Renewal rules by permit type

This Topic covers what each permit type must show at renewal: non-lucrative, employee, remote worker, self-employed, student, family dependent, investor and skilled-worker permits. It also covers what to do if your circumstances changed before you renew.

It is for people considering, planning or carrying out a move to Spain. You will know what your own permit is re-tested on and what to do if your job, income or situation changed.

Start with "Renewing a non-lucrative residence and proving funds, insurance and days in Spain". It shows how a renewal is tested and how to fix a shortfall. Then go to the page for your own permit type. If your job, income or situation has changed, read "When your job, income or situation changes before renewal".

This Topic does not cover the common renewal steps, switching to another permit type, or the evidence for a first application.

Key rules

• Renewal window: You can file a renewal from 60 days before your permit expires until 90 days after, and you stay in lawful status while it is pending.
• Fixing a file: If the office asks you to fix or complete your file, you have 10 working days to respond.
• Document age: Criminal record and padrón certificates are usually accepted if issued within 3 months before filing.
• Contributions: Employee renewal generally needs at least 3 months of Social Security contributions per year of permit validity.
• Days in Spain: A non-lucrative holder must spend at least 183 days per year in Spain during the permit.
• Job change: Changing employer does not block renewal, because the new job's contributions count.

Renewal rules by permit type: the whole process, step by step

• Work out what has changed in your income, job, enrolment or sponsor, and whether your permit still meets its conditions: As soon as something changes, well before your permit expires

• If the change means you no longer meet the conditions, contact the Oficina de Extranjería or the UGE-CE: Before the permit expires

• Gather documents for your permit type and check how old each one is allowed to be: Before you file; criminal record and padrón certificates are usually accepted if issued within 3 months before filing

• Build the proof your permit type needs: contributions for employees, funds, insurance and days in Spain for non-lucrative holders, enrolment for students, a new placement letter for language assistants: Before you file. Employees generally need at least 3 months of Social Security contributions per year of permit validity; non-lucrative holders must spend at least 183 days per year in Spain

• File your renewal: From 60 days before your permit expires until 90 days after. See Renewing a self-employed or entrepreneur permit.

• Answer any request from the office to fix or complete your file: Within 10 working days of the request

• If your permit cannot be renewed, look at other options such as a different permit, or appeal a refusal: After a refusal or if conditions are not met

Documents you may need

Identity and residence

• Your passport
• Padrón certificate — When your job, income or situation changes before renewal

Income and work

• Your current employment contract — Renewing a work permit as an employee, Renewing a digital nomad or remote-worker permit
• Recent bank statements — Renewing a non-lucrative residence and proving funds, insurance and days in Spain
• A private health insurance policy or certificate from a company authorised — Renewing a non-lucrative residence and proving funds, insurance and days in Spain
• Vida laboral report — Renewing a work permit as an employee
• Recent payslips from your employer — Renewing a work permit as an employee

Guarantees

• Valid health insurance with full coverage in Spain — Renewing a student permit or language assistant stay (auxiliar de conversación), Renewing an investor (golden visa) residence after the programme ended
• Proof that you paid the insurance premiums — Renewing a non-lucrative residence and proving funds, insurance and days in Spain

Other documents

• Application form for the renewal — Renewing an investor (golden visa) residence after the programme ended, Renewing an EU Blue Card or intra-company transfer permit

Each article lists the other documents it asks for, where you need them.

Renewal rules by permit type: questions that cross several articles

Can I fix a missing document after I have filed my renewal?

Yes, the office can ask you to fix your file, and you then have 10 working days to respond. This can cover things like extra bank statements or proof of income, but a real shortfall in means cannot be cured with funds that did not exist at the time.

Which documents prove I kept working when I renew an employee permit?

Employment continuity is usually shown by your Social Security registration, your vida laboral report (your Social Security work history), your current contract and recent payslips. The office can also check Social Security data itself. Read "Renewing a work permit as an employee" and "Documents to gather for your renewal path".

How many months of Social Security contributions do I need to renew as an employee?

You generally need at least 3 months of contributions per year of permit validity. Exceptions exist if you are unemployed, on benefits or looking for work, so read "Renewing a work permit as an employee".

Do I need private health insurance and a minimum stay to renew a non-lucrative residence?

Yes, you need valid private health insurance with no co-payments or waiting periods, unless the public system covers you, and you must spend at least 183 days per year in Spain. Passport stamps, a rental contract and your padrón registration can help prove your days.