New Residency Regulation: Renewal Periods for Long-Term Residence Cards in Spain

The new Reglamento de la Ley Orgánica 4/2000, approved by Real Decreto of November 2024 has now entered into force. Among other updates, it clarifies the renewal periods for the long-term residence card (both EU and national).

•The first renewal must be requested 5 years after issuance.

•Renewals continue to be every 5 years until the holder reaches the age of 30.

•From the age of 30 onwards, renewals are valid for 10 years.

These changes are now legally in effect and apply to all holders of long-term residence permits in Spain.

Translated the two articles referring to the above.

Art.  Renewal of the foreigner’s identity card for long-term EU residents

1.Foreign nationals who hold a long-term EU residence permit must apply for the first renewal of their foreigner’s identity card after five years. The second renewal and subsequent renewals of the foreigner’s identity card must be applied for every five years until the holder reaches the age of thirty, and every ten years once they have reached that age.

2.The renewal application must be submitted during the two months immediately prior to the expiry date of the card. Submitting the application within this period will extend the validity of the previous card until the procedure is resolved. The validity will also be extended until the procedure is resolved if the application is submitted within three months after the previous card has expired.

3.Failure to submit the renewal application for the foreigner’s identity card within the time limits established in paragraph 2 shall in no case result in the termination of the long-term EU residence permit. However, failure to comply with the obligations related to the foreigner’s identity card will entail the application of the penalty regime provided for in Organic Law 4/2000, of 11 January.

4.The application for renewal of the foreigner’s identity card must be completed using the official form and accompanied by the following documentation:

a) A valid full passport, travel document, or registration card.

b) Proof of payment of the fee for processing the procedure.

c) A photograph, in accordance with the requirements established in the regulations on the national identity document.

Art.  1Foreign nationals who hold a national long-term residence permit must apply for the first renewal of their foreigner’s identity card after five years. The second renewal and subsequent renewals of the foreigner’s identity card must be applied for every five years until the holder reaches the age of thirty, and every ten years once they have reached that age.

2.The renewal application must be submitted during the two months immediately prior to the expiry date of the card. Submitting the application within this period will extend the validity of the previous card until the procedure is resolved. The validity will also be extended until the procedure is resolved if the application is submitted within three months after the previous card has expired, without prejudice to the initiation of the corresponding sanctioning procedure for the infringement committed.

3.Failure to submit the renewal application for the foreigner’s identity card within the time limits established in the previous paragraph shall in no case result in the termination of the national long-term residence permit, although the competent immigration office will verify that the conditions that gave access to the permit are still met.

4.The application for renewal of the foreigner’s identity card must be completed using the official form and accompanied by the following documentation:

a) A valid full passport, travel document, or registration card.

b) Proof of payment of the fee for processing the procedure.

c) A photograph, in accordance with the requirements established in the regulations on the national identity document.

Please note: The information provided is based upon our understanding of current legislation. It is not legal advice but is provided freely to enable you to be properly informed. We recommend that if you are considering taking action, you should seek professional advice.