Lawyer
Specializing in migration law - processing documents on the territory of Ukraine, European Union countries (Poland, Italy, Spain, Hungary, Romania), providing visa assistance for Ukrainian citizens and foreigners.
Get a permanent residence permit in Spain
Spain remains one of the most attractive countries for immigration among Ukrainians. The mild climate, high standard of living, stable economy, and loyal legislation make this country an ideal place for relocation.
However, the ultimate goal for many is not just temporary shelter, but full integration — the opportunity to obtain citizenship in another country.
The first and most important fundamental step on this path is the need to obtain permanent residency in Spain (Residencia de Larga Duración).
In this article, we will examine in detail how to formalize the permanent residency (ПМЖ) in Spain, what documents are required for this, and how professional legal support can help avoid refusals and bureaucratic pitfalls.

What is Permanent Residency in Spain (Residencia de Larga Duración)?
Permanent residency in Spain is an official status that grants a foreigner the right to permanently reside and work in the country under the same conditions as Spanish citizens (with the exception of political rights, such as participation in elections).
This status is issued for a period of 5 years with the possibility of further automatic renewal of the resident card.
It is important to understand the migration chain: first you obtain a national visa D, then — a temporary residence permit (ВНЖ / TIE), next you need to formalize permanent residency in Spain, and only after that, having lived in the country for a total of 10 years, do you have the right to apply for Spanish citizenship for Ukrainians.
Advantages of Permanent Residency for Ukrainians
Obtaining permanent residency opens up broad prospects for a foreigner.
The main advantages include:
- Absolute freedom of employment: You can work as an employee (por cuenta ajena) or run your own business (por cuenta propia) without additional permits and restrictions.
- Social guarantees: Access to free healthcare, state education, social benefits, and pension provision on par with Spaniards.
- Simplified change of residence within the EU: The status of a long-term EU resident allows for significantly easier acquisition of a residence permit in another European Union country.
- Direct path to citizenship: Permanent residency is the final stage before obtaining a Spanish passport.
- No attachment requirements: You do not need to prove the availability of financial means or maintain a specific job annually to renew your status, as is the case with a temporary residence permit.
Main Grounds: Who can obtain permanent residency in Spain?
The main requirement of migration legislation is legal and continuous residence in Spain for 5 years in the status of a temporary resident.
“Continuous” means that you cannot be absent from the country for more than 6 months consecutively, and the total period of your absence during these 5 years should not exceed 10 months (or 12 months in the case of work-related travel).
The time spent in the country is counted differently depending on your current status:
- Work Residency (Highly Qualified Specialists, EU Blue Card): 100% of the time is counted.
- Digital Nomad Visa: a modern method of legalization, the time of which is fully counted towards permanent residency (ПМЖ).
- Non-lucrative Residence Permit (Residencia no lucrativa): also grants full seniority, 1 year for 1 year.
- Golden Visa (Investment in real estate or the economy): the fastest way to obtain temporary status, which after 5 years allows for formalizing permanent residency (ПМЖ) in Spain.
- Student Visa (Estancia por estudios): only 50% of the time is counted (for example, 4 years of study will count as 2 years of seniority for permanent residency (ПМЖ)).
Attention: the time spent in the status of a refugee or a person with temporary protection may also be counted, but the procedure for transitioning to permanent residency requires individual legal analysis (status modification).
Stages of Formalizing Permanent Residency in Spain
The procedure for obtaining residency requires strict adherence to the regulations. Any mistake can lead to refusal, so a qualified migration lawyer is a necessity at this stage.
Step 1. Review of Seniority and Document Audit
Preparation must begin 60 days before the expiration of your current resident card (TIE).
The lawyer checks the terms of your absence from the country according to the stamps in your passport and forms the legal basis.
Step 2. Collection and Legalization of Documents
All foreign documents must be apostilled and translated by a sworn translator (traductor jurado).
Step 3. Submission of Application (Solicitud)
The documents are submitted online through the electronic system of the migration service (Extranjería) using a digital signature (Certificado Digital) or in person.
Electronic submission through a lawyer significantly speeds up the process.
Step 4. Biometrics Submission and Card Collection
After receiving a positive decision (Resolución favorable), you have 1 month to make an appointment with the police (Cita previa) for fingerprint submission.
After 3-4 weeks you receive the plastic permanent resident card for 5 years.
What documents are required for Spanish Permanent Residency (ПМЖ)?
The standard package of documents includes:
- Completed official application form EX-11.
- Valid foreign passport (copies of all pages).
- Current resident card (TIE).
- Certificate of no criminal record from Ukraine (and from countries where you resided for the last 5 years), with an apostille and sworn translation.
- Documents confirming financial solvency (employment contract, bank statements, RENTA declarations) — relevant for long-term EU residency.
- Medical insurance (public or private with full coverage).
- Receipt for payment of the state fee (Tasa 790 code 052).
Depending on your individual situation, the migration service may make an additional commercial request for other supporting documents.
Legal Support: Why is it important?
Immigration to Spain and legalization in Spain are complex bureaucratic processes. The migration legislation of the Kingdom is constantly changing, and independent submission of documents often leads to a loss of time, funds, and legal status due to ignorance of current regulations.
To find out the current cost of formalizing permanent residency (ПМЖ) in Spain with the help of specialists, and to guarantee a positive decision, entrust this matter to professionals.
The law firm “Prikhodko and Partners” offers comprehensive legal support to Ukrainians at all stages of migration.
Our migration lawyers will ensure full control: from the initial consultation and document preparation to receiving the plastic resident card in your hands. We know all the subtleties of Spanish bureaucracy and guarantee legal security on the way to your new life in Europe.
Calculate the cost of services
1 question
Are you currently in Ukraine?
2 question
Are you currently in Spain?
3 question
Do you have grounds for obtaining a permanent residence permit in Spain?
4 question
Do you want to get a residence permit in Spain when buying real estate?
After how many years of legal stay can I get permanent residence in Spain?
ou can obtain long-term resident status after 5 years of legal and continuous residence in Spain.
What are the financial requirements for permanent residence in Spain?
The applicant must prove a stable income sufficient to support themselves and their family without relying on state social assistance.
What is the difference between permanent residence and Spanish citizenship?
Permanent residence allows you to live and work in Spain while keeping your current citizenship, whereas citizenship grants voting rights and requires giving up your previous passport.
You may also need:
OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT IN ESTONIA
Read moreREGISTRATION OF A BUSINESS (FIRM) IN POLAND
Read moreOPENING A BANK ACCOUNT FOR A GAMBLING BUSINESS
Read moreOpening an account in a foreign bank
Read moreOPENING A BANK ACCOUNT IN AUSTRIA
Read moreREGISTRATION OF A BUSINESS (FIRM) IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC
Read moreOpening a crypto-friendly account
Read moreREGISTRATION OF A BUSINESS (FIRM) IN THE UK
Read moreBrand name registration
Read moreOPENING A BANK ACCOUNT IN GREAT BRITAIN
Read moreBANK REGISTRATION IN CYPRUS
Read moreCompany Registration in the UAE
Read morecall back
during the day
Compensation for moral, material damage
Protection of honour, dignity, and business reputationContract Development for Business and Legal Entities
Licensing of business activities
Compensation for moral, material damage
Legal services in the field of cryptocurrency and blockchain
REGISTRATION OF COMPANIES AND OPENING OF BANK ACCOUNTS
Sale and purchase of ready-made firms
Grants and attracting investment
Business registration and support in Great Britain
Business registration and support in Switzerland
Business registration and support in the EU
Business Registration and Support in the Gulf Countries (GCC)
Business registration and support in Turkey
Business registration and support in USA
Lawyer for administrative cases
Legal services for medical businesses and doctors
Protection of honour, dignity, and business reputation
Real estate transaction support
Escort of the tender participant
Trial lawyer: support and defense in court
European Court of Human Rights (ECHR)
