In a recent announcement, the Spanish authorities have relaxed strict rules for foreigners holding the country’s temporary residence permits. According to the new changes, individuals with temporary residence permits will no longer have their permits revoked if they spend over six months outside Spain. This decision was taken by the Spanish Supreme Court on June 20, and it means that those with temporary residence permits can now travel abroad for more than six months within a year without jeopardizing their permit status.
Previously, the authorities had the power to cancel the residence permits of individuals who did not adhere to the six-month rule. However, under the new ruling, the temporary residency status can only be terminated through a legal process when the authorities evaluate that a person is no longer eligible for the document, rather than based solely on the duration of absence from Spain.
The temporary residence permit can be valid for up to five years, and after residing in Spain for this period, foreigners can apply for a long-term residency permit. It’s important to note that the current rule prohibiting foreigners from staying out of the country for more than ten months within a five-year period prior to applying for a permanent residence permit remains in place.
While foreigners who stay out of Spain for more than six months can still renew their temporary residence permits, they won’t be able to upgrade the permit to permanent status if their stay outside the country exceeds ten months within a five-year period.
For non-EU citizens applying for a Spanish temporary residence permit, the application process involves submitting their passport and a photocopy of it, a certificate of criminal record, three passport-size pictures, proof of having purchased travel health insurance, and the completed form for the permit.
Overall, these changes aim to make it easier for foreigners holding temporary residence permits to travel and spend extended periods outside Spain without fear of losing their permit status. However, it’s essential for applicants to be aware of the specific rules and limitations to ensure a smooth and successful residency application process in Spain.