Seasonal work in Spain does NOT directly count toward Permanent Residence (PR) on its own. However, it can contribute indirectly if the worker later changes to a long-term residence status and meets the required conditions.
What Is Permanent Residence (PR) in Spain?
Permanent residence in Spain (also called long-term residence) allows a foreign national to:
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Live and work in Spain indefinitely
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Access social benefits similar to Spanish citizens
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Change jobs without new work permits
To qualify, most non-EU nationals must prove 5 years of continuous legal residence in Spain.
Does Seasonal Work Count Toward the 5 Years?
No. Seasonal work does not count toward the 5-year PR requirement because:
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Seasonal work permits are temporary
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They are issued for specific periods only
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Workers are expected to return to their home country after each season
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Seasonal permits do not allow continuous residence
As a result, time spent in Spain under a seasonal work visa is not considered continuous legal residence for PR purposes.
Why Seasonal Work Is Treated Differently
Spanish immigration law classifies seasonal work as:
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Short-term employment
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Non-resident-based work
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Tied to a fixed contract and return obligation
Because of this, seasonal workers are not building long-term residence rights while holding only seasonal permits.
Can Seasonal Workers Ever Qualify for PR?
Yes, but only after changing their residence status.
A seasonal worker may qualify for PR if they:
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Later obtain a non-seasonal residence and work permit
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Live legally and continuously in Spain for 5 years under eligible permits
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Meet renewal, income, and legal stay requirements
Only the time spent under standard residence permits counts toward PR.
Does Seasonal Work Count for Arraigo or Regularization?
Seasonal work may help indirectly in some cases:
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It can support arraigo laboral if employment is proven and other conditions are met
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It may help show work history for future applications
However, seasonal work alone does not lead to PR.
What Types of Residence Count for PR?
Time spent in Spain under these permits does count toward PR:
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Standard work and residence permits
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Self-employment residence permits
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Family reunification residence
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Long-term residence permits
Time spent on:
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Seasonal work visas
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Tourist visas
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Student stays (partially or conditionally)
Usually does not count fully or at all.
Key Takeaway
Seasonal work does not count directly toward Permanent Residence in Spain.
Only continuous legal residence under eligible long-term permits counts toward PR.
Seasonal work can be a starting point, but workers must later switch to a standard residence permit and complete five full legal years to qualify for PR.