Knowledge Base

Questions about Spanish Residence Permits

Written by the EuroGarant legal bureau. Legal representation in Spain is provided by attorney Antonio Segura García-Consuegra, Barcelona Bar Association (ICAB) no. 13566. Updated 29.08.2026.

Short, precise answers to common questions: grounds, documents, timelines, renewal, taxes, family. Every answer is verified against official sources. Can't find your question — ask us.

Grounds

• How to say "how are you" in Spanish: basic phrases for a migrant?
• How to open a limited company (SL) in Spain?
• How to switch from temporary protection to a residence permit in Spain?
• Which Spanish residence permit should you choose in 2026?

Documents

• How to get an apostille on Russian documents while in Spain?
• What documents are needed for Spanish citizenship?
• Document legalisation in Spain: which documents are needed and how to arrange it?
• Can a foreigner buy additional work-contribution years in Spain?
• What does Extranjería (the immigration office) check when reviewing a Spanish residence permit application?

Timelines

• How long is a first-time Spanish residence permit issued for — 1 year or 3 years?
• How long does it take for a Spanish residence permit application to be processed?
• How many trips to Spain are needed when applying for a residence permit?

Renewal

• When and how to renew a Spanish residence permit?

Taxes

Questions for this section are coming soon.

Family

• Can you bring your family to Spain on a residence permit?