If you are over 30 and hold a long-term residence permit in Spain, you may now qualify for a 10-year residence card. Discover all the details in this complete guide from Visal Immigration.

Since 2025, Spain's Immigration Regulation has introduced a long-awaited change: the possibility of obtaining a 10-year residence card for long-term residents over 30 years of age. Although this update has gone unnoticed by many, it is highly beneficial for thousands of foreigners living in Spain.

At Visal Immigration Lawyers, we explain in clear and up-to-date terms what this new measure entails, who can benefit, what requirements must be met, and how to apply step-by-step. We also address the most frequently asked questions we receive at our firm.

 

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Until now, long-term residence cards in the general immigration regime had to be renewed every five years. Although this renewal did not mean losing the status of legal resident, it did require an administrative process that many found inconvenient—especially due to a lack of appointments or extended time spent abroad.

However, the new Immigration Regulation (Royal Decree 1155/2024) introduces an important change: if you hold a long-term residence permit and are over 30 at the time of renewal, your new card will be valid for 10 years.

This change greatly reduces the bureaucratic burden for many residents and provides greater documentation stability.

It is important not to confuse legal residency status with the physical document's validity. Your status as a long-term resident remains indefinite, but the physical card (TIE) must still be renewed periodically. With this new regulation, residents over 30 will now receive a TIE valid for 10 years instead of five.

Who qualifies?

This measure applies to anyone who meets the following condition:

• Being over 30 years old at the time of renewing their long-term residence card.

It does not apply retroactively and is not automatic—you must go through the standard renewal process. If eligible, the new card will be issued with a 10-year validity.

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Required documents and renewal process

While no new documents are required specifically for the 10-year card, you must still meet the general renewal requirements:

• You have not lost your residency due to prolonged absence.

• You have no serious criminal or administrative issues.

• You present all required documentation:

  • Valid passport

  • Current TIE

  • Updated padrón (certificate of residence)

  • Paid fee (Modelo 790, Código 012)

  • Recent passport photo

At Visal Immigration, we can help you prepare everything to avoid errors or unnecessary delays.

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The renewal process is as follows:

1. Submit your renewal application at the Immigration Office or National Police.

2. Pay the corresponding fee (Modelo 790, Código 012).

3. Provide a recent passport photo and required documentation.

4. Attend a fingerprinting appointment.

Once complete, if you are over 30, your new TIE will be valid for 10 years instead of five.

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Benefits of the 10-year residence card

This seemingly small change has major advantages:

• Fewer renewals and less paperwork

• No more stress over appointment availability

• Greater flexibility for frequent travelers

• Peace of mind for elderly or less mobile residents

Our clients have already expressed great satisfaction with this change, especially those outside major cities or with demanding family/work commitments.

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Practical advice from Visal Immigration

• Don’t let your TIE expire. Renew within 60 days before and up to 90 days after its expiration.

• Keep your padrón updated, as it is often required.

• If you’ve spent more than 12 consecutive months outside Spain, you could lose your residency status.

Don’t wait—book your consultation now and get the legal support you need from true immigration experts. SELECT YOUR DATE AND TIME

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the 10-year residence card automatic if I’m over 30?
No, it’s not automatic. You must go through the renewal process. If you are over 30 when applying, you will be issued a 10-year card instead of the usual 5-year one.

Will I lose my long-term resident status if I don’t renew the TIE on time?
You won’t lose your residency status, but it could create practical issues (travel, employment, registrations). We recommend renewing promptly to avoid problems.

Does this change apply to family members of EU citizens?
No. Family members of EU citizens already have a permanent card valid for 10 years. This change only affects general-regime long-term residence renewals.

Do I need to submit more documents for the 10-year card?
No. The required documents remain the same. The only new condition is your age (over 30).

What if I renewed my card before this new rule?
If you renewed before this rule and received a 5-year card, you’ll need to wait until your next renewal to receive the 10-year card—provided you are over 30 at that time.

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At Visal Immigration Lawyers, we specialize in Spanish immigration law and have helped hundreds of clients successfully manage their residence renewals.

 Contact us via WhatsApp at +34 618 702 253
 Don’t wait—book your consultation now and get the legal support you need from true immigration experts. SELECT YOUR DATE AND TIME

We can also assist you with:

• Social and family roots (arraigo)

• Digital nomad visas

• Highly Qualified Professional permits (HQP)

• Spanish nationality applications

Don’t wait—book your consultation now and get the legal support you need from true immigration experts. SELECT YOUR DATE AND TIME

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Conclusion:
Spain is moving toward a more modern and flexible immigration model. The 10-year residence card for over-30s is a step forward in reducing red tape and increasing peace of mind for foreigners. At Visal Immigration, we make sure you don’t miss your opportunity to benefit from this important update. Contact us today!