Renewing the 10-Year Permanent Community Card

The 10-year permanent community card is an official document that certifies the legal residence of European Union citizens and their family members in Spain. With a validity of 10 years, this card provides access to several benefits, such as the right to work, receive medical care, and access education. Additionally, it facilitates free movement within the Schengen area, allowing travel without restrictions across 26 European countries.

Requirements to Renew the 10-Year Permanent Community Card

To renew your 10-year permanent community card, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Documentation: Submit your valid national ID or passport, your current community card, and proof of residence. This is one of the most important requirements for renewing the 10-year community card.
2. Continuous Residence: Prove that you have lived continuously in Spain for the past 5 years.
3. Financial Solvency: Provide evidence that you have stable income or an employment contract that allows you to financially support yourself in Spain.
4. Health Insurance: Ensure that you have health insurance that covers your stay in Spain.

It is important to stay informed about any changes in legislation that may affect the requirements for renewing the 10-year permanent community card. If you have any questions, it is advisable to seek professional guidance to ensure a smooth renewal process.udas o necesitas asesoramiento, no dudes en contactar a nuestros expertos legales en Lexmovea.

Process of Renewing the 10-Year Permanent Community Card

Two Ways to Renew the Permanent Community Card:

• In-Person at the Foreigners’ Office: You will need to request an appointment and submit the EX-20 form along with the required documentation.
• Online: Through the Mercurio platform, if you have a digital certificate.

Regardless of the method you choose, the general steps for the renewal process are as follows:

1. Application: Fill out and submit the EX-20 form along with the required documents.
2. Appointment: Schedule an appointment at the Foreigners’ Office to submit your documents for the renewal (if applicable).
3. Tracking: You can track the status of your application online through the Foreigners’ portal.
4. Collection: Once the renewal is approved, you will need to collect your new community family member residence card at the assigned office.

The estimated processing time for renewal typically ranges from 3 to 6 months. It is crucial to start the process well in advance to avoid any issues.

Special Considerations for Renewal

• Time Spent Outside Spain: If you have spent a prolonged period outside Spain, it may affect your renewal. Consult with an expert to assess your situation.
• Changes in Family Situation: Be sure to properly document any changes in your family situation, such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of children.
• Criminal Record: Criminal records in Spain or other countries may influence your renewal. It’s important to understand how they can impact your application.
• Data Modifications: Update any changes in your personal details during the renewal process.

Associated Costs

Renewing the permanent community residence card comes with certain costs:

• Administrative Fees: You must pay the fees established by the administration.
• Translation and Apostille Costs: If you submit documents in another language, you will need to have them translated and apostilled.
• Legal Fees: If you hire a lawyer, you will need to cover their fees.
• Document Procurement Costs: Some required documents may incur costs, such as criminal record certificates or marriage certificates.
• Shipping Costs: If you need to send documentation, consider the shipping costs.

Why Trust Lexmovea for Your 10-Year Permanent Card Renewal?

The Assistance of an Immigration Lawyer is Crucial for a Successful Renewal of Your Permanent Community Card. An immigration lawyer will provide:

• Legal Advice: They will explain the legal requirements and necessary documentation, adapting to your particular situation.
• Document Preparation: They will help you prepare and review all required documents, ensuring they are complete and correct.
• Representation: They will represent you before the relevant authorities, facilitating communication and understanding of the process.
• Problem Resolution: If any difficulties or delays arise, the lawyer will act quickly to resolve any legal issues that may come up.

Should I Renew My 10-Year Permanent Community Card?

Renewing the 10-year permanent community card is crucial to continue enjoying the benefits of residing in Spain. By understanding the requirements for the permanent community card and the process, and with the right legal support, you can complete the process smoothly and without complications. It’s important to note that the 10-year permanent residence card does not require renewal in the usual sense. However, you must request its renewal or issuance of a new card before its expiration date, as it has a limited validity. Although you do not lose your permanent residency right in Spain, it’s important to keep your card updated to continue proving your regular status in Spain and enjoy all associated rights.

It is also important to note that all this time and deadlines count towards obtaining Spanish nationality by residence, which we can apply for if we meet all the required conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Renewal of the 10-Year Permanent Card

1. When Should I Start the Renewal Process? It is recommended to start at least six months before the expiration date of your community residence card.
2. What Happens If the Card Expires Before Renewal? If you have already started the renewal process for your permanent community family member residence card, your legal status will remain intact while your application is processed.
3. What Should I Do If My Renewal Is Denied? Contact an immigration lawyer immediately to analyze the reasons for the denial and determine the next steps.
4. Do I Need to Schedule an Appointment to Renew My Permanent Residence Card? Yes, it is necessary to schedule an appointment at the police station corresponding to your place of registration to complete the renewal process.
5. Can I Renew My Permanent Residence Card in a City Different from My Registration? No, you must renew your card at the police station corresponding to the city where you are registered. It is not possible to complete this process in a different city.
6. What Happens If I Don’t Renew My Card Within the Set Deadline? If you don’t renew your card within 60 days before or 90 days after its expiration, you could face issues with your legal status in Spain. Although you can renew your card within the 90 days after expiration, it is advisable to do so as soon as possible to avoid complications.
7. How Long Does It Take to Process the Permanent Residence Card Renewal? The renewal process usually takes 1 to 3 months, depending on the workload of the Foreigners’ Office. Once the renewal is approved, you will receive your new residence card.
8. Is It Mandatory to Renew the 10-Year Permanent Residence Card Even If I No Longer Reside in Spain? If you no longer live in Spain but plan to return in the future, it is advisable to renew your card to maintain your permanent residency status. However, if you have decided to permanently reside in another country, you may choose not to renew the card.
9. Do I Need to Provide Proof of Income or Employment to Renew the Permanent Residence Card? No, for the permanent residence card renewal, there is no need to provide proof of income or employment. The card is renewed without requiring proof of your financial situation, as it is a permanent authorization.
10. Can I Lose My Permanent Residency If I Don’t Renew the Card on Time? You will not lose your permanent residency status if you do not renew the card on time, but it is essential to renew the card to avoid legal and administrative problems. Not renewing the card on time can lead to difficulties in processes like signing contracts, accessing public services, or even exiting and re-entering Spain.
11. Can I Renew the 10-Year Permanent Residence Card From Abroad? In general, it is recommended to be in Spain for the permanent community family member residence card renewal. However, in exceptional cases, you may be able to renew the card from abroad by scheduling an appointment and sending the documents through an authorized representative, but this can complicate the process. It’s better to renew the card while in Spanish territory.
12. Is It Necessary to Hire a Lawyer to Renew the Permanent Residence Card? It is not mandatory, but having a lawyer specialized in immigration can make the 10-year permanent community card renewal process easier and ensure that all documents are in order and submitted correctly.
13. Can I Travel While My Card Is Being Renewed? While your community card is being renewed, it is advisable to carry with you the proof of renewal application and your passport. This is crucial to avoid problems when re-entering Spain.
14. Can I Renew the Permanent Community Card Online? Yes, you can renew the community card online through the Foreigners’ Electronic Headquarters. You only need the EX-17 form, a copy of your valid passport, a passport-sized photo, and proof of payment for the fee. Be sure to meet all the requirements to avoid delays in the permanent community residence card renewal process.
15. How to Renew the Permanent Community Card? To renew the permanent community card, you need the EX-17 form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photo, and proof of payment for the fee. The process to renew the permanent community family member residence card can be done at the Foreigners’ Office or online. It is ideal to begin the permanent community residence card renewal process 60 days before expiration or up to 90 days after.
16. What Are the Requirements for Renewing the Permanent Community Card? To renew the permanent community card, you need to continue meeting the initial conditions, such as being a family member of an EU citizen. You also need to submit the EX-17 form, a copy of your valid passport, a passport-sized photo, and proof of payment for the fee. In some cases, a registration certificate may be requested to confirm your residence in Spain. These requirements are crucial to successfully renew your permanent community card.