Let’s see the main differences between these two tenses
Present perfect simple
We use it to talk about an activity that is finished or it’s connected to the present
👉 I’ve painted the room (finished)
👉 She has been to London a few times in her life (up to now)
👉 They have achieved success (finished)
Present perfect continuous
We use it to talk about a finished activity when we want to explain the result connected with this activity
👉 I’ve been painting the room. That is why I am covered in paint
👉 We’ve been waiting for you to tell you about the news. That is why I am here
We can also use it to talk about an activity that is not finished or to emphasize for how long this activity has been happening
👉 I’ve been painting the kitchen (but I haven’t finished yet)
👉 I‘ve been painting all day, I’m really tired
Important! It is grammatically correct to use either present perfect simple or continuous to talk about certain unfinished actions but British people prefer to use the present perfect continuous to emphasize for HOW LONG
👉 I‘ve lived in Madrid for 5 years → He vivido en Madrid 5 años (y todavía sigo aquí)
👉 I’ve been living in Madrid for 5 years → Llevo viviendo en Madrid 5 años