Long-term residence
Permit allowing you to live and work in Spain indefinitely under the same conditions as Spanish nationals. It is granted, as a general rule, to anyone who has resided legally and continuously in Spain for 5 years.
General guidance. This is not legal advice. Requirements depend on the regulations in force (Arts. 175 a 189 RD 1155/2024) and on your specific case. Confirm it with the authorities or a professional before starting any procedure.
Who is it for?
Foreign nationals who can prove 5 years of legal, continuous residence in Spain immediately prior to the application. Study-stay periods count at 50%.
Main requirements
- Be a national of a country outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland (EU citizens have their own permanent-residence regime)
- Be in a situation of legal residence in Spain
- Prove 5 years of legal, continuous residence immediately prior to the application
- Have no relevant criminal record
Duration
Permanent residence; the TIE is renewed every 5 years, but the permit does not expire except for prolonged absences or other legal grounds.
Usual documentation
- Official application form (form EX-11) in duplicate and signed
- Full valid passport
- Proof of 5 years of legal, continuous residence (previous residence cards)
- Certificate of registration (empadronamiento) and documentation for calculating absences
- Justification of the situation granting access when it is not based on the general 5-year calculation
- Three recent colour photographs with a white background
- Proof of payment of the fee (form 790, code 052)