Long-Term Residency (Larga Duración) in Spain: Complete Guide and How to Apply

There are several legal pathways that allow foreign nationals to qualify for long-term residency (Larga Duración or LD) or EU long-term residency (Larga Duración-UE) in Spain. These include:

• Continuous legal residence in Spain for 5 years.
• Previous residency in other EU countries under the Blue Card or LD-UE.
• Special conditions such as retirement, disability, birth in Spain, or stateless status.
• Family members of EU long-term residents or individuals recovering their former long-term resident status.

Each pathway has its own legal requirements and required documentation. See below for detailed sections for each specific type.

To be eligible for Larga Duración in Spain, the applicant must:

• Not be a citizen of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland.
• Have no criminal record in Spain or any previous countries of residence.
• Not be banned from entering Spain or appear as rejectable in countries with shared entry agreements.
• Meet one of the following conditions:
  • Have legally and continuously resided in Spain for 5 years. Short absences are allowed: up to 6 months at a time, not exceeding 10 months total (or 12 for work) over 5 years.
  • Have held a EU Blue Card for 5 continuous years in the EU, with the last 2 years in Spain. Absences from the EU must not exceed 12 consecutive months or 18 total months in 5 years.
  • Be a recipient of a Spanish contributory pension for retirement.
  • Be a recipient of a contributory permanent disability or severe disability pension under the Spanish system.
  • Have been born in Spain and lived there legally and continuously for the 3 years prior to application, after turning 18.
  • Be a former Spanish national who has lost Spanish citizenship.
  • Have been under the custody of a Spanish public entity during the 5 years prior to turning 18.
  • Be a recognized stateless person, refugee, or under subsidiary protection in Spain.
  • Have made significant contributions to Spain’s economic, scientific, cultural, or international profile, supported by the Ministry of Employment.

Required Documentation:

• Form EX-11↗, completed and signed.
• Copy of entire passport.
• Certificate of school enrollment for minors (if applicable).
• Criminal record certificate from countries of residence for the past 5 years.
• Proof of Payment of Tasa 790 052↗
• Specific supporting documents for each case (birth certificate, pension certificate, Blue Card proof, etc.).
• All foreign documents must be translated into Spanish and legalized or apostilled as per international agreements.

To be eligible for Larga Duración-UE, the applicant must:

• Not be an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen or their family member under EU regime.
• Have no criminal record in Spain or former countries of residence.
• Not be banned from entry in Spain or similar territory.
• Have legally and continuously resided in Spain for 5 years.
  • Absences up to 6 months allowed (max. 10 months total in 5 years, or 12 months if for work).
  • Time spent on a student visa or exchange counts at 50% if followed by a residence permit.
• Hold a EU Blue Card with at least 2 years of residence in Spain, and prior residence in the EU Blue Card system totaling 5 years.
• Show proof of stable and regular income to support themselves and family:
  • 150% of IPREM for 2 people, +50% for each additional person.
  • Income can come from employment, self-employment, or passive sources.
• Show proof of health insurance, either public or private.

Required Documentation:

• Form EX-11↗.
• Complete passport copy.
• Financial documentation (Employment Letter, Tax Returns, Bank Statements, Invoices, etc ).
• Proof of payment of Tasa 790 052↗
• Health insurance certificate (public and/or private).
• Proof of prior EU Blue Card residence (if applicable).
• Translated and legalized documents as required.

This applies to foreign nationals who previously held a Spanish long-term residence permit and lost it due to extended absence or voluntary renunciation.

Eligibility conditions:

• You must not have been expelled from Spain.
• You must submit your application at a Spanish consulate or upon return to Spain, and justify your right to regain long-term resident status.

Documents Required:

• Form EX-11↗.
• Proof of previous long-term residency in Spain.
• Passport copy.
• Proof of payment of Tasa 790 052↗
• Criminal record certificate from all countries of residence for the past 5 years.
• Any supporting documents explaining the reason for the loss and return intent.

This applies to those who previously held a Larga Duración-UE permit in Spain and lost it, often due to prolonged absence from EU territory.

Key requirements:

• You must justify your previous status and the reason for recovery.
• Submit the application either from abroad via consulate or directly in Spain.

Required Documents:

• Form EX-11↗.
• Passport copy.
• Documentation proving previous EU long-term resident status in Spain.
• Proof of payment of Tasa 790 052↗
• Supporting documents (criminal record, justification of return).

This applies to individuals who hold a Larga Duración-UE permit from another EU member state and wish to establish residence in Spain.

Conditions:

• You must present valid documentation of your long-term EU residency.
• Demonstrate your intention to reside in Spain.

Required Documents:

• EX-11 form↗.
• Copy of valid Larga Duración-UE permit from the other EU country.
• Passport.
• Proof of payment of Tasa 790 052↗
• Justification of your move to Spain (employment, family reasons, etc.).

This option is for family members of foreigners holding a Larga Duración-UE permit in another EU country who wish to join them in Spain.

Requirements:

• Proof of the family relationship.
• Copy of the sponsor’s valid LD-UE permit in another EU state.
• Proof of adequate housing, financial means, and health insurance.

Required Documents:

• EX-11 form↗.
• Passport copy.
• Proof of payment of Tasa 790 052↗
• Copy of sponsor’s LD-UE card.
• Marriage or birth certificates.
• Financial and housing proof (Empadronamiento).
• Translations and legalizations as needed.

This applies to non-EU family members of EU citizens who already hold 5 years of continuous residence under the EU regime.

Requirements:

• Continuous legal residence in Spain as a family member for at least 5 years.
• Proof of continued family relationship (marriage, partnership, parenthood).

Required Documents:

• Application form for permanent EU family card.
• Passport copy.
• Valid residence card.
• Certificate of registration of the EU citizen family member.
• Marriage or birth certificate.
• Documents must be translated and legalized if needed.

1. Gather documents:

• EX-11 application form↗
• A copy of all pages of your Passport
• Current residency card (TIE)
• Proof of 5 years of legal residence (empadronamiento history, social security contributions, residency cards)
• Criminal record certificate
• Passport-sized photo
• Payment proof of Tasa 790 052↗

For LD-UE applications:

• Financial documentation and health insurance certificate

💶 What financial proof do I need?

• If employed: Job contract and last 3 payslips
• If self-employed (autónomo): Tax returns (Modelo 130 or Modelo 131)
• If not working:
  • Bank certificate showing balance
  • Last 6 months' bank statements
  • Explanation of income sources (savings, property sale, pension, etc.)

For health insurance: Provide a certificate from a public or private insurance provider authorized in Spain.

• Fill and submit Modelo 790 052↗
• Tick box 2.6: "Autorización de residencia de larga duración y autorización de residencia de larga duración-UE"
• Pay €21.87

Online (Recommended):

• Apply through MERCURIO platform: MERCURIO↗
• Or via Registro Electrónico: Registro Electrónico↗
• Address to: Oficina de Extranjería Madrid – Code: EA0040721

In-Person:

• Submit at a registry of:
  • Spanish Central Government
  • Regional Government (Comunidad Autónoma)
  • Your local Town Hall (Ayuntamiento)

By Post (via Correos):

• Use ORVE Service (recommended)
• Or send via administrative mail to:
  • Oficina de Extranjería
  • Calle García de Paredes, 65
  • 28010 Madrid

Applicants often make avoidable errors that lead to delays or rejections. Here are the most frequent ones to watch out for:

• ❌ Submitting incomplete or untranslated documents, especially certificates from outside Spain
• ❌ Applying too early, before completing the 5-year legal residency period
• ❌ Using the wrong tax form or incorrect Tasa code (always double-check the correct box on Modelo 790 052)
• ❌ Forgetting to track time spent outside Spain or the EU (too many days abroad can disqualify you)
• ❌ Not renewing your TIE card on time, even if your residency is indefinite, your TIE must be kept valid.

You can get it by visiting this link Ministerio de Justicia↗ and selecting "Solicitud de certificado electrónico de Antecedentes Penales para personas físicas"

Average processing time: 1 to 3 months (may vary by province).

Administrative silence (silencio administrativo):

• Get an appointment at the Extranjeria↗ or your local Police Station↗.
• Fill EX-17 form↗
• Bring a recent passport photo (different from previous TIE)
• Provide a copy of resolution approving your residency application
• Pay Tasa 790 Código 012: Fill it here↗ and select the option "TIE que documenta la autorización de residencia de larga duración o de residencia de larga duración-UE." for LD or LD-UE TIE card

To Fill Form EX-17↗, follow these steps:

You can pay for Tax 790 012 by filling the tax form and payingonline or at your nearest bank, follow these steps:

It usually takes about 30-40 days for your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) card to be ready, but here's how you can check precisely if your card is available:

1. Locate Your Lot Number:

   • Find the receipt you received when submitting your TIE application. Your lot number (número de lote) is indicated here.

2. Visit the Official Website:

   • Go to the Cita previa de Extranjería website↗.

3. Select Your Province and Office:

   • Choose your province from the list provided.
   • Under "Selecciona Oficina", choose the specific office where you submitted your TIE application.

4. Select the Relevant Procedure:

   • In "Selecciona trámite", choose "RECOGIDA DE TARJETA DE IDENTIDAD DE EXTRANJERO (TIE)", then click "ACCEPTAR".

5. Check the Latest Lot Number:

   • The next page will display the message "EL ÚLTIMO LOTE RECIBIDO EN LA OFICINA SELECCIONADA ES EL [NUMERO]".

If your lot number is less than or equal to the displayed lot number, your TIE card is ready for collection. If your lot number is higher, you must wait and check again later.

Once confirmed, proceed to book your appointment for collection.

• Long Term residence in Spain
• Right to work (as employee or self-employed)
• Access to public healthcare and education
• Family reunification rights
• No need for annual renewals
• Ability to recover your status if lost due to absence

• Do not leave the EU for over 12 consecutive months (LD)
• For LD-UE: Do not leave Spain for over 6 consecutive years
• Renew your TIE card every 5 years (status remains valid indefinitely)

Yes, you may lose your LD or LD-UE status if:

• You leave the EU for more than 12 consecutive months
• You obtain LD status in another EU country
• You are absent from Spain for over 6 years (LD-UE only)
• You commit a serious offense or submit false documents

• Submit EX-11↗ form
• Include: Passport, criminal record certificate, medical certificate (if abroad), and proof of past residency
• Pay Tasa 790 052↗ again
• Apply at a Spanish Consulate (if abroad) or at a Spanish immigration office upon re-entry
• After approval, apply for a new TIE card