Autorización de residencia de larga duración-UE
EU long-term residence
Non-EU nationals who have lived legally and continuously in Spain for five years can get an EU long-term residence authorisation, letting them live and work in Spain indefinitely on the same terms as Spaniards. They need stable resources, health insurance and a clean record. It also makes it easier to get residence in other EU states. EU Blue Card holders from other member states have a special route.
Life in Spain
Money
3
Currency
Euro
EUR
Euro
Cost of living
69
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
9.5–24.5%
Income tax (national)
VAT 21%
State scale 9.5% to 24.5% (above EUR 300,000) plus a regional scale set by each autonomous community, giving combined rates of roughly 19% to 47% or more.
Living
1
Happiness
#39 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
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Who it’s for
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals with five years of legal, continuous residence in Spain, and Blue Card holders with five years in the EU including two in Spain.
Eligibility
Five years of legal, continuous residence
Lived legally and continuously in Spain for the five years before applying. Absences of up to six consecutive months are allowed if they total no more than ten months in the five years, or eighteen months if the absences were for work.
Study periods count at 50%
Stays for studies, student mobility, volunteering or training count at 50% if you hold residence at the time of applying.
Stable resources
Fixed and regular resources to support yourself and dependants, from own means or work. For a two-person family unit, 150% of IPREM, plus 50% for each additional member; lower thresholds apply in some cases with minors.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirement
- Document checklist
- Fees
The full requirements are for members
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- 4 more requirements
- 7 documents
- 1 fee
- 5 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Spain
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
Other routes to Spain
- Visit & tourismSchengen tourist & business visa
- StudyStudent visa and stay permit for studies
- Work permitsAutorización de residencia para profesionales altamente cualificados (Ley 14/2013) - national modality and EU Blue Card
- 3 more routes with Premium
