LONG-TERM RESIDENCE PERMIT

The following are eligible foreign nationals authorized to reside and work in Spain indefinitely under the same circumstances as Spanish nationals:

• Foreigners who have resided legally and continuously in Spanish territory for five years.
• EU Blue Card holders proving to have resided legally and continuously in the EU as long as during the last two years prior to submitting the long-term residence application they have resided within Spanish territory.  Absences of six months will not affect applicants as long as it does not exceed ten months within the five years of required continuous stay in Spain. Work-related absences may not exceed one year.
• Foreigners who fall under the following categories:

1. Foreigners benefiting from a retirement pension under their contribution regime.
2. Resident beneficiares of a permament, long-term or grave disability pension under their contribution regime or those entitled to a non-capitalized sufficient lifelong pension of retired benefits that can cover living expenses.
3. Residents born in Spain who, upon reaching the age of legal majority, have legally and continuously resided in the country for at least three consecutive years prior to submitting the application.
4. Residents of Spanish origin who have lost Spanish nationality.
5. Resident who, upon reaching the age leagl majority, have been under the care of a Spanish public entity for five consecutive years priot to submitting the application.
6. Stateless individuals, refugees or beneficiares of subsidary or temporary protection on Spanish territory recognized in the country.
7. Notorious architects of scientific or cultural progress in Spain or of external projection.

All applicants must submit the official application form before the Diplomatic or Consular office wherever they reside or before the Immigration office in the province where they currently reside or plan to reside in the future. 

Alongside the official application form, the following documentation must be submitted:

• Complete copy of valid passport or travel document.  The original must be shown as well.
• Bank fee receipt to process the application.
• Report accrediting schooling for minors under the applicant´s care for minors of compulsory school age (applications based on periods of previous residence).
• Supporting documentation of previous periods of residence, such as with EU Blue Card holders.
• Supporting documentation of status of stateless persons, refugees or beneficiares of subsidary protection.
• Criminal record 

Once the application is submitted, the request will be resolved by officials within a maximum of three months. Once the authorization is granted, the foreigner must request the corresponding foreigner identification card in person.  This card must be renewed every five years.

Translated by:  Katherine Pascal