Keeping or losing long-term residence when you live abroad

Key rules

• National status: National long-term residence lapses after more than 12 consecutive months outside Spain, unless the absence was justified.
• EU status: EU long-term status is lost after 12 consecutive months outside EU territory or after acquiring long-term status in another member state.
• Other causes: Fraud, expulsion, serious convictions and taking Spanish nationality or another status also end long-term residence.
• Proof: Keep evidence of any justified reason for a long absence.

How long can you be away?

It depends on which long-term status you hold. Check your card first, because the two have different limits.

National long-term residence (residencia de larga duración). It lapses after more than 12 consecutive months outside Spain, unless the absence was justified. If you had a valid reason, you can ask the authorities to keep your status. The Oficina de Extranjería looks at each case.

EU long-term residence (residente de larga duración-UE). You lose it after 12 consecutive months outside EU territory. You also lose it if you have acquired long-term status in another EU country. Separately, an absence from Spain of more than 6 years ends it. Longer absences for justified reasons, such as work, study or serious illness, can be accepted.

Short trips do not cause a problem. The risk is a long stay abroad without a break. If you expect a long absence, keep proof of the reason, such as an employment contract, enrolment papers or medical records.

What else ends your status

Being away is not the only way to lose it.

• It was obtained by fraud or with false documents.
• An expulsion or removal order is issued against you on public order, public security or public health grounds. Expulsion requires an individual assessment of your ties to Spain and the danger you pose.
• You are convicted of serious offences.
• You acquire Spanish nationality.
• You take another status, such as EU citizen-family status.

What to do if you plan a long absence

Ask the Oficina de Extranjería for your province before you leave if your absence may come close to the limit. Explain the reason and bring your evidence. If you are thinking of settling in another EU country, remember that getting long-term status there ends your Spanish EU status.

The warnings and questions below cover these points in short form.

What to watch out for

• Long absences can end your status: National long-term residence lapses after more than 12 consecutive months outside Spain, unless the absence was justified. EU long-term status is lost after 12 consecutive months outside EU territory, and after more than 6 years away from Spain. Plan trips so no single stay abroad passes 12 consecutive months. If you must stay longer, ask the immigration office to keep your status and keep proof of the reason, such as work, study or illness.

• Fraud or false documents: Long-term residence ends if it was obtained by fraud or with false documents. Submit only genuine, accurate documents. If you find a mistake in a past application, talk to a lawyer before doing anything else.

• Expulsion or serious convictions: An expulsion or removal order on public order, public security or public health grounds ends your status, as can a conviction for serious offences. Expulsion requires an individual look at your ties to Spain and the danger you pose. If you receive an expulsion notice, get legal advice straight away and show your family, work and long-term ties to Spain.

• Taking another status or another EU country's status: Acquiring Spanish nationality or another status, such as EU citizen-family status, ends long-term residence. Getting long-term status in another EU country ends your EU status here. Before applying for another status or moving to another EU country, check what happens to your current card.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a limit on how long I can be away from Spain with EU long-term status?

Yes, EU long-term status is also lost after absence from Spain of more than 6 years, even if you stay inside the EU. This comes on top of the 12 consecutive months outside EU territory.

Can I keep my residence if I was away for a good reason?

Yes, you can ask the authorities to keep your status if your absence had a valid reason, such as work, study or serious illness. Each case is assessed individually by the immigration office. Keep proof of the reason, like work contracts or medical reports.

Does getting Spanish nationality end my long-term residence?

Yes, acquiring Spanish nationality ends long-term residence, because you no longer need a residence status. The same happens if you move to another status, such as EU citizen-family status.