Last Updated on May 19, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi
This firsthand experience details the process and timeline for applying for Larga Duracion residency (Long-term residency) in Madrid in May 2025.
“Hi all. Just wanted to share my recent timeline for residencia larga duración (regular Spanish version, not EU):
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Start the Moving to Spain Hub →- Feb 4, 2025: Submitted application via Mercurio
- Feb 6, 2025: Notified via email that application was officially entered into the system
- May 23, 2025: Received notification that 3 months had passed and administrative positive silence applies to my case (I didn’t use professional help to apply so I decided to just wait for the organic resolution, rather than formally request the resolution from the administration).
- May 29, 2025: Received notification of positive resolution. The date listed on the resolution was May 23, 2025.
I waited 3.5 months in total. I was eligible for larga duración vía 5 consecutive years of residency. I submitted the paperwork that was requested (passport copy, tasa receipt, Ex11) plus a copy of my padrón just in case.
Good luck to those of you applying and waiting!”
Questions and Answers
Q: Did you include copies of all your TIE cards or empadronamientos to demonstrate 5 years?
A: “Everything I included in the application is listed in the post.”
Q: Just your current padrón, or historical as well?
A: “Current.”
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Explore Cities →Q: Did you submit a copy of every page of your passport or just the cover?
A: “Full copy of the entire passport.”
Q: What visa did you come from?
A: “Non-lucrative residency.”
Q: Were there any documents besides your passport, tasa receipt, EX11, and padrón?
A: “No. I purposefully only included what’s officially on the list to see if that’s all they wanted—and it was.”
Q: Was an exam or Spanish language level required?
A: “No exam or language requirement was mentioned or requested.”
Read: “Understanding Spanish Permanent Residence: A Complete Guide“
Comments
“I’m going through the same process, the Larga Duración Visa in Barcelona. If you’ve renewed your passport during your time in Spain, include every page from both expired and current passports!”
“I had the same experience last year with administrative positive silence when applying in Madrid.”
“Congratulations! Thanks for the detailed info—it really helps!”
“Very useful info, thanks for sharing!”
“Enhorabuena chica! Hope you treated yourself!”
“Thanks and congrats!”
Conclusion
Applying for residencia de larga duración in Spain can be a straightforward process if you meet the basic requirements and submit the official documents: full passport copy, tasa payment receipt, EX11 form, and a current padrón.
In this case, approval came after 3.5 months via administrative positive silence, a useful mechanism for applicants not using legal help. No additional documents or language tests were needed.
If you’ve renewed your passport during your 5 years of residency, be sure to include both the expired and current versions.
This example shows that simplicity and accuracy can be just as effective as overpreparing—so stick to the official list and be patient.
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