Renewing a residence permit in Spain is a mandatory process for anyone planning to live in the country. According to the established rules, a residence permit is initially issued for one year. It is then renewed twice, each time for two years. After the five-year period, it becomes possible to apply for permanent resident status. And then you can think about citizenship.

Conditions for extending a residence permit in Spain

In order to extend a residence permit in Spain, in most cases it is necessary to spend at least 183 days a year in the country. The exception is holders of a golden visa: they do not need to be in Spain all the time - it is enough to come, for example, only for a vacation or even just one day a year.

Particular attention to the length of stay should be paid to those who plan to obtain permanent resident status in the future. Here, stricter rules apply: you cannot leave Spain for more than 6 months in a row and be absent for a total of more than 10 months during the entire period.

When to apply for a residence permit extension

You can apply for a residence permit extension no earlier than 60 days before its expiration. It is recommended to do this in advance to avoid possible problems with visa regulations and the need to leave the country.

The deadline for submitting documents is 90 days after the expiration of the current residence permit. However, if you miss this period, you may have to pay a fine.

If you need to leave Spain while waiting for an extension, you will need to obtain a special document - Autorización de regreso, which will allow you to return to the country without hindrance.

Documents for renewing a residence permit in Spain

You can apply for renewing a residence permit in Spain in person, by mail or online. To do this, you must provide the following documents:
• A completed application form
• Proof of payment of the state fee
• A foreign passport
• A valid residence card
• A document confirming the place of residence (upon request)
• Financial documents confirming that the investments made under the Golden Visa remain valid, as well as documents confirming the availability of sufficient funds for living (account statements, proof of income, etc.)
• Health insurance
• Documents confirming family relationships (marriage certificates, birth certificates of children, etc.)
• For children aged 6 to 16 years - a certificate of enrollment in an educational institution

Usually, the renewal procedure for Golden Visa holders was simpler than for other categories. However, the situation may change, so it is recommended to consult an expert in advance.

All detailed information is available on our website for legal services in Spain consulting-barcelona.com, where you can leave a request.

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