Residencia de Larga Duración — permanent residence in Spain
Residencia de Larga Duración is Spain's permanent residence: available after five years of continuous legal residence, it removes the renewal treadmill and grants stable, long-term status (with an EU long-term variant for mobility across member states). Pathway pre-fills the EX-11 form.
Who this route is for
- ✓Five years of continuous legal residence in Spain
- ✓Currently hold a valid residence permit
- ✓No long absences that break continuity
Documents you'll need
- •Passport (full copy)
- •Current TIE + history of permits
- •Padrón certificate
- •Evidence of continuous residence over the five years
- •EX-11 form, Tasa 052
Pathway pre-fills the EX-11 and writes the Spanish cover letter — free.
10 minutes. No signup. No upsell. The same document pack a Spanish consultancy charges €350 for.
Start free diagnostic →Frequently asked questions
When can I apply for Larga Duración?+
After five years of continuous, legal residence in Spain. Absences must stay within the permitted limits (generally no single absence over six months, and not more than ten months total across the five years).
What's the difference between Larga Duración and Larga Duración-UE?+
Larga Duración is Spanish long-term residence. Larga Duración-UE (EU long-term) additionally facilitates moving to and residing in other EU member states. Both are applied for on the EX-11 form.
Does time on a student visa count toward the five years?+
Generally student stays count at half value toward long-term residence, and there are nuances by permit type. Pathway's diagnostic flags whether your history likely qualifies.
Which form do I file?+
EX-11 — the long-duration / EU long-duration residence application. Pathway pre-fills it from your details.