Renewing employed-work residence: requirements and deadlines (2025)

If you hold a residence and work authorisation and its expiry is approaching, the first thing to know is that renewing residence based on employed work (cuenta ajena) is not the same as applying for the first time: the renewal looks, above all, at whether you have maintained your working life and your social security contributions. With the new Immigration Regulation (Royal Decree 1155/2024, in force since 20 May 2025) the procedure has been simplified and, as an important change, the renewal is now granted for 4 years instead of 2.

In this guide we review the requirements, documents, fees and updated deadlines. If you still have doubts about which route applies to you or want to confirm this is the right one, you can use our orientation finder for immigration routes before starting the procedure.

Requirements to renew employed-work residence

The key to renewal is proving continuity of employment or, if you lost your job, that you are in a situation the regulation considers equivalent. As a guideline, the Administration usually assesses whether one of these situations is met during the validity of your card:

• You are still working: you have an employment relationship registered with Social Security at the moment you apply for the renewal.
• You have contributed for a minimum period: even if your contract ended, you contributed during a good part of the period of your authorisation.
• Legal unemployment situation: the contract ended but you receive a contributory unemployment benefit, or you have worked and are registered as a jobseeker.
• New contract or job offer: you have a new offer that guarantees your working activity.

In addition, you must have no criminal record in Spain and be up to date with your tax and Social Security obligations. Unlike the initial authorisation, to renew you are not required to provide the criminal record certificate from your country of origin.

Documents for the renewal

The usual documents worth preparing to renew employed-work residence include:

• Application form model EX-03, in duplicate and signed.
• Full valid passport (and a copy of every page).
• Your previous TIE (foreigner's identity card).
• An up-to-date working-life report (informe de vida laboral) and, if you are still working, your contract or a company certificate.
• Documents proving your situation if you are not working (unemployment benefit, jobseeker registration, etc.).
• Proof of payment of the fee model 790, code 062.

Remember that the first time you obtained this authorisation you went through the route of initial residence and work as an employee; the renewal is the natural continuation of that same path.

Deadlines to renew employed-work residence

With RD 1155/2024 the deadlines have been made more flexible. The renewal application can be submitted:

• During the 60 calendar days before your card's expiry date.
• Within the 90 calendar days after that expiry, without this in itself entailing a penalty.

While the renewal is being decided, your previous authorisation is extended and remains valid. A decision must be issued within a maximum of 3 months; if that time passes with no reply, positive administrative silence applies (the application is deemed granted). The new authorisation, as noted, is valid for 4 years.

And after renewing? The road to long-term residence

Each renewal brings you closer to stability. When you accumulate five years of legal and continuous residence in Spain, you will be able to apply for long-term residence, which no longer depends on keeping a contract and is renewed automatically every five years. In many cases it is the step before considering citizenship.

Frequently asked questions

Can I renew if I have become unemployed?

Yes, it is possible in several situations: if you receive a contributory unemployment benefit, if you have contributed for a minimum period during the validity of your authorisation, or if you are registered as a jobseeker after having worked. Each case is assessed individually.

How long does the renewal last under the new regulation?

With RD 1155/2024, the renewal of employed-work residence is generally granted for 4 years, compared with the 2 years under the previous regulation.

What happens if I submit the application after the card expires?

You have up to 90 calendar days after expiry to submit the renewal without this meaning a penalty. Even so, it is advisable not to leave it to the last minute and to apply within the 60 days beforehand.

Do I need the criminal record certificate from my country?

No. To renew, the criminal record certificate from the country of origin is not required; only whether you have a record in Spain is checked.

Notice: this guide is for orientation only and does not replace individualised legal advice or the official information of the Administration. Requirements and deadlines may vary depending on your specific case and the instructions in force. Always verify the details with official sources or consult an immigration professional before submitting your application.