Spanish citizenship

You can obtain citizenship by marrying a Spanish citizen, but it is not automatic.

Marriage is one of the steps that will significantly speed up the process of obtaining citizenship.

How to obtain Spanish citizenship through marriage?

Step-by-step process of obtaining citizenship by marriage

1. The first step in this process is to marry a Spanish citizen. This can be done directly in Spain by entering it as a tourist or from your country of origin.
   
2. After the marriage is registered, you must apply for a residence permit in Spain. But since you will now be a family member of an EU citizen (your spouse), you can easily get a 5-year residence permit called “tarjeta comunitaria” (EU citizen family member visa).
   
3. After obtaining this visa, you must stay in Spain for one year, and after this period you can apply for citizenship.
   
4. Although you should generally receive your permit within one year, delays of 1 or 2 years are not uncommon.
   
5. Nevertheless, since you will be a 5-year residence permit holder, you will receive the permit before it is time to renew your card, so your status as a legal citizen will not change.

PLEASE NOTE that although registering your relationship through a civil partnership will also allow you to obtain a family member visa, it does not offer the same benefits in terms of reducing the time to obtain citizenship.

What are the requirements for obtaining Spanish citizenship?

In order to apply for citizenship by marriage, you must make sure that you meet the following requirements:

• You must pass the DELE A2 (language test) and CCSE (Spanish culture exam), which are taken at the Instituto Cervantes
  
• Include your full passport (must be valid at the time of application) and NIE
  
• Birth certificate from you and your spouse
  
• Criminal background check
  
• Registration at the City Hall (padrón in Spanish), where you and your spouse must have been registered at the same address for the last year. The absence of this document will result in the rejection of your application, so it is undoubtedly one of the most important parts of the process.
  
• Marriage certificate, which must be officially registered in Spain
  
• Proof of sufficient funds to stay in the country, in this case 150% of the IPREM
  
• Your current residence permit
  

You will have to pay an application fee, which is about 100 euros

💡 Tip: To ensure a successful trip or move to a new country, take advantage of specialist advice. Our qualified specialists with a legal background will help you prepare for applying for a residence permit in another country and avoid unpleasant situations during your stay abroad.

How to obtain Spanish citizenship for Ukrainians?

Citizenship by descent is commonly referred to as “jus sanguinis”, which means “right of blood”. This means that Spanish citizenship can be obtained by persons who have parents, grandparents or even great-grandparents who were born in Spain. However, it is important to note that there are certain conditions that must be met to be eligible for Spanish citizenship by descent.

First, the Spanish ancestor must not have renounced Spanish citizenship at any point in his or her life. Secondly, the descendants must be able to prove their family relationship with the Spanish ancestor through official documents such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, and passport.

How to apply for Spanish citizenship by descent?

It is wise to plan your application for Spanish citizenship through the program of descent. It is important to make sure that you are fully aware of the steps that need to be taken, as well as the documentation that will be required to support your application.

💡 Tip: To ensure a successful trip or move to a new country, take advantage of expert advice. Our qualified specialists with legal education will help you prepare for obtaining a residence permit in another country and avoid unpleasant situations during your stay abroad.

What are the requirements for obtaining Spanish citizenship?

If you want to apply for Spanish citizenship by descent, you need to collect a number of important documents.

First, you need to provide your birth certificate and the birth certificates of your parents. You will also need to provide your parents' marriage certificate, if applicable.

In addition, you will need to provide proof that your parents or grandparents were Spanish citizens at the time of your birth, such as their Spanish passport or national identity card.

In order to apply for Spanish citizenship by descent, you will also need to provide various other documents, including your own passport, proof of residence in Spain (if applicable) and proof of your ties to Spain, such as a letter explaining your connection to the country.

It is important to note that the process of applying for Spanish citizenship by descent can be complex and lengthy, so it may be helpful to work with an experienced immigration lawyer to ensure that your application is complete and accurate. However, with the right documents and support, you can achieve your goal of obtaining Spanish citizenship and enjoying the many benefits it offers.

The first fundamental step you should take is to make sure that you meet the requirements for Spanish citizenship by descent.

According to Article 11 of the Spanish Constitutional Law, you can apply for Spanish citizenship by descent if you are eligible for Spanish citizenship by descent if

• Your mother or father are Spanish citizens by birth;
  
• Both of your parents are Spanish citizens by birth;
  
• One of your grandparents or great-grandparents (within four generations) was a Spanish national by birth; or
  
• You were adopted by Spanish citizens before you turned 18.

What documents are required to obtain Spanish citizenship?

• Your current passport,
  
• Birth certificate and proof of residence, if any;
  
• Certificate of no criminal record;
  
• Certificate confirming that you have passed the DELE A2 and CCSE exams;
  
• Proof of payment of the application fee;
  
• Current census and historical (“padron”); and
  
• Demonstration of possession of sufficient economic means

Please remember that in order to obtain a Spanish passport and become a citizen of the country, you must also pass two citizenship exams. If you fail either of the tests, you will still have 3 opportunities to retake the exams until you need to pay again.

DELE A2 is a basic language test that demonstrates that you have a sufficient level of Spanish. It is not required if you come from any Latin American country.

CCSE is a cultural test about the Spanish government, arts, television, culture, and geography. If you have attended high school in Spain, this test is not required.

How to apply?

The process of applying for Spanish citizenship by descent can be complicated for the unprepared and uninformed person. Below is a simplified outline of the application process:

1. Pay the application fee and submit the documents and forms

The first step after you have completed all the documents and fulfilled all the requirements is to submit the application to the competent authorities. You can submit it in person to the registry office or online to complete this step. In addition, you have the option to pay online or in person when submitting the documents.

2. Wait for a response from the government

Once you have submitted your application, the Spanish government has a full year to respond to it by law. If after a year you do not receive any response, it means that your application has been rejected due to administrative silence. However, if your application has been rejected, you can still file an appeal to have it reviewed. After submitting an appeal, you will receive a response within 3-4 months.

3. Make an appointment for the loyalty oath

If you make an appointment for the flag oath one year after you submit your application or at the same time as your appeal, you can obtain Spanish citizenship in less than a year and a half. After that, you can make an appointment to take the oath of allegiance not only at the registry office, but also at a notary public.

4. Get your passport and DNI

Once you have taken the oath of allegiance, you can visit your local police station in Spain and finally receive your passport and DNI.

5. Ask for a certificate of compliance.

Finally, you will need to request a certificate of compliance so that all public and private institutions that you have registered with your NIE can verify your new identification information. The certificate of conformity is a document that every foreigner obtaining Spanish citizenship must request at the end of the process to be able to accredit their identification in various public and private institutions.

Temporary residence permit in Spain for Ukrainians

Ukrainians need one of the seven valid residence visas to apply for a residence permit or a foreign identity card in Spain:

• Non-profit visa
  
• Visa for entrepreneurs
• Internships
  
• Work permit
  
• Family reunification
  
• Student visa

Each of the above options has its own specific requirements and application process. You must apply before you arrive in Spain. Each of them gives you the right to reside in Spain for more than 3 months.

Spanish resident card

A resident card (Tarjeta de Residencia) is a mandatory requirement if you intend to spend 3 to 6 months in Spain. You have to apply for a Tarjeta de Residencia at the local foreigners' office (Oficina de Extranjeros) or at a police station within 30 days after your arrival in the country.

💡 Tip: To ensure a successful trip or move to a new country, take advantage of expert advice. Our qualified specialists with a legal education will help you prepare for obtaining a residence permit in another country and avoid unpleasant situations during your stay abroad.

What are the requirements for obtaining a Spanish residence card?

The list of required documents differs depending on the type of your residence visa. However, the following requirements are common to all residence visas:

• A valid passport and a photocopy of it
  
• Three passport-size color photographs
  
• Completed application form and three copies
  
• Proof of address in Spain
  
• Receipt of payment of the administrative fee

The following documents may also be required:

• Copy of your employment contract or certificate from your place of work
  
• Proof of your ability to meet the requirements for professional activity (only for self-employed persons)
  
• Proof of academic and/or professional qualifications
  
• Proof of financial resources for those who do not intend to work
  
• Proof of study (for students only)
  
• Certificate of no criminal record (Certificado de Antecedentes Penales)
  
• Medical certificate
  
• Consular endorsement (letter from the home consulate)
  
• Proof that the applicant has health insurance in Spain

How long does it take to get a residence card?

You will receive a stamped copy of your application once it is completed. You should receive your actual residence card within 3-4 months.

How long is the residence card valid for?

The residence card is valid for one year. It can be extended for up to 5 years. You are eligible to apply for permanent residence after you have lived in Spain for 5 years continuously.

Foreigner's identity card (TIE card)

The Foreigner's Identity Card (Tarjeta de identidad de extranjero - TIE) is a strict requirement for non-EU nationals who may stay in Spain for more than 6 months. You must apply for a TIE at your local police station within 30 days of entering the country.

What are the requirements for obtaining a TIE card?

Unlike a residence permit, the application for a foreigner's identity card has fixed requirements for all applicants:

• A valid passport and its photocopy
  
• Three passport-size color photographs
  
• A completed application form and three copies of it
  
• Proof of school enrollment (for students only)
  
• Proof of address
  
• Proof of financial resources for those who do not intend to work
  
• Health insurance policy
  
• Proof of payment of the administrative fee (EUR 15.76)

How long does it take to get a foreigner's identity card?

You will receive a copy of the application immediately after submitting it. You will receive your TIE card within 3 months after submitting the application.

How long is the Spanish residence permit valid for?

The TIE card is valid until the expiration of the residence visa. You can extend it after your residence visa is renewed.

Holding a TIE card for 5 consecutive years entitles you to apply for a permanent card. A permanent TIE is valid for 10 years.

Can I leave Spain while waiting for my TIE card?

When you have applied for a TIE card and are waiting for it to be issued, you can leave Spain by applying for an Autorización de Regreso, a permit to return.

You have to apply at your local police station, stating a valid reason for leaving, such as an emergency. Usually, the permit is issued in a few days and is valid for 90 days from the date of its issuance.

IMPORTANT NOTE: You should book a direct flight to Spain, as legally you are only granted an entry permit to Spain.

Will you be self-employed during your stay in Spain?

In this case, you will need to provide proof of your self-employment status in the form of registration in the Commercial Register (Registro Mercantil).

How long is a residence permit valid for?

The residence permit remains valid as long as your circumstances in Spain remain the same as described in the application. This means that a change in your address or marital status requires you to apply for a new residence permit.

Visa without the right to earn income (Visado de Residencia No Lucrativa)

This is a long-term residence permit in Spain introduced by the government to stimulate the Spanish economy.

It is also known as a non-commercial visa to Spain, as it is intended for non-EU citizens who have sufficient funds and want to retire or reside in Spain without obtaining a work permit or conducting business.

How to apply for a Spanish non-profit visa?

The process of applying for a non-profit visa to Spain is relatively simple, provided that the applicant meets the visa requirements and can provide all the necessary documents.

What are the requirements for a non-profit visa to Spain?

You are eligible to apply for a non-profit visa to Spain if

• You are a citizen of a third country (not the EU/EEA or Switzerland)
  
• You want to live in Spain for the long term
  
• You have the necessary financial resources to support yourself and your dependents and live in Spain without working
  
• You have no criminal record
  
• You have sufficient health insurance
  
• You do not have any of the diseases listed in the 2005 International Health Regulations of the World Health Organization (WHO)

Family reunification

Immediate family members, including spouse or civil partner and dependent children, are eligible for a residence visa in Spain on the basis of the main applicant's application for a non-business residence visa. This is possible provided that the applicant can provide evidence of additional income to support each family member.

What are the income requirements for a non-profit visa for Spain?

In 2025, the minimum monthly income required to obtain a non-commercial visa for Spain is 2,400 euros per month and +600 euros for each additional family member included in the application.

The Spanish government sets the cost at 400 percent of the monthly IPREM [Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples]. The IPREM is an index that is used to determine economic support such as grants, subsidies, unemployment benefits, and the minimum wage.

Applicants must present bank statements as proof that they have sufficient funds from various sources, such as employment abroad and business, or monthly income from non-work activities, such as pensions and rent.

What documents are required to obtain a non-commercial visa?

1. National visa application form

2. Valid passport with a validity period of at least one year and one blank page

3. A recent passport photo on a white background

4. Police clearance certificates issued from all countries of residence within five years preceding the application.

5. Public or private health insurance policy

6. A valid medical certificate of health

7. Documents confirming the availability of sufficient financial resources

• Bank statements for the last three months
  
• Employment contract with salary statement
  
• Proof of investment
  
• Confirmation of other types of income, for example, from rental housing
  

8. Visa application form (EX-01) for a visa without the purpose of making a profit

9. Marriage certificate or civil partnership document if the applicant is applying on behalf of a spouse or civil partnership partner

For all documents not in Spanish, a sworn translation into Spanish by a sworn translator or translator registered in Spain is required. Family members must also provide documents such as a medical certificate, health insurance and a certificate of no criminal record (if they are over 18 years old).

How much does it cost to apply for a non-commercial residence visa in Spain?

80 euros.

How to apply for a non-profit visa to Spain?

The first step in applying for a non-commercial visa is to collect all the necessary documents. You can apply for this residence permit no later than 90 days before the planned date of your trip to Spain.

The application for a Spanish non-commercial visa can be submitted to the Spanish Embassy, the Spanish Consulate or a third-party organization that provides visa services on behalf of Spain in your country of residence.

Visa application process

The application process is as follows:

1. Applications for a non-profit visa to Spain must be submitted by the main applicant.
   
2. Making an appointment and submitting the application and all required documents: Non-profit visa applications must be submitted in person by appointment only at a Spanish embassy or consulate.
   
3. Confirmation of receipt: The Embassy of Spain will provide the main applicant with a confirmation of the submitted non-commercial visa application with a code that will allow him/her to check the status of the application through the web portal.
   
4. Correction of the visa application: The embassy may ask applicants to provide any missing documents or provide additional documentation they deem necessary to continue the processing. They may also ask applicants to schedule another visa appointment to participate in a second interview.
   
5. Waiting for the decision: The decision-making stage for a non-commercial visa usually lasts 90 days; however, this period may be extended if additional verification or additional documents are required.
   
6. Obtaining a temporary residence permit: The residence permit must be collected in person by the main applicant within one month of its receipt.

What should I do upon arrival in Spain with a non-commercial visa?

All foreign nationals, including each family member over the age of 18, who hold a Spanish non-commercial visa or any other residence card must apply for an NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) within one month of their arrival in Spain.

What is a NIE number?

The NIE number is a Spanish identification and tax number provided to foreign residents of Spain as a form of national identity card and for carrying out legal or official activities in Spain. The NIE number is required to open a Spanish bank account, register as a foreign student, pay taxes, or any other legal or professional activity.

What is the validity period of a Spanish non-profit visa?

The initial non-profit visa is valid for one year. It can be extended twice for another two years, for a total of five years of residence. To renew your visa, you must spend at least 183 days a year in Spain and continue to prove that you have sufficient economic means to support yourself. After the fifth year of residence, you will be eligible to apply for permanent residence in Spain.

Which family members can I bring to Spain on a family reunification visa?

A family reunification visa allows Ukrainians to bring their immediate family members to Spain. Immediate family members include

• Parents and in-laws (in the ascending line) over the age of 65
  
• Children under 18 years of age, including adopted children or children of your partner (in the descending line)
  
• Spouse or civil partner
  
• Parents under the age of 65 can be brought to Spain if there is a good reason that they are unable to take care of themselves.

Children aged 18 to 21 can be brought to Spain if they are studying and economically dependent on you. Children over 21 can be brought to Spain if they are disabled and you are their primary caregiver.

What are the requirements for family reunification in Spain?

There are quite a few requirements for family reunification in Spain. Therefore, pay attention to the variety of documents that you and your family members need to submit to obtain a family reunification visa and residence permit.

Since the documents required for each family member are different, we will start with the documents required for all applicants.

For Ukrainians residing in Spain

• Completed visa application form - model EX02.
  
• A valid passport, a copy of the passport and copies of passports of family members.
  
• Residence permit.
  
• A legal document confirming your relationship with a family member (more on this below).
  
• A certificate of housing availability obtained from your city hall. It shows that your home has enough space for everyone.
  
• Proof of health insurance
  
• Public health insurance if you have access to the Spanish healthcare system.
  
• Private health insurance if you are unemployed or not eligible for healthcare in Spain.
  
• Proof that your family member(s) is financially dependent on you.
  
• For example, bank statements showing that you make regular payments or pay for the basic expenses of a dependent.
  
• Evidence that you have sufficient funds to support your family.
  
• You must show that you have more than 150% of the IPREM cost for 1 family member.
  
• For any additional family members, you must have at least 50% of the IPREM.
  
• To prove this, submit bank statements for the last 6 months and an employment contract that lasts at least 1 year or is open-ended. If you are self-employed, submit an income tax return.

For a family member abroad

• A completed Schengen visa application form (if applicable) or a sworn statement from a Spanish resident stating that you will reside with him/her in Spain.
  
• A valid passport and a copy of the foreign passport.
  
• Certificate of no criminal record for the last 5 years.
  
• A health certificate (not older than 3 months) confirming that you do not have any serious illnesses and do not pose a threat to society.
  
• A legal document confirming your relationship with a family member in Spain
  

All these documents must be translated into Spanish and notarized or apostilled in your home country.

How to apply for a residence permit in Spain?

Ukrainian nationals need to start the process by requesting an appointment at the Office for Foreigners (Oficina de Extanjeros) and submit the EX02 form along with all supporting documents.

Once you have been approved for a residence permit for family reunification, your family members must start the process on their side.

The application process for a family member who is abroad

You have 2 months from the date of obtaining a residence permit for the purpose of family reunification to apply for a residence visa for the purpose of family reunification.

You must apply for this visa in person at the Spanish consulate in your country. Please bring all translated and notarized documents in Spanish with you. You may also be invited to an interview.

The consulate will respond to your visa application within 2 months. After receiving your visa, you will have 3 months to move to Spain. If you do not receive a response, consider your application rejected due to administrative silence.

How long does it take to obtain a family reunification visa?

The entire process from the application to the actual arrival of the family member(s) in Spain can take from 4 to 6 months.

How long is a residence permit for family reunification valid for?

The validity period of a residence permit for family reunification depends on the validity period of the temporary residence permit.

Temporary residence permit - a temporary residence permit for the purpose of family reunification is valid until the expiration of the temporary residence permit.

Permanent residence permit or long-term residence permit in the EU - a residence permit for the purpose of family reunification is valid until the expiration of the TIE card - an identity card of a non-EU foreigner.

Can my family work or study in Spain on a family reunification visa?

Immediate family members, such as partners or children over the age of 16, can work, be self-employed or study. They will also have access to the Spanish health and social security system as they are dependent on you.

Extended family members will have to apply for their own residence or work permit to legally live independently and work in Spain.

What do I need upon arrival in Spain?

Upon arrival in Spain, your family members should take care of obtaining some important documents.

• Register at the City Hall to obtain an empadronamiento certificate
  
• Obtain a TIE card (foreigner's identity card) within 1 month of arrival in Spain.
  
• Get Spanish health insurance
  
• Obtain a NIE number (if you plan to work)
  
• Open an account in a Spanish bank
  
• Get a Spanish SIM card

What are the visas for entrepreneurs in Spain?

Entrepreneur visas are residence permits issued by the Spanish government to foreign nationals who want to establish or expand a commercial enterprise in Spain but are not citizens of the European Union.

If you are setting up a business in Spain that serves the public interest and contributes to the country's economy, you may be eligible for a three-year residence permit, known as an entrepreneur visa.

What are the requirements for a business plan?

According to Law 14/2013, which regulates all visas falling under the Entrepreneurs Act, for this type of residence permit, the business idea plays a crucial role when applying for an entrepreneur visa.

This is because the law states that the law governs all visas that fall under the Entrepreneurs Act. Your business idea, i.e. the product or service that you want to sell in Spain, must carefully meet the three aforementioned basic conditions.

• First, and most importantly, it must be an original business concept.
  
• Then, you have to ensure that your firm will generate revenue in Spain and grow in the country, which will ultimately require hiring more staff.
  
• Finally, it is very important that the organization provides investment opportunities in the country

💡 Tip: To ensure a successful trip or relocation to a new country, take advantage of expert advice. Our qualified specialists with a legal education will help you prepare for obtaining a residence permit in another country and avoid unpleasant situations during your stay abroad.

What documents are required to apply for an entrepreneurial visa?

• Application form for a national visa. Each applicant or agent must fill out the visa application form and sign each section before submitting it.
  
• A valid, unexpired foreign passport. Both the original and a photocopy of the page or pages of the passport containing biometric data must be submitted. The passport must be valid for at least one year and have at least two blank pages. If your passport is older than 10 years, it will not be accepted.
  
• An up-to-date passport-sized color photograph, which must be taken against a light background with the face facing forward. The photo must not show dark or mirrored glasses, as well as clothing that covers the oval of the face.
  
• Documents confirming payment of the required fee.
  
• Proof that you meet all the requirements, such as having sufficient financial resources, social security, health insurance, etc.
  
• Prepare a business strategy. You will be required to present your business strategy, in which you will comprehensively describe your activities and explain how they will affect the economic climate in Spain. The contribution of your business to the development of jobs, innovation and a positive impact on the socio-economic prosperity of the nation.
  
• A document from the Commercial Office confirming your business concept will be accepted for consideration. Approval is based on originality, job creation and added value for the Spanish community. If the Commercial Office approves the business plan, your idea will be recognized as economically important for Spain. After that, you will be authorized to apply to the relevant immigration office for an entrepreneurial visa.

Your work profile

The first thing that the relevant authorities will pay attention to is your professional profile.

Your ability to implement your company's concept in the real world is just as important as your business idea. Therefore, as a foreigner wishing to obtain an entrepreneurial visa in Spain, you must show that you have the necessary skills and credentials to effectively develop your company concept. That is why you must show your current level of education and professional experience.

On the other hand, you will need to describe why you want to start a company and how you came up with the business concept. That is why you want to explain, primarily through your CV, who you are, where you studied, what your profession is, and how your experience is not only related to your project, but also how it can help the Spanish economy in its effective implementation.

The more experience, knowledge and abilities you can demonstrate, the more likely you are to be approved.

What is the procedure for applying for an entrepreneur visa in Spain?

From outside Spain

1. To begin with, you can start the procedure from your home country by submitting all the necessary documents online through the electronic headquarters of the Unidad de Grandes Empresas (UGE). There you will receive a visa that will allow you to travel to Spain and enter the country during your visit.
   
2. The documents required to obtain the permit also vary. In this situation, you can fill out and submit the application form here. Through this e-cabinet, you can apply for an initial permit, attach documents to a pending permit, correct the request by providing additional documentation, apply for a renewal of the permit, check the progress of your dossier, and access notifications in practice.
   
3. Once you have created your business plan, you must submit it in order to have it evaluated and determine whether your idea is suitable for an entrepreneurial visa. If you are in your home country at the time of submitting the application, you must submit it to the Main Department of Foreign Trade and Investment.
   
4. Submitting the application and documents, as well as viewing notifications in the electronic headquarters of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, must be done using a digital certificate. After 10 days, you will receive a notification of approval or rejection of your business plan. After that, you can go to Spain to obtain a residence permit.

From Spain

1. On the other hand, you also have the option of obtaining this permit directly in Spain together with a visitor visa. This makes the procedure simpler and easier to fulfill.
   
2. The main difference is that you do not need to apply for a visa, but instead you can get a resident card.
   
3. If you are in Spain and have a valid tourist visa, you can apply directly to the UGE headquarters in Madrid. In this case, the relevant documents must be delivered to the Large Business Department. In order to submit a business plan, you must contact the Ministry of Economy
   
4. In any case, once you have submitted all the necessary evidence, the administration will have twenty days to review your entrepreneurial visa and decide on how to proceed with your application.
   
5. Within a maximum period of one month, the applicant or his/her representative must personally collect the business visa. This period starts to run from the day following the day of the positive decision. The applicant will be informed by the consular section about the process of returning the passport, as well as any other original documents that may be required.
   
6. When you receive a positive decision, you will need to make an appointment with the immigration service for fingerprinting.

Permanent residence in Spain for Ukrainians

This is a status that allows non-EU nationals who have been living in Spain continuously and legally for 5 years to obtain an indefinite residence permit. This residence card is valid for five years and can be renewed. It allows you to live and work in Spain as a self-employed person or as an employee (cuenta ajena and cuenta propia), with the same rights as any other Spanish citizen.

In addition, it allows its holder to stay outside of Spain for 6 months without any legal problems. This period can be extended to a full year within the 5-year validity period of the permanent residence permit.

Go to the police and get a so-called “certificado de residencia”. This is a certificate that contains your name and the years during which you lived in the country as a student/resident. It is stamped and signed by the police, so you will know exactly how long you have left until you receive a permanent residence permit.

How do I apply for permanent residence in Spain?

Once you have lived in Spain for the required number of years, applying for permanent residence is quite simple. You will just need to take the application and the required documents to the relevant police station in Spain. In some cases, however, you can apply directly to the immigration department. It is important that you apply for permanent residence about three months before your current visa or permit expires.

💡 Visit Ukraine's advice for Ukrainians traveling abroad

Planning a long trip or relocation can be challenging. Where to start? What is the first step to getting a visa or residence permit? It's easy to get lost in the beginning - especially if you've never done anything like this before.

That's why we recommend using Visit World's guides - detailed step-by-step travel guides that provide basic advice on how to get a visa, permanent or temporary residence permit, and much more. For more information, please follow the link.

What documents do I need to apply for permanent residence in Spain?

• Your current passport and residence permit
  
• Application form (form EX-17)
  
• Proof of residence in Spain, such as a rental agreement
  
• Medical certificate and health insurance
  
• Proof of residence in Spain for five years, such as payslips or tax returns
  
• In some cases, you may also need certificates of no criminal record from Spain or your country of origin, marriage or divorce certificates.

If your application is approved, you will receive an official notification. You can then go to your local police station to be fingerprinted and complete the application process. Then, within a month, you will return to collect your permanent resident card.

What are the costs of permanent residence in Spain?

Unlike most other countries, applying for permanent residence in Spain is inexpensive. However, there may be small fees (less than 20 euros) for obtaining some of the required documents. In addition, you may have to pay for translation if some of your documents are not in Spanish. However, the application itself costs only 80 euros.

How do I extend my permanent residence in Spain?

Once you become a permanent resident of Spain, your residence card will be valid for five years. After this period, you can easily extend it for another five years. You just need to fill out another EX-17 form, present proof of your address, as well as the original resident card and passport. After that, you will be fingerprinted again and pay the renewal fee.

It is important to note that it is not necessary to reside in Spain for the full five years to renew your permanent residency. This caveat only applies if you are applying for permanent residence for the first time. However, to renew your status, you must not spend more than one full year outside of Spain or the EU.

Permanent residence in Spain for family members

Ukrainians moving to Spain will be able to bring their family to the country on a family reunification visa. Thus, you can bring your parents, spouse, or children to Spain. However, you will have to first move to Spain on the appropriate visa and wait a year before you can apply for a family reunification visa for your family.

Thus, it is likely that you will have lived in Spain for five years and will be eligible for permanent residence before your family. Because of this, your family members will have to apply for permanent residence separately.

Of course, the situation is different for citizens of other EU countries. All EU citizens can legally live and work in Spain without a visa, so if your spouse is an EU citizen, they can come to Spain with you and obtain permanent residence after two years. However, if you are an EU citizen and have family members from a third country, they can usually come to Spain with you. Then they will need to obtain a residence permit in Spain and after five years, they will be eligible for permanent residence.

💡 Tip: To ensure a successful trip or move to a new country, take advantage of expert advice. Our qualified specialists with a legal education will help you prepare for obtaining a residence permit in another country and avoid unpleasant situations during your stay abroad.