EU long-term residence
If you want stability in Spain and to open the door to other European countries, EU long-term residence may suit you. We explain whether it fits your case.
What it involves
EU long-term residence (residencia de larga duración UE) is an indefinite permit that, as well as allowing you to live and work in Spain, makes it easier to move to another European Union country. It is different from national long-term residence and requires you to show, among other things, that you have stable means of support. Knowing which of the two suits you is the first step.
Is this your case?
- You want indefinite residence and don't rule out moving to another European country one day.
- You already have national long-term residence and are thinking of switching to the EU one.
- You have EU long-term residence in another EU country and want to settle in Spain.
- You don't know whether your income and residence history allow you to apply.
How we help
We compare national and EU long-term residence with you to see which suits you. We review your residence history, your income and your health cover, prepare the documents and submit the application. If you later decide to move to another EU country, we advise you on what it involves from the Spanish side. We can help you in Spanish, Arabic, Tamazight, French and English, at our offices in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Málaga and Barcelona or online, wherever you are in Spain.
If the European version doesn't suit you, national long-term residence may be your option; and if you lost it by spending time abroad, we look at residence recovery.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between long-term residence and EU long-term residence?
- Both are indefinite and allow you to live and work in Spain. The EU one also makes it easier to live in other EU countries, but it usually has more requirements, especially financial ones.
- Can I go and work in France or Germany with EU long-term residence?
- It makes it easier, but it is not automatic: the other country has its own procedures. Before you move, it is worth getting good information so you don't lose your residence in Spain.
- I already have long-term residence in Spain. Can I switch to the EU one?
- In many cases, yes, if you meet the conditions of the European version. We review your situation to see whether the change is worth it for you.
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Tell us about your case.
A first conversation — confidential and without obligation — to understand whether we can help, and how.
We speak Spanish, Arabic, Tamazight (Berber), French and English.