Green A4 residencia

We've had our residencia for around 19 years, it's the A4 green piece of paper, no photo. They now have the small credit card size residencia. Is thegreen A4 one still valid ? Do you have to renew every 5 years? We were always led to believe it lasted forever, no need to renew.

There is no need to renew. You can change it for the smaller version (it's just a push part of the document and paper) which is easier to carry around.
If you are going to exchange it, you may as well apply for a permanent residency card which is an update to being on the register of foreign nationals.

Thought what we had was permanent residency? Can you please explain, I don't understand, sorry.

Chrisdee wrote:Thought what we had was permanent residency? Can you please explain, I don't understand, sorry.

As EU nationals, we don't have to apply for "Residencia", what we actually apply for is to be added to the "Extranjeros" (foreigners) listing. Non-EU nationals have to apply for Residencia. However, it's the same application form and it's the same green certificate, hence the confusion and why it has become the norm for ex-pats to refer to it as Residencia.

I think Marcliff's suggestion that you apply for permanent residency (Residencia Permanente) is very sensible, as we don't currently know what documentation will be required once the UK reverts to Third Country status so, if I were you, I'd apply before the 2019 Brexit deadline. Again, it's the same application form - you just tick the 'Permanente' box - and you'll get a new green certificate (credit card size) with the word 'Permanente' on it.

Thank you very much for your advice, shall sort it out

I have the A4 and wish to change to the permanent credit size card. I have completely forgotten how to apply. Which form and how to get it, where to apply I live in Rojales and what documents will be required?
I am sure I will get the information on this site.

EX18 application for Residency
(tick the MODIFICACION and Otros box - cambio de certificado)

If you've been resident for over 5 years, tick the RESIDENCIA PERMANENTE and then the Residencia continuada en España durante 5 años

That way you'll get the small card sized certificate and will be classed as resident as opposed to on the register of EU foreigners residing in Spain.

You need to make an appointment online with a National Police Station (Orihuela, Elche, Alicante etc) or a foreigners office (Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa town hall etc). Then complete a Form 790-012 if applying at a National Police station or a Form 790-052 if applying at a foreigners office. These forms are then taken to the bank, the fee paid and you get a copy with Pagado on it. Take this to the office along with your residency card, passport and NIE certificate if you have one.

I went to the lawyers on Wednesday to ask. They said it's not compulsory to change the green A4 piece of paper for a credit card sized one but if you did want to go down that road, you have to go all through the rigmarole of applying again, fill in the form, pay at the bank, take all paperwork required which includes proof you have medical cover either private or NHS, if it's the NHS you need to get a letter from the social offices that says you are entitled to it.

Is it really worth the trouble? There must be lots people who still have the paper ones. Doesn't stop you doing anything.

It doesn't seem it to be honest BUT we have Brexit coming up and it's whether that will change anything, perhaps it's worth the extra trouble?? Who knows.

Janjan wrote:Is it really worth the trouble? There must be lots people who still have the paper ones. Doesn't stop you doing anything.