The process to renew the residence permit in Spain
Renewing the residence permit in Spain is a crucial step for any foreigner who wants to continue living, working or studying legally in the country. The residence permit not only accredits your legal stay, it also determines your rights and obligations as a resident. Losing the validity of this document may result in sanctions, loss of rights or even the obligation to leave Spanish territory.
In Spain, there are several types of residence permits: temporary (with an initial validity of one to five years, depending on the case) and permanent or long-term (generally indefinite, with the obligation to renew it every five years). Within these categories are specific modalities such as non-profit residence, residence for employment or self-employment, residence for studies, or residence for family reunification.
Each permit has specific requirements and specific conditions for its renewal, but they all share a fundamental principle: to maintain the conditions that allowed its initial granting. For example, if you obtained your residence for work, you must prove that you are still linked to work or that you meet the conditions to continue residing in the country.
It is essential to know not only the requirements, but also the deadlines and the procedure, since an overdue or incomplete management can lead to the refusal of renewal.
Deadlines and process for renewal
Spanish law establishes very specific deadlines for requesting the renewal of the residence permit. The application period opens 60 days before the expiration date of the permit and extends up to 90 days after that date. However, presenting the renewal after the deadline can generate problems, so it is advisable to do it within the margin of the previous two months.
The renewal process follows some general steps, although it may vary slightly depending on the province or the type of permit:
1. Gather the necessary documentation
You must have the official form (usually the EX model corresponding to your permit), a copy of your complete valid passport, residence card, updated registration certificate, and documents proving that you meet the requirements of your permit (contracts, payrolls, Social Security registration, medical insurance, economic means, etc.).
2. Submit the application
The presentation can be made electronically through the electronic headquarters of the Secretary of State for Migration or in person at the corresponding Office of Foreigners, by appointment. The telematic route is more agile and avoids travel, but requires a digital certificate or access to Cl@ve.
3. Wait for the resolution
The administration has a legal period of three months to resolve the application. If you do not receive a response in that time, it is understood to be estimated by positive administrative silence (in most permits). However, it is advisable to confirm this point with a lawyer or specialised manager, since not all assumptions apply equally.
4. Pick up the new card
Once the renewal is approved, you must go to the police station for the issuance of the new card (TIE). There they will take your fingerprints and, in an approximate period of 30 to 45 days, you will be able to collect your new card.
Submitting an incomplete renewal, with expired or overdue documentation may result in additional requirements or, in the worst case, the refusal of the application.
Practical advice, warnings and recommendations
Renewing your residence permit is not a simple administrative procedure: it is a management that can condition your future in Spain, so it is convenient to act with foresight and care.
One of the most frequent mistakes is to wait until the last moment to start the process, this leaves little room to correct possible problems with the documentation. Ideally, start preparing the renewal at least three months before the expiration date.
Another key aspect is to keep your labour, tax and registration situation in order. Many permits require demonstrating labour continuity or sufficient economic means, so any interruption in your contract or health coverage can complicate the renewal.
You should also keep in mind that a criminal or police record can be grounds for denial. If you have had legal problems, it is advisable to solve them before starting the procedure and provide updated certificates that accredit it.
As for the presentation, the telematic route is usually faster and allows for easier follow-up, but it is advisable to have professional assistance if you are not familiar with the system. In addition, a specialised advisor can help you anticipate possible requirements and avoid delays.
Orihuela Costa advice: your support in the renewal
At Asesoría Orihuela Costa we know that renewing the residence permit is more than a simple form: it is to ensure your stability and your future in Spain. We have been helping foreigners of all nationalities for years to keep their legal situation in order, solving complex cases and avoiding unnecessary rejections.
We take care of preparing all the documentation, submitting the application and carrying out a personalised follow-up until the delivery of your new card.
