Permanent Residency in Spain for Indians

Permanent residency in Spain is available to non-EU citizens who have legally lived in the country for five consecutive years. This status grants indefinite residence and comes in the form of a renewable residency card valid for five years.

With this card, individuals have the right to live and work in Spain, whether as self-employed or employed, with equal privileges as Spanish nationals.

It is important to note that this residency card is exclusively for non-EU citizens. Additionally, holders are permitted to stay outside Spain for up to six months without facing legal repercussions.

This period can be extended to a full year within the five-year validity of the permanent residency. However, the cumulative time spent outside Spain cannot exceed one year during the five-year period.

So, if you have completed five years in Spain and seek long-term residency to avoid renewals and access numerous benefits, stay with us!

Non-EU citizens need to go through certain steps to get permanent residency in Spain. Here are the main types of Spain PR visa for Indian nationals that can help:**

• Employment visas: They are a safe way to get permanent residency.

• Student visas: They let foreign students come to Spain temporarily and sometimes permanently.

• Non-lucrative visas: These are for people who want to retire in Spain and have enough money to support themselves without working.

• Investment visas: These are for entrepreneurs and rich people moving to Spain.

  Any of these visas can lead to permanent residency in Spain if you meet the specific requirements and responsibilities for each one.

  To qualify for permanent residency, meeting certain criteria is essential. First, having a clean background record and not being in a voluntary return situation are prerequisites. Additionally, proving uninterrupted residency in Spain for the past five years is crucial.

  Now, to get a Spain PR, keep these additional things in mind:**

• Eligibility Criteria: Individuals intending to immigrate to Spain must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support themselves and any dependents. The applicant cannot engage in employment activities in Spain with this visa.

• Financial Requirements: The applicant must have a minimum annual income of €25,560. An additional €6,390 per year is required for each dependent family member. Acceptable sources of income include investments, annuities, sabbaticals, and other verifiable sources.

• Visa Validity and Entry Details: The Non-Lucrative Residence Visa is typically granted for a duration of three months and fifteen days. It permits multiple entries into Spain during its validity period. Holders are allowed to stay in Spain for up to 90 days.

• Residence Permit Application: Within one month of arrival in Spain, the visa holder must apply for a residence permit and a foreign national identity card. The residence permit is initially issued for a period of 2 years and is renewable.

  To renew the residence permit, applicants must continue to meet the financial requirements and reside in Spain for at least 183 days per year.

• Permanent Residency Eligibility: After holding the temporary residence permit for 5 years, individuals become eligible for permanent residency status.

  Permanent residency grants the right to live and work in Spain indefinitely, providing a more stable immigration status.

To apply for permanent residency in Spain, certain documents and requirements must be fulfilled. While the process may seem straightforward after residing in the country for five years, it is essential to ensure you have all the necessary paperwork in order:**

• Payment of the Applicable Fee: Before submitting your application, ensure you have paid the required fee associated with the permanent residency process. This fee may vary depending on your circumstances and current regulations.

  Completion of the EX-11 Form:** The completion of the EX-11 form is a crucial step in your permanent residency application. This form typically includes personal information, details about your residency status, and other relevant details required by the immigration authorities.

• Valid Residency Card (About to Expire): You will need to present your current residency card, which is close to its expiration date. This card serves as proof of your legal residence in the country and helps streamline the permanent residency application process.

• Original and Duplicate Passports: Prepare both the original and duplicate copies of your passport. These documents are necessary for verifying your identity and ensuring consistency in your application.

  Additionally, to verify your continuous residency, you can provide various forms of evidence. For instance, your rental contract serves as proof of your residential status.

  Moreover, your tax returns or employment payrolls demonstrate your consistent engagement in the Spanish workforce over the past five years. These documents substantiate your eligibility for permanent residency.

After moving to Spain, you can proceed to apply for your residency cards. To do so, you must fulfil the following requirements:

• Obtain your NIE numbers (foreign tax identification number).

• Acquire health insurance coverage.

• Pay the residency card issuance fee.

You must provide evidence of the aforementioned requirements along with the completed application form for the residency card, proof of income (meeting a minimum amount to demonstrate self-sustenance), and two passport-sized photos. The residency card application process typically takes a few days to complete.

It is advisable to initiate the application process for permanent residency approximately 60 days before the expiration of your current residence permit. Due to potential bureaucratic delays, starting early allows ample time for processing.

• Once you have submitted the necessary documents, expect to receive a letter of approval within approximately 3 months.

• Following this, you will need to visit the Police Office to provide your fingerprints, after which you will receive a receipt.

• Within 30 days of this step, return to the Police Office with your passport and current residency card to collect your permanent residency card, valid for 5 years.

Commencing the process in advance mitigates potential delays and ensures a smoother transition to permanent residency status.

If you wish to immigrate to Spain from India, you can enjoy several benefits.

Here are some of the most notable ones:

• Freedom of movement: With Spanish PR, you will be able to live, work, and study in any of the 26 Schengen Area countries without needing a visa. This opens up a world of opportunities for travel, career advancement, and education.

• Right to work: You will be legally authorised to work in Spain in any profession without restrictions. This can be a major advantage if you are looking to expand your career horizons or find better job opportunities.

• Access to healthcare and social security: As a permanent resident, you will be entitled to the same public healthcare and social security benefits as Spanish citizens. This includes access to hospitals, doctors, other medical services, unemployment benefits, pensions, and other social safety nets.

• Path to citizenship: After living in Spain for a certain number of years (typically 10 years), you may be eligible to apply for Spanish citizenship. This would give you all the rights and privileges of a Spanish citizen, including the right to vote and hold a Spanish passport.

• Quality of life: Spain is known for its high quality of life, with a pleasant climate, beautiful scenery, rich culture, and delicious food. If you are looking for a place to live that offers a relaxed and enjoyable lifestyle, Spain is an excellent choice.

While having Spanish permanent residency (PR) is a step towards citizenship, it does not automatically guarantee it.

However, it does make the process easier and increases your eligibility. Here's what you need to know:

Eligibility for Spanish Citizenship through PR:

Residency Period: You must have held Spanish PR for at least 10 years before applying for citizenship.

Absence: You cannot spend more than 6 years outside Spain during those 10 years (exceptions apply for specific cases).

Integration: You need to demonstrate integration into Spanish society, including basic knowledge of Spanish language and culture. This can be shown through attending integration courses, participating in social activities, etc.

Good Conduct: You cannot have a criminal record.

Spanish permanent residency (PR) offers a unique path to unlock a world of opportunities in Europe. The benefits are significant, from visa-free travel and work authorisation to quality healthcare and potential citizenship.

However, the process requires careful planning, meeting specific requirements, and navigating legal aspects. This guide provides a starting point, but remember, your journey is unique.

Consult an immigration lawyer to assess your eligibility, understand the process thoroughly, and make informed decisions.

Embarking on a short trip to Spain from India is an exciting prospect, but you need to equip yourself with the necessary documents, like a Spain Visa for Indians.

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Medical care in Spain can be expensive, especially for non-residents. Tata AIG's travel medical insurance plans cover medical expenses, including hospitalisation, doctor consultations, and emergency medical evacuation, reducing financial burdens during a medical crisis.

We also offer coverage against missed or delayed flights, baggage loss, COVID-19, and much more. While a short trip may seem less risky, unforeseen circumstances can arise. Having travel insurance provides peace of mind, knowing you are financially protected and can focus on enjoying your Spanish adventure.