Residence permit in Spain

A residence permit (PDR) is a document that certifies the identity of a foreigner and confirms permission for a continuous stay in the country.

Spain is attractive not only as a popular tourist destination but also as a country that guarantees high social standards and relatively moderate living costs. To stay in the country for a long time (more than 90 days), you need to apply for a residence permit.

What does a residence permit in Spain give and oblige you to do?

In accordance with paragraph 2 of Article 30 of the Law on the Rights, Freedoms and Social Integration of Foreigners No. 4/2000 of 11.01.2000, any foreigner who wishes to stay in Spain for more than 90 consecutive days (except for exchange students, foreign interns and volunteers) must obtain a residence permit (Permiso de residencia, PDR).

That is, the primary function of a Spanish PDR is a residence permit. But, in addition, it gives the right to:

• Visa-free travel to other Schengen countries as well as to other countries outside the EU

• Obtaining education, both primary school education (for children of immigrants) and secondary specialized and higher education

• Participation in the system of state health insurance and receiving medical care 

• Opportunities for employment

• Starting your own business, including as an individual entrepreneur.

At the same time, obtaining a residence permit obliges a foreigner to become a tax resident of Spain, which in turn entails a number of obligations:

• Pay taxes

• Have sufficient funds and legal sources of their origin

• Comply with the legislation of Spain

• Notify local authorities of changes in their status, marital status, etc.

• Do not stay outside of Spain for more than 6 months

Types of Residence permit in Spain  

Foreigners can reside in Spain as temporary or long-term residents. This means that foreigners can apply for:

• Temporary residence permit (Permiso de residencia temporal) or temporary residence permit

• Long-term residence permit (Permiso de residencia a largo plazo) or permanent residence permit

Temporary residence permit

According to paragraph 2 of Article 45 of Royal Decree No. 557/2011, there are 9 forms of temporary residence permit in Spain, each of which is intended for specific purposes: 

• Without the right to work (Residencia temporal no lucrative) - for foreigners who do not work and do not receive income in Spain

• For family reunification (Reagrupation familiar) - for foreigners who have married a Spanish citizen

• Work permit (Residencia temporal y trabajo por cuenta agena) - for foreigners who want to work in Spain

• Residence permit for people who want to start their own business in Spain (Residencia temporal y trabajo por cuenta agena)

• For highly qualified specialists (Tagetta Azull-UE)

• For education (Estancia por studios)

• For reunification of a family member with a person who has a residence permit in Spain (Reagrupationfamiliar)

• For those who have been in Spain for a long time, have a job, but were unable to obtain a residence permit under exceptional circumstances (by settlement) (Residencia por circumstancias exceptionales)

• For refugees

There are also some programs for obtaining a residence permit through investment ("golden visa")..

Long-term residence permit (Permiso de residencia a largo plazo)

A long-term residence permit can be issued after 5 years of continuous residence , provided that the total period of absence from the country does not exceed 10 months.

This residence permit effectively equates the holder of a permanent residence permit to a Spanish citizen.    

The term of the permit is not limited.