Long-Term Residence — Spain

Long-term residence gives you stable status in Spain, but it is not the final step if you want full political rights.

You can maintain permanent residence indefinitely or apply for Spanish nationality if you meet the legal requirements set by the State Secretariat for Migration (Secretaría de Estado de Migraciones, SEM).

Next steps after long-term residence

Once you obtain long-term residence, you receive a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) issued by the National Police.

You must keep this card valid and renew it when required by filing Form EX-11.

Your key obligations include:

• Maintaining lawful residence in Spain
• Renewing your TIE before it expires
• Updating your address with the authorities
• Carrying your valid TIE as proof of status

Long-term residence allows you to work in Spain without needing a separate National Work Visa.

You no longer depend on the original visa type, whether it was a Non-Lucrative Residence Visa, National Student Visa, or Family Reunification Visa.

If you live outside Spain for extended periods, you risk losing your status.

Review the specific absence limits published by SEM before spending significant time abroad.

For procedural details and current requirements, consult SEM guidance.

Spanish citizenship (nationality)

Spanish citizenship grants you full political rights, including the right to vote and obtain a Spanish passport.

Long-term residence does not automatically convert into nationality; you must apply and meet statutory conditions.

In general, you must demonstrate:

• Continuous legal residence in Spain
• Good civic conduct
• Integration into Spanish society
• Compliance with nationality law requirements

Residence periods required for nationality vary depending on your personal circumstances.

Verify the exact timeframe and eligibility rules directly with SEM before applying.

Citizenship applications follow a formal administrative process.

You must submit the required documentation and wait for a decision from the competent authority.

If you qualify, citizenship replaces your foreign national status with full Spanish nationality under Spanish law.

You apply for Spain long-term residence by submitting the correct form to the State Secretariat for Migration (Secretaría de Estado de Migraciones, SEM) and including all required supporting documents.

Most applicants reach this stage after holding a National Work Visa, Non-Lucrative Residence Visa, or Family Reunification Visa.

Forms and filing authority

You must use the official long-term residence application form issued by the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).

This form is commonly referred to as Form EX-11.

Download the current version and its instructions directly from the SEM website.

Always review the instructions for your specific eligibility category before completing the form.

Complete every required section of the form.

Sign it before submission.

An unsigned or incomplete form can delay processing.

If your long-term residence follows a prior visa, confirm that your current status stems from one of these:

• National Work Visa
• Non-Lucrative Residence Visa
• Family Reunification Visa
• In some cases, a long-term stay after a National Student Visa

Step-by-step application actions

Follow these steps carefully and in order:

1. Confirm eligibility category under long-term residence rules.

2. Download the current EX-11 form and official instructions from SEM.

3. Complete all required sections clearly and accurately.

4. Gather supporting documents listed in the instructions.

5. Sign the form.

6. Submit the application with required evidence to the competent authority.

Review your answers for consistency with your immigration history.

Your previous residence authorization must match the pathway you claim.

Do not rely on outdated forms.

SEM updates forms periodically, and older versions may be rejected.

For filing location details or procedural updates, consult the official SEM guidance rather than third-party sources.

Submission checklist

Prepare your file in an organized format.

Missing documents can delay review.

Core items typically required:

• Completed and signed EX-11 form
• Supporting documents listed in the official instructions
• Evidence tied to your specific eligibility category
• Any additional documentation required by SEM

Before submitting, verify:

• All fields are completed.
• Names and dates match your prior residence records.
• Documents correspond to your visa pathway (for example, National Work Visa or Family Reunification Visa history).

Check the SEM website for current fee information and procedural updates.

Fee amounts may change, and you must confirm the correct € amount before filing.

Spain’s long-term residence status lets you stay and work in the country without time limits.

You gain stable legal residence and access to core rights under the same legal framework that applies to Spanish nationals.

Work and residency rights

You can live in Spain indefinitely.

Your authorization no longer depends on holding a specific visa such as a National Work Visa, National Student Visa, Non-Lucrative Residence Visa, or Family Reunification Visa.

You may work as an employee or be self-employed under the same conditions that apply to Spanish citizens.

You do not need a separate work permit tied to an employer once you hold long-term residence.

Your status removes the need to renew temporary residence categories.

Instead, you maintain long-term residence and comply with standard identification and documentation rules, including your foreigner identity card issued by the National Police.

You remain under the authority of the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) for immigration policy matters.

Equal treatment with nationals

Long-term residence puts you under the same general legal conditions as Spanish nationals in core areas of daily life.

You access the labor market without restrictions tied to your previous visa.

Employers assess you under the same employment framework as citizens.

You may pursue professional activities without the limits that come with student or non-lucrative status.

Public authorities treat you according to the same residency rules that apply to Spaniards, unless the law specifically reserves a right for citizens.

Your legal footing becomes stable and comparable to that of nationals for residence and work.

To qualify for Spain long-term residence, you must meet nationality, character, and residence standards.

Authorities review your immigration history, criminal background, and legal presence before approving Form Form EX-11.

Nationality exclusions

Spain limits long-term residence to certain foreign nationals.

You cannot apply if you are:

• A citizen of the European Union (EU)
• A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA)
• A citizen of Switzerland

If you hold nationality from any of these countries, you fall under EU free movement rules instead of Spain’s long-term residence regime.

All other third-country nationals may qualify if they meet the remaining legal conditions.

Your nationality determines whether this residence category applies to you at all, so confirm your passport status before preparing Form EX-11.

The State Secretariat for Migration (Secretaría de Estado de Migraciones, SEM) sets the governing policy framework.

Good character and admissibility

You must demonstrate a clean criminal history and full admissibility.

You must not:

• Have a criminal record in Spain
• Have a criminal record in any country where you lived during the last five years
• Be banned from entry into countries that have agreements with Spain
• Pose a threat to public order, public security, or public health

Authorities review your background closely.

Even past residence outside Spain within the previous five years is considered.

Spanish authorities also assess whether you are inadmissible under international agreements.

If another country with an agreement with Spain has barred your entry, that decision can affect your eligibility.

You carry the burden of proving admissibility.

Minimum legal residence

You must have completed the required period of legal residence in Spain before applying.

Authorities only count residence that was valid and properly authorized.

Eligible residence often begins under permits such as:

• National Work Visa
• National Student Visa
• Non-Lucrative Residence Visa
• Family Reunification Visa

Your stay must remain lawful during the qualifying period.

Any irregular or unauthorized stay can interrupt eligibility.

When you apply using Form EX-11, authorities verify that your residence history meets the legal standard.

For the exact qualifying period and how specific visas are counted, consult the SEM’s official guidance.

You must submit complete copies of your documents and meet strict translation and legalization rules.

Spanish authorities will not process your long-term residence application if any required document fails to meet these formal standards.

Provide copies and show originals

You must submit photocopies of every required document and present the originals at the time of application.

This rule applies whether you file your long-term residence request using Form EX-11 in Spain or submit supporting documents that relate to a prior status, such as a National Work Visa, National Student Visa, Non-Lucrative Residence Visa, or Family Reunification Visa.

Bring originals to your appointment so the authority can verify authenticity.

If you fail to show the original document, the office may refuse to accept the copy.

Prepare your file in an organized format:

• Completed and signed EX-11 form
• Clear photocopies of each supporting document
• Original documents for in-person verification

Use legible, complete copies.

Missing pages or unclear scans can delay processing by the State Secretariat for Migration (Secretaría de Estado de Migraciones, SEM) or the relevant immigration office.

Translations by sworn translator

Any foreign public document must be translated into Spanish.

If you apply in a region with a co-official language, authorities may also accept that language.

The translation must be completed by a sworn translator.

Informal translations or self-translations are not accepted.

This requirement applies to documents issued outside Spain, including civil records or official certificates previously used for visas such as the National Work Visa or Family Reunification Visa.

Before submitting, confirm that:

• The translation is complete and accurate
• The translator is officially authorized
• The translated document matches the original exactly

Submit both the original foreign document and the sworn translation together.

Missing translations can result in rejection or suspension of your application.

Legalization or Apostille rules

Foreign public documents must also be legalized unless an exception applies.

You must legalize the document through:

• The Spanish Consular Office, or
• The relevant Ministry of Foreign Affairs

If the document carries an Apostille, legalization is not required.

Some documents may also be exempt under international agreements.

Complete legalization before submitting your EX-11 application.

Spanish authorities will not validate foreign public documents that lack proper legalization or Apostille certification.