Long-Term Residence (Residencia de Larga Duración)
Residents who have lived legally and continuously in Spain for 5 years.
The Long-Term Residence (Residencia de Larga Duración) is a Spanish settlement & citizenship visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~€22 authorisation tasa + ~€16 TIE card) and processing time (~3 months), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Long-Term Residence (Residencia de Larga Duración) is for
Residents who have lived legally and continuously in Spain for 5 years.
This is permanent residence; leads to citizenship after the required residence period.
Long-Term Residence (Residencia de Larga Duración) - eligibility criteria
- 5 years' continuous legal residence in Spain
- Absences within the permitted limits (≤6 months at a time)
- Stable means and integration where required
- No disqualifying criminal record
- Proof of the qualifying residence period
Long-Term Residence (Residencia de Larga Duración) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Long-Term Residence (Residencia de Larga Duración) (Spain) is ~€22 authorisation tasa + ~€16 TIE card, with an indicative processing time of ~3 months. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at Spain - Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
| Type | Permanent residence |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | In Spain at the immigration office |
| Length of stay | Indefinite; TIE card renewed every 5 years |
| Work rights | Full work rights, employed or self-employed |
| Study rights | Permitted |
| Government fee | ~€22 authorisation tasa + ~€16 TIE card |
| Processing time | ~3 months |
| Route to PR | This is permanent residence; leads to citizenship after the required residence period. |
Pathway & next steps
This is permanent residence; leads to citizenship after the required residence period.
Many applicants also compare Larga Duración-UE · EU Long-Term Residence, Nacionalidad · Spanish Citizenship by Residence, Cuenta Ajena · Residence and Work Authorisation (Employed). Run a free VisaChief check to see which Spanish route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Long-Term Residence (Residencia de Larga Duración) pitfalls we fix
Long-Term Residence (Residencia de Larga Duración) - frequently asked questions
How much does the Long-Term Residence (Residencia de Larga Duración) cost?
The Long-Term Residence (Residencia de Larga Duración) government fee is ~€22 authorisation tasa + ~€16 TIE card. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at Spain - Ministry of Foreign Affairs before applying.
How long does the Long-Term Residence (Residencia de Larga Duración) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~3 months. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Long-Term Residence (Residencia de Larga Duración) lead to permanent residence?
This is permanent residence; leads to citizenship after the required residence period.
Can I work on the Long-Term Residence (Residencia de Larga Duración)?
Work rights: Full work rights, employed or self-employed.
Who can apply for the Long-Term Residence (Residencia de Larga Duración)?
Residents who have lived legally and continuously in Spain for 5 years.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Spain government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- Spain - Ministry of Foreign Affairs - official Spain immigration authority