To apply for Long-Term Residence Authorization, it’s crucial to demonstrate five years of legal and continuous residency in Spain preceding the application.
While this is the primary route to obtaining a long-term permit, alternative pathways are available under the law. These include:
- Retirement Pension Beneficiary: Residents receiving a contributory retirement pension under the Spanish Social Security system.
- EU Blue Card Holder: Individuals who have resided for five continuous years in the EU as an EU Blue Card holder, with the last two years spent in Spain.
- Disability Pension Beneficiary: Those receiving permanent absolute disability or severe disability pensions under the Spanish Social Security system or similar benefits in Spain.
- Spanish-born Residents: Individuals born in Spain who have legally and continuously resided in the country for at least three consecutive years upon reaching adulthood.
- Former Spanish Nationals: Individuals who were Spanish by origin but lost their Spanish nationality.
- Wards of Spanish Public Entities: Residents who, upon reaching adulthood, have been under the guardianship of a Spanish public entity for the preceding five consecutive years.
- Stateless, Refugee, or Subsidiary Protection Beneficiaries: Individuals recognized as stateless, refugees, or beneficiaries of subsidiary protection in Spain.
- Significant Contributors to Spain: Those who have significantly contributed to Spain’s economic, scientific, or cultural progress, or its international projection, subject to approval by the Ministry of Employment and Social Security.

CRIMINAL RECORD REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must not have a criminal or police record. However, recent rulings by the EU Court of Justice state that a criminal record alone cannot justify the denial of Long-Term Residence.
FINANCIAL MEANS:
Unlike other authorizations, proof of financial means is not required for Long-Term Residence applications. While providing employment contracts or financial statements is optional, having them can bolster the application.
PRIOR WORK ACTIVITY:
There’s no need to prove prior work activity or registration with the Social Security Regime when applying for Long-Term Residence.
WORK AUTHORIZATION:
Long-Term Residence Authorization grants the right to work both as an employee and self-employed individual without additional procedures.
TRAVEL OUTSIDE SPAIN:
Continuous and legal residency is crucial. Absences from Spain of up to six continuous months, not exceeding ten months within five years, are permissible. Work-related absences must not exceed one year within the five years.
EXTRAORDINARY RENEWAL:
In cases of extended absences from Spain, an extraordinary renewal of the two-year card is possible to prevent irregular status. Renewal requirements must still be met.
TELEMATIC APPLICATION
Applications for Long-Term Residence should be made electronically through platforms like Mercury or the Common Electronic Registry.
FAMILY REUNIFICATION:
Once Long-Term Residence is granted, ascendants can be reunited. Long-Term Residence or Long-Term Residence U is required for ascendant reunification.