For those European Union (EU) citizens who have decided to make Tenerife their permanent home, obtaining a permanent residence certificate is a crucial step. This document not only confirms your legal status on the island, but also grants you a series of rights and benefits. In the following, we will elaborate on how to obtain this certificate and what is needed to ensure a smooth transition from temporary to permanent residence in Tenerife.
What is the Certificate of Permanent Residence?
The certificate of permanent residence is a document issued by the Spanish authorities confirming the permanent residence status of an EU citizen in Spain, in this case, on the island of Tenerife. This certificate is valid for an indefinite period and guarantees a series of rights similar to those of Spanish citizens.
Citizens of a Member State of the European Union, of a State party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area and Switzerland who meet the requirements described will have the right to reside in Spain on a permanent basis.
Requirements for obtaining the Certificate of Permanent Residence in Tenerife
In order to obtain the Permanent Residence Certificate, it is essential to prove one of the following cases:
Scenario 1. Continuous residence of five years.
In the first case, it is required to have lived legally in Spain for five consecutive years. During this period, the person must demonstrate one of the following conditions:
- To have worked as an employee in Spain.
- Have been self-employed in Spain.
- Have had sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their family without being dependent on social assistance in Spain. In many cases there are agreements between the member countries of the European Union and the countries that make up the European Economic Area and Switzerland, in which the social security of the country of origin covers the costs of health care in Spain. If this is not the case, you must have health insurance that provides coverage equivalent to Social Security. The sufficiency of these resources will be assessed individually, considering the personal and family situation of the applicant. It is considered sufficient if the resources exceed the threshold established annually by the General State Budget Law for receiving a non-contributory benefit.
- Have studied in Spain, enrolled in an educational centre recognised or financed by the educational administration, with sufficient health insurance and financial resources not to be dependent on Social Security.
- Be a family member of a citizen of the European Union or the European Economic Area who fulfils any of the above conditions. This includes spouses, registered partners, children under the age of 21 or incapable, as well as ascendants who are economically or physically dependent on the European Union citizen. Economic dependency is demonstrated if they live exclusively at the Union citizen’s expense, while physical dependency is demonstrated when the Union citizen must provide personal care due to serious health problems.
Scenario 2. Retirement or early retirement.
Another quite common case in the case of Tenerife is that of those people who have stopped working because they have reached the age established by Spanish legislation for access to retirement with the right to a pension.
In addition, we must also take into account those people who have been employees and have stopped working due to early retirement. To meet this requirement, they must have worked in Spain for at least the last twelve months and have been continuously resident in Spain for more than three years. However, the three-year period of residence is not required if the worker’s spouse or registered partner is a Spanish citizen, or if he or she lost Spanish nationality after marrying or registering as a registered partner with the worker.
Scenario 3. Permanent incapacity
In this third case, these are people who have worked as employees or self-employed and have stopped working due to permanent incapacity. To meet this requirement, they must have resided in Spain for more than two years continuously. However, the two-year period of residence is not required if:
- The incapacity is the result of an accident at work or an occupational disease giving entitlement to a pension, wholly or partly financed by a Spanish body.
- The spouse or registered partner of the worker is a Spanish citizen, or if he/she lost Spanish nationality after becoming or registering as a registered partner with the worker.
Scenario 4. Work in another Member State while maintaining residence in Spain.
After consecutive years of activity and residence in Spain, having started working in another Member State while maintaining residence in Spain.
Scenario 5. Family member of a worker with permanent residence
Being a relative of a worker who acquires permanent residence by fulfilling the above-mentioned conditions.
In these cases, time spent in employment during these periods will be considered to be that corresponding to involuntary unemployment, suspension of activity for reasons beyond the control of the interested party, absences from work or sick leave due to illness or accident.
Procedure to obtain the Certificate of Permanent Residence in Tenerife
To start the process of obtaining the Certificate of Permanent Residence in Tenerife, it is highly recommended to seek the advice and representation of a specialised immigration consultancy on the island, such as Asesoría Quintero. We have professionals with experience and knowledge of the procedures and requirements necessary to obtain the certificate.
Initial consultation:
Before starting any procedure, it is essential to schedule an initial consultation with the consultancy. During this consultation, our immigration experts will evaluate your personal situation and provide you with specific guidance on the steps to follow and the documents required to apply for the Permanent Residency Certificate.
Preparation of Documentation
Once you have received guidance on the specific requirements in your case, you will need to gather and prepare all necessary documentation. This could include personal documents, proof of residence, proof of means, among others, depending on your specific situation.
Assistance during your appointment
Asesoría Quintero will guide you through the process of requesting an appointment at the Extranjería office closest to your place of residence in Tenerife. We guarantee that you are fully prepared and supported throughout the whole process.
Follow-up of the process
After submitting the application, the specialised immigration consultancy will continue to provide you with support and follow-up throughout the process. We will keep you informed of any updates or additional requirements from the authorities, ensuring that your application progresses smoothly.
By contracting the services of a specialised immigration consultancy in Tenerife, such as Asesoría Quintero, you can rest assured that you have the support and experience necessary to successfully complete the process of obtaining a Permanent Residence Certificate on the island.
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