Hello Hamza,

A residency status is lost after 12 consecutive months out of the country. You should remain in Spain at least 180 days per year, though it is also common that the authorities are not extremely strict with this when it comes to long term residents, since they have a permanent right of residency and the card renewal is merely automatic every 10 years at the police station.

However, it is highly recommended to observe the minimum stay requirement ( 6 months per year ), specially if you plan to apply for the Spanish nationality upon 10 years´ residency.

If there are longer absences, and these are work related, the authorities allow two additional months, though this applies mostly to temporary cards.

Regards,