of Spain are granted a residence permit for up to 2 years with the possibility of renewal. However, temporary residency based on study does not qualify for permanent residency. Graduates of Spanish universities may apply for a residence permit for job searching or starting a business. After five years of residing in the country as an employed or self-employed individual, an immigrant may apply for permanent residency.

Employment

Foreign nationals employed in Spain are issued a residence permit that also serves as a work permit. Employers can only hire a foreign worker after notifying the National Employment Service. The applicant receives a residence and work permit valid for 12 months, renewable thereafter. During this period, the foreign national is not allowed to change their field of work or employer. Labor migrants may apply for permanent residency after five years of continuous legal residence in Spain.

Remote Work

Foreign nationals working remotely in the IT sector may apply for a digital nomad visa in Spain. Eligible applicants must earn at least EUR 1,200 per month, hold a university degree, and have more than three years of professional experience. The digital nomad visa allows for the registration of a residence permit valid for one year with the option to renew. After five years of residing in Spain under temporary residency, foreign nationals may apply for permanent status.

Financially Independent Individuals

A stable passive income is another pathway to obtaining permanent residency in Spain. Financially independent individuals (FII) may qualify for a residence permit if their monthly income is at least EUR 2,500. This category of immigrants may apply for permanent residency after five years of living in the country under temporary status. However, the Spanish residence permit for financially independent persons does not allow them to work or engage in commercial activities within the kingdom.

Business

One of the ways to quickly relocate to Spain and obtain permanent residency is by launching a startup. To acquire a one-year residence permit, the applicant must register their own company. The project’s innovation must be recognized by the Directorate-General for International Trade and Investments. A startup-based residence permit in Spain can be renewed, and after five years, the holder may apply for permanent residency. To successfully legalize their stay in the country, the entrepreneur must demonstrate sufficient funds to start the business, as well as the absence of a criminal record or outstanding administrative/tax obligations.

Investment and Property Purchase

Foreign nationals are eligible for a residence permit if they invest at least EUR 2 million in securities or EUR 1 million in bank deposits or shares of Spanish state-owned enterprises. Purchasing residential or commercial real estate worth over EUR 500,000 also qualifies as grounds for temporary residency. Residence permits for those who have bought property or invested in the country’s economy are issued for one year with the option to renew. After residing in the kingdom for five years, immigrants may apply for permanent residency.

Family Immigration

Close relatives of Spanish nationals and residents are granted temporary residency under the family reunification program. This type of immigration also allows residence permits for applicants holding temporary status and their family members. Later, the main applicant may apply for permanent residency together with their children and spouse. Typically, residence permits for family reunification are issued for one year with the possibility of renewal and eventual naturalization.

How to Obtain Permanent Residency in Spain

• Visa Application.
  Foreign nationals planning to immigrate to Spain must first obtain a long-term visa of category D. This entry permit can be issued by a Spanish diplomatic mission abroad or at a visa application center. The applicant schedules an appointment online, receives an invitation to visit the authorized office, and brings the required documents on the assigned date. The visa processing time ranges from 1 to 3 months.
• Residence Permit Application.
  To obtain a residence permit directly in Spain, the applicant must submit a request to the immigration department of the Ministry of the Interior based on their place of residence. The applicant is required to provide a set of documents similar to those submitted during the visa application. The request is reviewed by the competent authority within three to six months.
• Obtaining Permanent Residency.
  After five years of living in Spain with temporary residency, an individual may apply for permanent residency. The application is submitted to the immigration office or local police station. Once the request is reviewed—within three to six months—the authorized body issues the applicant a permanent residence card.

Numerous testimonials from those who have moved to Spain confirm that immigration to the Kingdom can be a smooth process with the assistance of professional legal experts. These specialists support clients in preparing their file, submitting the application, and arranging residency and local documentation.

Documents Required for the Application

In addition to the application form, the following documents are needed to obtain permanent residency in Spain:

• a valid passport;
• proof of payment of the state fee;
• a valid residence permit.

The permanent residency application form can be requested from a staff member at the authorized immigration office. Foreign documents must be translated into Spanish and legalized by apostille.

Permanent Residency in Spain: How Long Can You Stay Abroad

One of the conditions for obtaining permanent residency in Spain is uninterrupted residence in the Kingdom for more than 183 days each year. A foreign national applying for residency status may leave the country for no more than a total of 10 months during the entire five-year settlement period. If this requirement is violated, the immigrant will be denied permanent residency.

Denial or Revocation of Status

The immigration authority has the right to deny an applicant permanent residency if they:

• violated the period of stay in the country;
• submitted a file containing inaccurate/incomplete/false information;
• have legal issues.

If the application for permanent residency is rejected, the foreign national must either file an appeal or leave the country. In the event of a repeated refusal by the competent authority, the applicant must exit Spain. Illegal immigrants are deported with a subsequent entry ban to all EU countries.