You can apply online. However the TIE application and permit renewal must be done in person.

You don’t need to do this for long-term residence. However, for EU long-term residence you must prove financial means and have private healthcare insurance.

If you are outside the EU for more than one consecutive year, you will lose the long-term residence permit.

However, unlike other temporary cards that cannot be recovered once lost, you can recover it very easily directly in Spain or from your country of origin.

Long-term residence doesn’t require financial means. So you don’t have to work as long as you meet the other requirements.

However, the EU long-term residence permit requires proof of sufficient financial means. In other words, you must be employed or self-employed, or have a bank certificate showing sufficient funds.

The EU long-term permit allows you to live and work in any EU country, unlike the long-term residence. If you are considering life in any other EU country, this is your option.

It typically takes three months after submitting your application.

If no reply is received during this time, it will be understood that the application has been approved by the administrative.

After this, you must visit a local police office and request your residence card in physical format.

You just need to do make an appointment at the police station to apply for your new card. You need to do this once every five years.

While, the right to reside is granted indefinitely, the officials requires the card to be updated with a new photograph and your  details.