If you are an EU citizen (or a family member of one, even if you are not from the EU yourself), you can get permanent residency in Spain after living there legally for five years in a row.
But you don’t always need to wait that long. Here are the shortcuts:
- If you have reached retirement age and have worked in Spain for at least the past year, and lived there for over three years, you can get permanent residence. (Married to or partnered with a Spaniard? Lucky you, you don’t even need the three years.)
- If you take early retirement after working for at least a year in Spain and living there for three years, you also qualify. Again, if you’re married to a Spaniard, skip the three-year rule.
- If you can’t work anymore due to a permanent disability, you are covered after two years in Spain. If the disability comes from a workplace accident or illness and you are entitled to Spanish benefits, you don’t even need to prove two years.
- If you have worked in Spain for three years and then move to work in another EU country, you can keep your Spanish home as long as you pop back regularly (at least once a week).
Family members
Family members of EU citizens living in Spain can also get permanent residence after five years, as long as the relationship (marriage, partnership, etc.) still exists. If the relationship ends due to divorce, annulment, or even death, you may still keep your rights in certain cases.
If your EU family member sadly passes away before getting permanent residence, you can still qualify if:
- They had lived in Spain for at least two years, or
- Their death was due to a work accident or illness, or
- You lost your Spanish nationality because you married them.
How to apply
You will need to apply in person at the Non-Nationals Office in your province (or the local police station if there isn’t one).
Bring with you:
- A valid passport or ID (if it has expired, bring the old one plus proof you’re renewing it).
- Proof you’ve paid the application fee.
- Documents showing you qualify for permanent residence (unless you are simply hitting the five-year mark).
A note on the Padrón
Before applying, make sure you’re registered at your local town hall on the padrón (the municipal register). It’s basically Spain’s way of knowing you exist, and, let’s be honest, of sending you council tax letters!
