How Long Must You Stay in Spain to Keep Your Residency?

What rights does as 10 Year TIE CARD in Spain give you?

And Once You Have a 10-Year TIE Card, Are There Limits on Time Outside Spain?

If you hold Spanish residency, one of the most common — and most misunderstood — questions is:

How long can I stay outside Spain without losing my residency?

This becomes even more important once you obtain a 10-year permanent TIE card in Spain. Many residents assume “permanent” means unlimited absence. That is not always correct.

In this comprehensive guide, we explain:

  • The legal residence rules in Spain
  • Absence limits for temporary vs permanent residency
  • What happens if you exceed the allowed time outside Spain
  • Special considerations for UK nationals post-Brexit
  • Schengen rules vs Spanish residency rules
  • How to protect your status long-term
  • FAQs about keeping Spanish residency

This article is written to be legally accurate, practical, and SEO-optimised for key terms including:

  • How long can I stay outside Spain with residency
  • 10 year TIE card Spain absence rules
  • Permanent residency Spain time outside country
  • Lose Spanish residency living abroad

Understanding Spanish Residency Categories

Before discussing absence limits, we must clarify the type of residency you hold.

Spain generally recognises two broad categories of residency:

1️⃣ Temporary Residency (Residencia Temporal)

Valid for:

  • 1 year (initial)
  • Renewed for 2 years
  • Renewed again for 2 years

After 5 years of continuous legal residence, you may qualify for long-term residency.

Applies to:

  • Work visa holders
  • Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) holders
  • Digital Nomad Visa holders
  • Student visa holders (special rules)
  • Family reunification

2️⃣ Long-Term / Permanent Residency (Residencia de Larga Duración)

Granted after 5 continuous legal years in Spain.

This leads to:

  • A 10-year TIE card
  • Stronger legal protection
  • Broader rights
  • Greater absence flexibility

Issued by:
Policía Nacional
Under the authority of:
Ministerio del Interior

How Long Can You Stay Outside Spain With TEMPORARY Residency?

If you hold temporary residency, Spain expects you to actually live in Spain.

Legal Rule

You cannot:

  • Be absent more than 6 months in a 12-month period

OR

  • Accumulate absences that break the requirement of “continuous residence”

If you exceed this, renewal may be refused.

What This Means Practically

If you:

  • Live 7 months per year in the UK
  • Only visit Spain occasionally
  • Maintain property but not genuine residence

You may lose your residency status at renewal.

Spanish immigration checks:

  • Padron registration
  • Tax residence
  • Social security contributions
  • Employment or economic activity

This is especially important for:

  • Non-Lucrative Visa holders
  • Digital Nomads
  • Work permit holders

How Long Can You Stay Outside Spain With a 10-Year Permanent TIE Card?

This is where the rules change significantly.

Once you obtain long-term residency (10-year TIE card), you gain stronger protection.

However — and this is crucial — it is not unlimited.

Official Rule for Long-Term Residency

You can lose long-term residency if:

  • You remain outside the EU for 12 consecutive months, OR
  • You remain outside Spain for more than 6 years in total

This is based on Spanish immigration law governing long-term residents.

Key Difference: Temporary vs Permanent

Residency TypeAbsence Limit
TemporaryMax 6 months per year
Long-Term (10 Year TIE)Up to 12 consecutive months outside EU
Total Outside SpainRisk after 6 years total absence

Important: EU vs Non-EU Absence

With long-term residency:

  • Living in France, Germany, Italy = EU territory
  • Living in UK, USA, Dubai = Outside EU

If you spend more than 12 consecutive months outside the EU, your status may be cancelled.

What About UK Nationals After Brexit?

UK nationals holding residency under the Withdrawal Agreement have slightly different protections.

Their residence rights stem from the Brexit agreement between:

European Union
and
United Kingdom

However, even Brexit TIE holders must maintain residence conditions.

Generally:

  • Short trips are fine
  • Long-term relocation outside Spain can jeopardise status
  • Permanent absence can trigger cancellation

Each case depends on category (temporary vs permanent under WA).

Does the 10-Year TIE Card Mean You Can Live Anywhere?

No.

The 10-year TIE card:

  • Is a physical card valid for 10 years
  • Confirms long-term resident status
  • Does NOT give unlimited right to live permanently abroad

Spanish law still requires:

  • Genuine residence link
  • Avoiding extended abandonment of Spain

What Happens If You Stay Outside Too Long?

If you exceed permitted absence:

Possible Consequences

  • Residency cancellation
  • Refusal at renewal
  • Entry problems at border
  • Need to reapply from scratch

Border checks are carried out by:
Policía Nacional

Spain may determine:

  • You abandoned residence
  • You established permanent residence elsewhere

Does Schengen 90/180 Rule Apply to Residents?

No.

The Schengen 90/180 rule applies to tourists.

Residents with valid TIE cards are NOT subject to the 90/180 limit when entering Spain.

However:

Schengen rules are governed under agreements implemented by the
European Union

Residency rights are governed under Spanish national law.

Different legal frameworks.

How to Protect Your Spanish Residency

If you want to keep your residency safe:

✔️ Maintain Spanish tax presence if required

✔️ Stay registered on the Padron

✔️ Keep property or rental contract

✔️ Avoid 12+ consecutive months outside EU

✔️ Do not exceed cumulative multi-year absence

If planning long absence:

  • Seek legal advice first
  • Consider re-entry strategy
  • Document reasons (work posting, illness, etc.)

Special Case: Can You Live 6 Months in Spain and 6 Months Abroad?

With temporary residency — risky.

With long-term residency — usually acceptable, provided you:

  • Do not exceed 12 consecutive months outside EU
  • Maintain genuine connection to Spain

But remember:
Tax residence is separate from immigration residence.

You may lose tax residency while keeping immigration residency.

Does Owning Property Guarantee Residency Protection?

No.

Owning a home in Spain does NOT automatically preserve residency.

Immigration authorities assess:

  • Actual residence
  • Economic and social integration

After 10 Years: Spanish Citizenship?

Some residents choose to apply for nationality.

Citizenship rules are separate and stricter regarding physical presence.

For most non-EU nationals:

  • 10 years legal residence required
  • Continuous stay requirements apply

Nationality is handled under the
Ministerio de Justicia

Frequently Asked Questions (SEO Optimised)

How long can I stay outside Spain with a 10 year TIE card?

You can remain outside the EU for up to 12 consecutive months. Longer absences risk cancellation.

Can I live in the UK with Spanish permanent residency?

Not permanently. Extended residence outside the EU can lead to loss of status.

Will Spain automatically cancel my residency?

Not automatically — but cancellation can occur during renewal or border checks.

Does renewing my TIE card reset absence rules?

No. Absence rules apply continuously, not just at renewal. Read more about renewing your Brexit TIE CARD

Can I regain long-term residency if I lose it?

Possibly — but you may need to restart the residency process.

Is permanent residency the same as citizenship?

No. Permanent residency allows you to live in Spain long-term. Citizenship gives full Spanish passport rights.

Final Summary

Temporary Residency

  • Max 6 months per year outside Spain

10-Year Long-Term Residency

  • Max 12 consecutive months outside EU
  • Risk if 6 years total absence
  • Must maintain genuine residence link

“Permanent” does NOT mean unlimited absence.

If you are unsure about your category, especially post-Brexit, seek professional guidance before planning extended time abroad.

To ensure accuracy, the information in this guide is based on official Spanish immigration law and EU regulations. Below are the primary government sources governing Spanish long-term residency and absence rules:

Lost your 10 year TIE CARD? Click here to replace your card today

🇪🇸 Spanish Government & Legal Framework

Relevant legislation includes:

  • Organic Law 4/2000 (Ley de Extranjería)
  • Regulation approved by Royal Decree 557/2011

🇪🇺 European Union Legal Sources

🇬🇧 Brexit & Withdrawal Agreement (For UK Nationals)