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Immigration

Residence permit renewals

If you hold a temporary residence authorisation in Spain, you must renew it in time to keep living and, where applicable, working here lawfully. The deadline, requirements and length of the renewal depend on the type of authorisation. We review your situation, prepare the application and tell you when you can move on to long-term residence.

By Aida Elias Soguero, ICAB member no. 44021 · Updated on 14 October 2026

In brief

Who it is for
Holders of a temporary residence authorisation: non-lucrative, family reunification, employed or self-employed work, exceptional circumstances, or family member of a Spanish national.
When to apply
During the two months before expiry. It can also be filed in the three months after expiry, although a penalty procedure may be opened.
Decision deadline
Three months. If the authorities do not reply within that period, the renewal is deemed granted.
Fees
We quote them in the first consultation (€40), with the option to pay in instalments.

Usual requirements

  • Hold a valid authorisation, or be within the three months following its expiry.
  • Continue to meet the grounds of the authorisation: employment or self-employment, financial means or family relationship, as applicable.
  • Have any dependent children of compulsory school age enrolled in school.
  • Criminal records and compliance with tax and Social Security obligations are taken into account.
  • A report on integration efforts issued by the regional government (in Barcelona, the Generalitat) can be submitted, especially if a requirement is not met.
  • For non-lucrative residence, also: financial means, health insurance and having lived in Spain for more than 183 days in the calendar year.
  • Pay the processing fee.

How we help you

  1. We study your case

    We review your authorisation, its expiry date and the renewal route that applies to you, or whether you can already apply for long-term residence.

  2. We prepare your application

    We gather and check the documents: contracts, contribution records, financial means, insurance, your children's schooling or the integration report.

  3. We file the application

    We file it on time with the Immigration Office (Oficina de Extranjería), electronically or in person, on your behalf.

  4. Follow-up and TIE card

    We deal with any requests for information and, once renewed, explain how to apply for your foreigner's identity card (TIE) within one month.

Frequently asked questions

What if my authorisation has already expired?

You can apply for renewal within three months after expiry, although filing outside the ordinary period may lead to a penalty procedure. In most cases, the application extends the validity of your previous authorisation until a decision is made.

For how long is it renewed?

As a general rule, employed and self-employed work authorisations and family reunification permits are renewed for four years; non-lucrative residence for two. Exceptional-circumstances permits are extended for one year, except family settlement (arraigo familiar). A Spanish-family-member permit of under five years is renewed for five, or for the Spanish relative's expected residence period if shorter.

When can I apply for long-term residence?

As a general rule, after five years of lawful, continuous residence in Spain. Absences do not break continuity if they do not exceed six consecutive months or ten months in total. A decision is due within three months; without a reply, it is deemed granted.

Legislation

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