How long can I be absent from Spanish territory?
If I am a holder of a residence permit in Spain, how long can I stay outside Spain?
To answer this question we must differentiate several aspects:
- The type of residence of which we are holders: Temporary or long-term
"Royal Decree 557/2011, of April 20, which approves the Regulations of Organic Law 4/2000, on the rights and freedoms of foreigners in Spain and their social integration, after its reform by Organic Law 2/2009, in its articles 162.2 e) and 166.1 c) contemplates as one of the causes for the termination of residence, the following absences."
Temporary residenceWhen staying outside Spain for more than six months more than six months in a period of one year.
Long-term residence: When staying outside Spain for more than twelve consecutive more than twelve consecutive months.
2. Application for long-term residence:
Absences from Spanish territory of up to six continuous months, provided that the sum does not exceed ten months within five years. does not exceed ten months within five years.(Art. 148.2 Royal Decree 557/2011, of April 20).
3. Absences for the purpose of calculating time for the purpose of applying for Spanish nationality by residence:
Maximum 3 consecutive months out of Spain. In the event that such absences were longer than three months, the reasons for such trips must be justified by providing to the nationality file, supporting documentation of effective residence in Spanish territory. (Art. 10. Royal Decree 1004/2015, of November 6, approving the Regulation regulating the procedure for the acquisition of Spanish nationality by residence).
Blog written by by Liliana Zapata / Lawyer ICAM
