Spain’s sunny beaches, rich culture and relaxed lifestyle have made it a popular destination for Indians seeking new opportunities. More than 50,000 Indian nationals call Spain their home, making them the third-largest Asian community in the country. With Spain expecting an increase in Indian visa applications in recent years, there has never been a better time to get permanent residency in Spain.
This guide will walk you through the process of applying for Spanish PR.
What is Spain PR?
Spain's permanent residence, also called Residencia Permanente or Tarjeta de Residencia de Larga Duración, is a residence permit for non-EU citizens. It lets you live and work in Spain and enjoy certain national rights, such as access to public health care, education and social benefits. However, you cannot vote or hold public office until you become a naturalised citizen.
Benefits of getting permanent residency in Spain
If you secure a Spain PR from India, you can:
- Travel freely across all 26 Schengen countries without needing additional visas.
- Work in any profession without requiring employer sponsorship.
- Access public healthcare and social security benefits, just like Spanish citizens.
- Study at public schools and universities at local rates.
- Become eligible to apply for citizenship after ten years of residence.
Spain permanent resident eligibility & required documents
To apply for PR in Spain, you must’ve lived legally in the country for a continuous period of at least 5 years.
Here is a list of required documents for a Spain PR for Indian citizens:
- Duly completed form EX-11 (PR form)
- Valid passport and current residence card
- Receipt of application fee
- Proof of five years’ continuous stay
- Clean criminal record in Spain and India, possibly requiring translation
- Bank statements or proof of income
- Proof of tax compliance
It is also advisable to check with your local immigration office for any additional documents.
Types of Spain PR pathways for Indians
If you’re planning to move to Spain, it’s important to choose the immigration route that best fits your goals. Each visa type comes with specific eligibility requirements, documentation and pathways to permanent residence in Spain for Indians.
Work visa
You can apply for a work visa, such as the EU Blue Card for highly skilled professionals or the General Work Visa for other roles. After five years of continuous legal employment in Spain, you become eligible to apply for Spain’s PR.
Study visa
You can apply for enrollment at a public or private university and will initially receive a student visa. After graduation, you may apply for a 12-month job-seeker visa to look for work. Once you secure a suitable employment contract, you can obtain a work visa and apply for a PR after 5 years.
Non-lucrative visa
The non-lucrative visa is designed for retirees or individuals with a stable passive income. You must prove a monthly income of at least €2,400 (INR 2.16 L) from pensions, investments or rental income. You are not allowed to work in the county. After holding a non-lucrative visa for five continuous years, you will be eligible to apply for PR.
Entrepreneur and investment visas
Spain encourages business creation and investment through special visas. The Startup Visa is devised for entrepreneurs with innovative, financially viable business plans and requires approval from ENISA, the Spanish startup agency. This visa allows family members to join you and, after five years, apply for permanent residency.
Family reunification
If you have immediate family already living legally in Spain, you can join them. Eligible relatives include spouses, minor or dependent children and parents of sponsors who have held legal residency for at least one year. Your sponsor must supply proof of stable income and adequate housing. This route often has faster processing times and leads directly to permanent residency.
How to apply for Spain PR?
After moving to Spain, you can proceed to apply for your residency card. 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
- Provide the required documents
- Start the application process 60 days before the expiration of your current residence permit
- Once you have submitted the necessary documents, expect to receive a letter of approval within 3 months
- Upon approval, you will be called to submit your biometric data (fingerprints) at the police office and receive a receipt.
- 30 days after submitting your biodata, return to the police office with your passport and current residency card to collect your permanent residency card.
Does Indian travel insurance work post getting Spain PR?
No, your Indian travel insurance no longer applies after getting your permanent residency in Spain. However, you must maintain public or private healthcare coverage until you secure full residency benefits under Spain’s Social Security.
Conclusion
Permanent residency allows you to live, work and study freely in Spain while also travelling across the Schengen zone. If you plan to settle there, it’s important to choose the right pathway and meet all eligibility requirements. When travelling for the first time (or making trips related to your residency status), be sure to have proper travel insurance for Spain. This is also a mandatory requirement for travel to Schengen countries. Careful planning today can help you build a life in Spain and secure the path to citizenship in a decade.
FAQs
How long does PR in Spain take for Indians?
It takes about eight weeks after you submit a complete application and fingerprints. Timelines may vary by the number of applications the immigration office receives.
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Can I work in any job with Spain PR?
Yes. Spain PR grants you the right to work in any profession without needing a separate work permit.
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Is travel insurance mandatory for a visa to Spain?
Yes. You must show proof of valid travel insurance for Spain when applying for your initial visa. This is a mandatory requirement for all Schengen countries.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.