The full guide
What is long-term residence?
Long-term residence (residencia de larga duración) is the closest thing to permanent residency in Spain. It lets you live and work in Spain indefinitely, on the same terms as Spaniards for most purposes, without having to prove income or renew your status. Only the plastic card is renewed every five years.
The five-year rule
You need five years of continuous legal residence. Time on most residence permits counts. Continuity is kept as long as you weren’t away for more than six months in a row, or ten months in total across the five years. Longer absences for work reasons can sometimes be allowed.
| Absence pattern over five years | Continuity kept? |
|---|---|
| Several trips adding up to 8 months | Yes |
| One trip of 7 months | Usually no |
| Trips totalling 11 months | No |
Keep evidence of your travel: boarding passes, passport stamps and, since 2026, Entry/Exit System records.
National or EU long-term residence?
| National long-term | EU long-term | |
|---|---|---|
| Main requirement | Five years’ legal residence | Five years’ legal residence |
| Income and health insurance | Not required | Required |
| Moving to another EU country | No special rights | Easier to move and work in another EU country |
How to apply
Fill in form EX-11 and apply at the extranjería office for your province or online through Mercurio. Bring your passport, your current TIE, and a criminal record certificate if needed. Pay the application fee with form 790 code 052. Once approved, book fingerprints for your new card and pay the card fee (€21.87 in 2026).
What changes once you have it
You no longer renew your status or show income. You can work freely, and some benefits and procedures become simpler. It also counts towards Spanish citizenship if you want to go further, which for most nationalities requires ten years of residence.
UK citizens under the Withdrawal Agreement
British residents protected by the Withdrawal Agreement follow their own process: after five years they can swap their temporary TIE for a permanent one. See moving to Spain from the UK.
Common mistakes
Long trips abroad. A single absence over six months can reset the clock.
Applying late. Apply as soon as you qualify. If your current permit expires first, renew it.
Forgetting the card. The card expires after five years even though your status doesn’t.
Frequently asked questions
Can I lose long-term residence?
Yes, if you live outside the EU for a long period, usually more than a year for EU long-term status. Ask before planning a long absence.
Does time as a student count?
Rules on student time changed with the 2025 regulation. Check how your years count with the extranjería office before applying.
