How long your permit and card last, and why the dates differ

Key rules

• Date that counts: The expiry date in your grant resolution governs your renewal window, not the date printed on the card.
• First permit: Most first temporary permits last 1 year, and renewals are generally 2 years.
• Pending renewal: A pending renewal extends your permit's effects until the office decides, even if the card has expired.
• Long-term residence: After 5 years of legal residence you can apply for long-term residence.

Which date counts: the resolution, not the card

Your permit's validity comes from the grant resolution, the official decision that approved your permit. Your renewal window counts from the expiry date stated there, not the date printed on the card. The card is only the physical proof of the permit.

Why the two dates can differ

The dates can differ for a few ordinary reasons:

• The card is issued after the permit is granted, so it may carry a different validity.
• The card can have a fixed maximum duration.
• A pending renewal application extends the effects of your permit until the office decides. The card date then looks out of date, but your permit is still in force.

If the card date looks wrong, follow the resolution date and ask the immigration office that handled your case. The checklist below walks you through the comparison.

How long permits usually last

Under the general regime, a first temporary residence permit is usually granted for 1 year. This covers most routes, for example non-lucrative, work and arraigo permits. Renewals are generally for 2 years.

Some categories differ. Students, investors and highly qualified professionals have their own durations. A permit for family reunification follows the validity of the person sponsoring you. Always read the duration for your own route in your resolution.

After 5 years of legal residence you can apply for long-term residence.

How to find your next renewal date

1. Take your grant resolution and read the validity period and the expiry date.
2. Compare it with the date on your card.
3. Use the resolution's expiry date as the starting point for your renewal window.

The process below sets out when you can file. Keep your resolution somewhere safe, because it is the document that settles any disagreement about dates.

Check your validity date and deadline

• Find your grant resolution and your card: before you start

• Read the validity date and the route granted in the grant resolution. The card only proves it, so use the card's expiry field and the permit type printed on it as a cross-check: first step

• Renewal: file from 60 days before your permit expires until 90 days after it expires, counting from the expiry in the resolution; filing after expiry can bring a sanction: 60 days before to 90 days after expiry

• Change of permit type: file while your current permit is still valid, with the timing set for that route. Some changes, such as student to work, must be filed before the permit ends: while your current permit is valid

• Appeal against a refusal: file an administrative appeal (recurso de reposición) with the office that decided within one month of being notified, or a court appeal within two months of being notified. You can use only one route at a time: 1 month or 2 months from notification

• Confirm your deadline in the refusal or resolution letter, which states the deadline and appeal routes. Ask the Oficina de Extranjería or Subdelegación del Gobierno handling your file, or a lawyer (abogado). The deadlines are set by law, not by the office: as soon as you receive a notification

• If the card date and the resolution disagree, or one is missing, follow the resolution date and ask the handling office for a copy or correction. If you have no resolution, request it from that office before you count any deadline: if the dates disagree or are missing

Documents you need

• Grant resolution: the official decision that granted your permit. It states how long your permit is valid and is the date that counts.

• Your residence card (TIE): the physical card that proves your permit. Its printed date can differ from the resolution.

Checklist

• Find the validity period stated in your grant resolution.

• Compare it with the expiry date printed on your card.

• Note the resolution's expiry date as the date your renewal window counts from.

• Ask the immigration office that handled your case if the two dates differ and the card looks wrong.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a first residence permit usually last?

Most first temporary residence permits last 1 year, for example non-lucrative, work and arraigo routes. Renewals are generally for 2 years. Students, investors, highly qualified professionals and family reunification follow different rules, and family reunification follows the sponsor's validity.

Is my permit still valid if my card has expired while my renewal is pending?

Yes, your permit stays in effect while a renewal you filed is pending, even if the date on your card has passed. The effects of the permit are extended until the office decides. Keep your filing receipt with you.

When can I apply for long-term residence?

You can apply for long-term residence after 5 years of legal residence. Until then you keep renewing your temporary permit.