If you live in Madrid for five years, you can apply for permanent residency. This guide explains how to get your long-term residence permit in Spain, the eligibility rules, and the application process.
What is permanent residence in Spain?
The official name for permanent residency in Spain is the residencia de larga duración (long-term residence). This permit allows you to live and work in Spain indefinitely.
You can work as an employee or start a business as a freelancer. Your residency status is no longer linked to a specific employer or visa category.
The permit does not expire. However, you must renew your physical identity card every 5 years.
How to Apply for a Spanish Residence Permit (TIE)
National Larga Duración versus Larga Duración-UE
You can choose between two types of long-term residence permits. You should understand the differences before you apply.
National Larga Duración
This is the standard permanent residency. It allows you to live and work only in Spain.
The application requirements are very accessible. You do not need to prove you have financial savings or private health insurance.
Larga Duración-UE
This version is designed for mobility within the European Union. It helps you transfer your residency to other EU member states.
However, the requirements are much stricter. You must prove you have a stable monthly income and full public or private health insurance.
Health insurance in Spain: public vs private
Eligibility requirements for permanent residence
You must meet specific residence and continuous stay requirements to qualify for permanent status.
The five-year residency requirement
You must have lived in Spain legally for 5 years before you can apply. This means you have held valid residency permits for 60 months.
Continuity rules and maximum absences
Your residency in Spain must be continuous. The government limits the time you can spend outside Spain during the 5-year period.
Your absences must not exceed 6 consecutive months at any time.
Additionally, your total absences must not exceed 10 months over the entire 5-year period. If you traveled for work-related reasons, the total limit is 12 months.
How student visa time counts
Time spent on a student visa in Spain is officially called estancia por estudios (stay for studies). This time does not count as regular residency.
Instead, student time counts for 50% of its duration toward permanent residency.
For example, 4 years spent on a student visa counts as 2 years of residency. You must transition to a work or non-lucrative residency permit to accumulate the remaining 3 years.
Step 1: Prepare your documents
You must gather all required files before submitting your application. The Oficina de Extranjería (immigration office) will review your files.
Required document checklist
- Form EX-11 : Download the official application form EX-11. Fill it out in Spanish and sign it.
- Passport : Your original passport and a complete copy of every page.
- Modelo 790 Código 052 : The paid tax form showing the bank stamp or ATM payment receipt.
- Criminal record certificate : The official criminal record check. You must provide this if you lived outside Spain during the last 5 years. This must be apostilled and translated.
The empadronamiento: How to register your address in Madrid
Step 2: Pay the application tax
You must pay an administrative fee before submitting your request. This fee is called a tasa.
You must complete the tax form online. Use the form titled Modelo 790 Código 052.
Select the option for Autorización de residencia de larga duración. The fee in 2026 is €21.87.
Print the form and pay the fee at any local bank or ATM in Madrid.
Step 3: Submit your application
You can submit your application online or in person.
Online submission
Online submission is the fastest option. You can submit the documents on the government Mercurio platform.
You will need a digital certificate or a government login to access the system.
In-person submission
You can also book an appointment to submit your documents in person. You must book this appointment at the immigration office in Madrid.
The office has 3 months to process your application. If you do not receive a reply after 3 months, your application is considered approved by administrative silence.
Step 4: Book your fingerprinting appointment
Once your application is approved, you will receive a favorable resolution letter. You must then apply for your new physical identity card.
This card is the tarjeta de identidad de extranjero (foreigner identity card, or TIE).
You must book a fingerprinting appointment online. This procedure is called the toma de huellas.
Documents for the card appointment
Bring these documents to the police station:
- Original passport : Your valid passport.
- Favorable resolution letter : The approval letter of your long-term residence.
- Modelo 790 Código 012 : The paid card tax form. The fee is €16.08.
- Passport photo : A recent passport-sized color photo with a white background.
You will receive your physical card 30 days after the fingerprinting appointment.
What if your application is rejected?
The immigration office can reject your application if you spent too much time outside Spain. They can also reject it if you have a criminal record.
You will receive a notification letter explaining the rejection.
You have the right to file an appeal within 1 month of receiving the rejection letter. You can also file a judicial appeal in court within 2 months.
It is highly recommended to hire an immigration lawyer to handle your appeal.
Questions and answers
Does time on a student visa count for 100% for citizenship?
No. For Spanish citizenship, student visa time does not count at all. You need 10 years of regular residency to apply for citizenship.
Can I work as a freelancer with this permit?
Yes. The long-term residence permit allows you to work as an employee or register as a freelancer without restrictions.
What happens if I leave Spain after getting the permit?
You can lose it. You will lose your long-term residence permit if you stay outside the European Union for 12 consecutive months.
Can I recover my permit if I lose it?
Yes. Spain has a specific procedure to recover a lost long-term residence permit. You must apply at the Spanish consulate in your home country.
Do I need to show a job contract to apply?
No. For the standard national long-term residence, you do not need to show a job contract or prove employment.
