Choosing the Right Path: Spain Permanent Residence vs. Citizenship

Once you decide to make Spain your long-term home, an important decision arises: Spain permanent residence vs citizenship. Both options offer different rights and responsibilities, and understanding these differences is crucial for making an informed decision.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to live in Spain legally and the core differences between Spanish permanent residency and Spanish citizenship, outlining the benefits, obligations, and processes associated with each.

By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of which path is best suited to your needs and long-term goals.

Understanding Spain Permanent Residence

What is Spain Permanent Residence?

Spain’s permanent residency status allows non-EU citizens to live and work in Spain indefinitely without needing to renew a Spanish residency permit regularly.

This option is ideal for those who want to live in Spain without acquiring Spanish nationality. Typically, permanent residency is granted after five years of continuous and legal Spanish residency. Permanent residency status grants you most of the same rights as a Spanish citizen, though there are some limitations.

To qualify for permanent residency in Spain, you must have legally resided in Spain for at least five consecutive years under a valid residence permit.

It’s essential to maintain continuous residence in Spain during this period, although short absences for professional, medical, or family reasons are generally allowed. Prolonged absences, however, can jeopardize your eligibility for a permanent residence permit.

Rights and benefits of permanent residency in Spain

Obtaining permanent residency in Spain comes with several advantages that make living in the country more secure and convenient:

1. Right to live and work: As a permanent resident in Spain, you have the right to live and work anywhere in Spain without the need to renew your Spanish residency card frequently. The stability of a permanent residence permit is crucial for those looking to establish a long-term life in Spain, offering peace of mind and job security.
2. Access to public services: A Permanent resident also enjoys access to Spain’s public services, including healthcare and education. Spain’s healthcare system is world-renowned, offering comprehensive services that are often free or low-cost, which is a significant benefit for long-term residents.
3. Travel within the Schengen Area: With Spanish permanent residency, you can travel freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without needing additional visas. This is a great advantage for those who want to explore other EU countries without the hassle of applying for a tourist visa.
4. Voting rights: While permanent residents do not have the right to vote in national or European Parliament elections, they are allowed to vote in local elections. This means that all those who have permanent residency in Spain can have a say in the governance of their local community.

Renewal and maintenance

Permanent residence in Spain does not require frequent renewals like temporary residence permits. In Spain, temporary residence permits generally need to be renewed annually or every two years, depending on the type of permit and its conditions.

However, it is not entirely maintenance-free. The permanent resident card needs to be renewed every five years, but the process of renewing your residency permit is typically straightforward and does not involve reassessing your eligibility.

To maintain your permanent residency status, you must continue to reside primarily in Spain. If you spend more than 12 consecutive months outside of Spain, or a total of 30 months over five years, you risk losing your permanent residency permit.

Exceptions can be made for certain circumstances, such as work assignments abroad or studying in another EU member state, but it’s essential to be aware of these rules to avoid jeopardizing your residency permit.

The application process

The application process for permanent residency in Spain involves several key steps. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to do:

1. Meet eligibility requirements

• Residency Duration: You must be a legal resident of Spain for a continuous period of five years under a valid residence permit. This residency should be uninterrupted, although short absences for work, health, or family reasons are allowed. Extended absences, particularly those exceeding 12 consecutive months, can jeopardize your eligibility for permanent residence in Spain.
• Residency Type: Ensure that the type of residency you’ve held qualifies for permanent residency. Residency types such as temporary work or student visas may not count towards the five-year requirement to become a permanent resident.

2. Gather required documents

• Valid Passport: A copy of your passport, including all pages.
• Current residence permit: Your valid residency card or permit, proving your legal stay in Spain.
• Proof of continuous residence: Documentation showing your continuous residence in Spain over the past five years, such as rental contracts, utility bills, or bank statements.
• Proof of financial means: Evidence that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself and any dependents, such as bank statements, a pension certificate, or proof of income.
• Health Insurance: Valid health insurance coverage, either through the Spanish public health system or private insurance.
• Criminal Record Certificate: A certificate from the relevant police station in your home country and from Spanish authorities, proving you have no serious criminal convictions.

3. Submit the application

• Complete the Application Form: Fill out the completed application form (EX-11), which is specific to applying for permanent residency.
• Submit at Relevant Authorities: Submit your application in person at the local police station or immigration office (Oficina de Extranjería) where you reside. You may also need to make an appointment online beforehand.
• Pay the Fee: Pay the associated processing fee to become a permanent resident. Keep the receipt, as you may need it later.

4. Attend biometrics appointment

• After submitting your application, you will be required to attend a biometrics appointment. During this appointment, your fingerprints and photograph will be taken for your long-term residence permit.

5. Wait for decision

• The processing time for permanent residence in Spain applications can vary, typically taking a few months. During this period, the immigration authorities will review your application and may request additional information or documentation.

6. Receive your permanent residency card

• If your application is approved, you will be notified to collect your permanent residency card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero – TIE) from the local immigration office. This card is valid for five years and must be renewed thereafter.

Maintaining your permanent resident status involves complying with all residency requirements, such as staying within Spain for the majority of the year and renewing your residency card every five years. It’s essential to follow these steps carefully to secure and retain your permanent residency in Spain.

Understanding Spanish Citizenship

What is Spanish Citizenship?

Spanish citizenship grants you full rights as a Spanish national, including the ability to hold a passport and fully participate in the country’s political and civic life.

Unlike permanent residence in Spain, which allows you to live and work in Spain, citizenship integrates you completely into Spanish society.

Eligibility for Spanish citizenship typically requires ten years of continuous legal residence in Spain. However, there are exceptions for certain groups.

For instance, citizens of Ibero-American countries, Portugal, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and Sephardic Jews can apply after just two years of residence. Additionally, those married to a Spanish citizen or born in Spain to foreign parents can apply after one year.

Rights and benefits of Spanish citizenship

Becoming a Spanish citizen offers significant advantages that go beyond those provided by permanent residency:

1. Full political rights: As a Spanish citizen, you gain the right to vote in all elections, including national and European Parliament elections. You can also run for public office, enabling you to contribute to Spain’s political landscape fully.
2. Spanish passport: One of the most valuable benefits of citizenship is the passport, which is one of the most powerful in the world. It offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to numerous countries, facilitating international travel.
3. Work and live in any European Union country: This citizenship grants you the right to live and work in any European Union country without restrictions. This freedom is particularly beneficial for those with career or personal interests in other European countries. Besides that, you can travel freely to other EU countries without a tourist visa and this is really beneficial if you were a non-EU citizen.
4. Access to social and legal benefits: As a Spanish citizen, you have full access to all social services, legal protections, and benefits in Spain. This includes rights related to family relationship, family members, and inheritance, providing a secure environment for you and your loved ones.

Renewal and maintenance

Renewing and maintaining your citizenship involves significantly fewer formalities compared to permanent residency. Once you have been granted citizenship, it is a permanent status that does not require periodic renewal, unlike residency permits.

However, maintaining your Spanish nationality comes with the responsibility of abiding by all Spanish rules and fulfilling civic duties, such as participating in elections and, if required, serving in jury duty.

Additionally, if you originally come from a country that does not allow dual nationality with Spain, it is crucial to note that retaining your citizenship may require renouncing your original nationality, which is an irreversible process. This decision underscores the importance of fully committing to Spain as your long-term home.

Although there are no specific renewal requirements for citizenship, maintaining strong ties to Spain is essential. This includes spending a significant amount of time in the country, engaging in the local community, and complying with tax obligations, regardless of whether you reside legally in Spain or abroad.

Spanish citizens are also encouraged to keep their civil registry information, such as marital status and address, updated with the Spanish government. Failure to comply with Spanish laws, particularly in cases involving serious offenses, can result in the revocation of your citizenship.

Therefore, it is crucial to uphold the responsibilities of being a national to ensure that your citizenship remains secure and allows you to continue enjoying the full benefits of life in Spain.

The application process

Applying for Spanish citizenship is more complex and lengthy than applying for Spanish permanent residency. Key steps include:

1. Eligibility: Ensure you meet the residency requirements, typically ten years of continuous legal residence, though this can be reduced for certain nationalities or personal circumstances.
2. Language and culture tests: To demonstrate your integration into Spanish life, you must pass a language test (DELE A2 or higher) and a culture test (CCSE). The language test assesses your ability to speak Spanish, while the culture test evaluates your knowledge of society, history, and constitution.
3. Application submission: Submit your completed application form with supporting documents, including proof of residency, a clean criminal record certificate, financial stability, and integration into society. Applications can be submitted at the relevant police station or online through the Spanish government portal.
4. Decision: The decision-making process can take up to two years or more. Once granted Spanish citizenship, you’ll be required to take an oath of allegiance to the King and the Constitution of Spain.

Comparing Permanent Residence and Citizenship in Spain

Choosing between Spanish permanent residency and citizenship requires careful consideration of the benefits, obligations, and long-term implications of each option. Let’s compare the key differences:

Key Differences

Legal status and nationality

• Permanent residency in Spain: Grants the right to live and work in Spain indefinitely without affecting your original nationality.
• Spanish citizenship: Makes you a full national, often requiring renunciation of your original nationality unless dual citizenship is allowed.

Rights and privileges

• Permanent Residence: Provides most rights enjoyed by Spanish citizens, including access to public services, but with limitations in political participation and no Spanish passport.
• Spanish Citizenship: Offers full rights, including voting in all elections, access to a passport, and the ability to live and work freely in any EU country, which is really good if you were a non-EU citizen.

Obligations and renewal requirements

• Permanent residence: Requires you to renew your permanent residence card every five years and maintain primary residence in Spain.
• Spanish citizenship: Involves no renewals but requires full compliance with all civic duties as a Spanish citizen.

Pros and cons of being a permanent resident in Spain

Pros:

• Retention of Original Nationality: Allows you to keep your original nationality.
• Simpler Process: The application and renewal processes are relatively straightforward compared to citizenship.
• Flexibility: Offers the ability for foreign citizens to live and work in Spain indefinitely without full integration into the political and civic life of the country.

Cons:

• Limited Political Rights: Permanent residents cannot vote in national or European elections, which may be important if you plan to stay in Spain long-term.
• Renewal Requirements: As a foreign national, you need to renew your residence permit card and maintain your primary residence in Spain can be seen as a drawback, especially for those who may need to travel frequently or reside in another EU member state.

Pros and cons of being a Spanish citizen

Pros:

• Full integration: This citizenship allows you to fully integrate into Spanish society, with all the rights and responsibilities of a Spanish national.
• Political participation: The ability to vote and run for office at all levels of government is a significant advantage for those who want to influence the country’s direction.
• EU mobility: The ability to live and work anywhere in the European Union without restrictions offers enormous flexibility for career and personal opportunities.

Cons:

• Loss of original nationality: Unless you’re from a country with a dual nationality agreement with Spain, you may have to renounce your original nationality, which can be a difficult and irreversible decision.

Complex application process: The citizenship application process is more involved, requiring language and culture tests, and the decision-making process can take years.

Which Path is Right for You?

The decision between Spain permanent residence and citizenship is highly personal and depends on your long-term plans, career goals, and family considerations. Here are some factors to consider:

Factors to Consider

1. Long-term plans: If you plan to stay in Spain indefinitely and want to fully integrate into society, citizenship may be the right choice. However, if you’re uncertain about your long-term plans or want to maintain ties to your native country, permanent residence might be more suitable.
2. Career and travel goals: If your career requires mobility across the European Union or if you frequently travel internationally, Spanish citizenship offers significant advantages, including a powerful Spanish passport and the ability to work anywhere in the EU. Permanent Spanish residency, while offering stability in Spain, doesn’t provide the same level of freedom across Europe.
3. Family considerations: Consider the impact on your family members. Spanish citizenship can simplify the process of family reunification and provide your family members and children with the benefits of EU citizenship. However, if your family is spread across different countries and you want to maintain your original nationality, permanent residence might be a better fit.

Scenarios and Recommendations

• Short-term expatriates: If you’re an expat in Spain and unsure about your long-term future in the country, seeking permanent residency is likely the better option. It offers the stability of living and working in Spain without the long-term commitment of citizenship. This way foreign nationals will get their employment contract and work visa.
• Those seeking full integration: If you’ve made Spain your permanent home and want to fully integrate into the society, including participating in its political processes, citizenship is the right path. It provides the full spectrum of rights and responsibilities, ensuring you’re fully immersed in Spanish life.
• Retirees and business owners: For retirees who plan to enjoy their early retirement in Spain or business owners who have established their enterprises in the country, citizenship might be the right choice, offering stability and the freedom to pass on EU citizenship to descendants. If you invest in Spain, this makes you eligible for Spanish Golden Visa. The Spanish Golden Visa offers residency to non-EU investors who purchase property worth at least €500,000 in Spain.

Deciding between a Spanish residence permit and citizenship is a significant decision that will shape your future in the country. Each path offers distinct advantages, from the flexibility and simplicity of permanent residence to the full rights and integration offered by citizenship. It’s best to seek legal assistance or consult with Spanish immigration experts. Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal goals, whether you seek to maintain ties to your home country or fully embrace life in Spain.

Take the time to carefully consider your long-term plans, career objectives, and family needs. By making an informed decision, you can choose the path that best aligns with your aspirations and enjoy all that Spain has to offer.

How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?

Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments. 

We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Permanent Residency in Spain and Citizenship

What's better in Spain permanent residency or citizenship?

Choosing between Spain permanent residency and citizenship depends on your long-term goals. A long-term residence permit offers stability without full integration, ideal for those wanting to retain their original nationality.

Spanish citizenship provides full rights, including an EU passport, but may require renouncing your original nationality. Consider your priorities before deciding.

What’s the difference between Spanish residency and Spanish citizenship?

Spanish residency allows you to live and work in Spain but does not grant voting rights or an EU passport.

Citizenship provides full integration, including the ability to vote, run for office, and access an EU passport, but may require renouncing your original nationality. Consider your long-term goals when choosing.