This kind of permit enables foreign nationals to live and work in Spain indefinitely, in the same conditions as Spanish nationals.

 

Requirements

  • You must have lived legally in Spanish territory for a continuous period of five years. Absences from Spanish territory of up to six months at a time do not affect continuity, provided the total time of absence in the five-year period does not exceed ten months. Absences for employment-related reasons in the five-year period may not exceed a total of one year.
  • You must have lived in the European Union as an EU Blue Card holder for a continuous period of five years, and in Spanish territory for the two years prior to the date of your application. Absences from the EU of up to 12 months at a time do not affect continuity, provided the total time of absence in the 5-year period does not exceed 18 months.
  • You must be a resident with a contributory pension.
  • You must be a resident receiving benefits for a permanent or severe disability.

 

Procedure

Applications for such permits can be made online or in person (by presenting the relevant documentation at any official registry, preferably the Foreign Nationals Office).

Holders of such permits must apply for their renewal every five years. The procedure in question can be carried out during the 60 days prior to the expiry of your current permit. Doing so at a later date may lead to a penalty.

Documents required:

  • Application form EX-11 (in duplicate)
  • Your passport (original and a full copy)
  • Accreditation of your previous periods of residence as an EU Blue Card holder (if applicable).

All your documents must be translated into Spanish or a language with a co-official status in the territory in which you make your application, and must have been legalized beforehand by the competent Spanish consular post in the country in which they were issued or, if applicable, by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, unless they bear the Hague Convention apostille or are exempt from legalization under an international treaty (more information).

More Information.