Spain: 2nd renewal expiring, what are my options?

Hello all,

Great forum here, and I'm very glad to have found it. I've been stressing for two days over the labyrinthine presentation of the Spanish ministry websites trying to find some information as to what my next steps should be regarding my situation.

I'm an American that has been living in Madrid since the beginning of 2001. In mid-December the 2nd renewal of my work/residency permit expires and I've been trying to figure out where I go from here.

In reviewing the original petitions and subsequent renewal forms that I had completed I don't see any option past a 2nd renewal. And in looking over the information from the Ministry of Justice I need to live here 2 more years before I can request citizenship so that's out for the time being unless there is some regulation that I'm unaware of.

My question is, am I entitled to request permanent residency (a US Green Card equivalent effectively)? That's what the logic would seem to dictate but I can't find a drop of information on the topic. I would be highly grateful to anyone who could point me in the right direction.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Spainero

Can you please give more details about how you qualified originally for the residence permit and the renewal? Did your employer sponsor you? Are you married to or involved in a long term releationship with an EU citizen?

If you got a 1st renewal and a 2nd renewal, what exactly is preventing you from just obtaining a 3rd renewal?

Directive/2004/38/EC wrote:Can you please give more details about how you qualified originally for the residence permit and the renewal? Did your employer sponsor you? Are you married to or involved in a long term releationship with an EU citizen?

It was late last night and I know I skipped a couple of important details

The original permits were sponsored by my then employer. The renewals were then in my own hands. I was, but am no longer, in a long term relationship with a Spanish national.

One of my principle goals when I arrived was to obtain citizenship in the EU by way of naturalization.

In my continuing research it seems that after 5 years of living here continuously I am eligible for residency. As I am about to begin my 8th year here it would seem that this is a lock.

I just don't know which agency to contact to begin the process.

Are you presently employed?

Directive/2004/38/EC wrote:Are you presently employed?

At this very moment no, the company I was working for closed its doors and I'm currently job hunting and collecting 'paro'. A similar situation took place during the my first renewal and it didn't prove to be a problem at all. They requested a vida laboral to ensure that I was here as a worker and in spite of some limited down time it shows that I've been a productive member of the work force and have 'cotizado' and paid taxes the vast majority of my time here.

bumping the topic