Permanent Residence, Access to a Lasting Life in Spain

What is the Permanent Residence in Spain and how can it be obtained? 

Permanent Residence, regulated by Royal Decree 240/2007, is the key that allos Spain to become a permanent home. This permit is desinged for foreigners under the community regime (EU/Schengen citizens and their relatives) who have enjoyed an initial EU card or certificate for 5 years. 

What are the benefits of the Permanent Residence? 

• Right to live, work, and/or study in Spain 
• Ability to travel throughout the European Union without needing other visa
• Option to extend benefits to family members
• Acquisition of a permit providing stability and security for 10 years
• Possibility of renewal to extend the benefits

Who can Apply for Permanent Residence and what are the Requirements? 

Depending on whether you are a citizend of the European Union or a non-EU family member, requirements vary:

• EU Citizen: 
  • Legal residence in Spain for five years
  • Being employed of self-employed, or having sufficient financial resources to live in Spain 
  • Having public or private health insurance equivalent to the National Health System 
• Family Member of EU Citizen: 
  • Being a family member of a community citizen 
  • Legal residence in Spain for five years
  • Maintaining the family bond with the EU citizen that granted the initial residence permit
  • Being employed or self-employed, or having sufficient financial resources to live in Spain 
  • Having public or private health insurance equivalent to the National Health System 

Are there exceptions to the five-year legal residence requirement for Permanent Residence in Spain? 

Yes, Royal Decree 240/2007 allows access to Permanent Residence without the need for five years of legal residence in Spain in certain exceptional circumstances. 

Who can apply for Permanent Residence without the requirement of previous five-year residence? 

• Workers who, upon ceasing their activity, have reached the age specified in Spanish legislation for retirement with a pension entitlement
• Employees who access early retirement, having excercise their activities in Spain for at least twelve months and resided in Spain continuously for more than 3 years
• Workers who have ceased their activities due to permanent disabilities 
• Worker who, after three consecutive tears of continous activity and residence in Spain, perform their activities in another EU Member State and maintain their residence in Spain, returning to Spanish territory daily or at least once a week 

How long does Permanent Residence last? 

Permanent Residence must be renewed every 10 years

How can Permanent Residence be Obtained? 

Once you have 5 years of legal residence in Spain, except in the discussed exceptions, you should apply for Permanent Residence at the Foreigner`s Office of the province where you reside, submitting the mentioned documents for evaluation by immigration authorities.

This process is known for its efficiency, provided all necessary documents are available.

At Gentile Law, we understood the importance of obtaining Permanent Residence, making the process smoother for our clients. We have a tam of professionals experienced in advising and assisting in obtaining Permanent Residence Permits.