You've probably heard the saying «when you apply for an initial residence in Spain (for a year, two or even three years) this time will pass very quickly, you won't even notice when the document expires». And it's true – the first time in another country passes very quickly, as you are just beginning to learn and try how life in the country. Therefore, already in the first year of your stay in Spain, it is recommended to start thinking about how you will further extend your residence permit.
Do you want to know how to extend your residence permit without the right to work in Spain? In this article we'll tell you about the easiest way to stay in Spain for a long time, with the further prospect of obtaining a residence permit. Enjoy reading this article!
Who and how can to get an initial resident card without the right to work?
Let us first remind you who and under what terms can obtain a residence permit without the right to work in Spain. Foreigners who have a sufficient level of passive income, residing in Spain legally (on the basis of the national visa D) can apply for a residence permit without the right to work. The first time the residence permit is issued to the applicant for 1 year, which after the expiry of the term can be extended twice for two years. Totally, you will be able to live for 5 years on the basis of a residence permit without the right to work. «And after that?» – you may ask. After the 5 years you have lived in Spain, you are legally entitled to obtain a five-year permanent residence permit.
Main terms to extend residence permit without the right to work
The main terms to extend a residence permit without the right to work in Spain are that you have lived in Spain for most of the year (more than 183 days) and have not had any problems with the law. Also, do not forget about the means – you must have enough money to live in Spain.
We have listed the main requirements that are prescribed and regulated in the Spanish legislation.
Full list of documents required to extend residence permit without the right to work
Before your first residence card expires, it is important to collect in advance a list of all the necessary documents you will need to extend your residence permit. You will generally need the following documents:
Valid passport and previous Spanish residence card;
Health insurance;
Marriage certificate (if you are married) and children's birth certificate (if you have children);
Proof that the children are enrolled in Spanish educational institutions;
Receipt for payment of the Modelo 790 Codigo 052 government fee;
Completed EX-01 application form in two copies;
Proof that you have enough money. IMPORTANT: Please note that at the time of renewal you will need to show twice the amount of money in your Spanish account than the amount you showed at the Spanish Consulate in your country to apply for a National D visa. This is due to the fact that the first residence card is designed for one year, and the extended residence permit is designed for two years, of course, and the money you need twice as much.
Residence registration (it is not always required, but in some cases).
Step-by-step guide to extend a residence permit without the right to work in Spain
→ Collecting documents. Firstly, collect all the documents listed above. IMPORTANT: the documents must be notarized and translated into Spanish.
→ Filling out the application form. The EX-01 form must be printed and filled out in two copies in Spanish.
→ Submission of documents and waiting for a decision. There are three ways to apply: online, offline and by post.
→ Renewal of the resident card. Once you have been approved to extend your residence permit without the right to work in Spain, you must also renew your residence card. For this purpose, you will need to make an appointment to be fingerprinted at the police station (you can book an appointment here). You will also need to take the following documents with you:
Valid passport and previous Spanish residence card;
Completed EX-17 application form;
Residence registration;
Receipt of payment of the state duty;
A 26x32 mm photograph.
Terms of residence extension and possible nuances
First of all, when is it necessary to extend a residence permit without the right to work – you can submit documents not earlier than 60 days before the expiry date of the resident card or not later than 90 days after the expiry date of this document. As for the terms of consideration of the decision to extend the residence permit – the migration authorities are guaranteed to give you an answer within 90 days, and the production of a new resident card will take about 30 days.
It is important to provide only your current contacts in your application so that you can receive information about the decision in time.
Professional assistance in extending residence permit
Unfortunately, there are also refusals in the extension of residence permit without the right to work in Spain. As a rule, it is a violation of the basic conditions, or an incorrectly filled out application. What to do in such a case? The best solution would be to contact a special agency that specializes in the life of foreigners in Spain. One of such firms is migration agency aksis, where you can get professional help in extending residence permit in Spain!
