If you left for a year,would you have to start again Fred ?

Once permanently resident, you must not leave for more than two (consecutive) years.

During the qualifying 5 year period must must not leave for more than 6 months in a year but there are some special exceptions.

Fred do you not have to actually apply for permanent residency? Proving you have been legally resident for 5 years ?

You get it by right. If you were in a situation where you were required to have permanent residency, then you would have to prove, at that point, that you had lived here for more than 5 years.

If you want it in writing you are free to apply for a new registration certificate in the usual way, and if you have been registered for 5 years you will automatically get a new form with the different wording that confirms your right to permanent residency.

There is no requirement to again confirm your eligibility (proof of income, etc.) at this point.

Spanish law is in accordance with the EU Directive on Residency which you can read here

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/...77:0123:EN:PDF

Thanks Fred it was the bit about having a certificate in writing I was asking about.