The Spain Residence Permit for Family Members of EU Citizens allows non-EU dependent family members of EU nationals including Spanish citizens, to live and work in Spain. This residence card grants the right to stay in Spain and access the labor market without additional permits. It applies to direct relatives such as spouses, partners, children, and dependent parents of the EU citizen.

Some key benefits of the EU family permit include the ability to legally live and work in Spain, access to public healthcare, and easier travel within the Schengen Area.

This article will explain everything you need to know about the Spain Residence Permit for Family Members of EU Citizens, including eligibility, the application process, required documents, and the rights it offers to family members.

What is the Spain Residence Permit for Family Members of EU Citizens?

Two people going on a walk while holding a child's hands. The Spain Residence Permit for Family Members of EU Citizens allows non-relatives of Spanish or EU/EEA/Swiss citizens to live, work, and study in Spain if they intend to reside in the country for more than three months.

Family members must apply for this residence card when joining or accompanying their EU relative. The European citizen must have the right to reside in Spain for over three months, either as a worker, self-employed person, or student, with health insurance and sufficient financial resources to support the family.

The permit is valid for five years and also offers free movement within the Schengen Area.

What are the economic requirements for the residence permit?

EU citizens must ensure that their non-EU family members have the right to reside in Spain. Additionally, they need to show that they have enough financial resources to support their family members while living in Spain. The method of proving financial stability depends on the EU citizen’s income level, which needs applicants to:

Be employed

For EU citizens who are employed in Spain, they need to provide a valid employment contract registered with Social Security as proof of being a worker. There is no requirement for a minimum length of employment or a specific salary amount.

Be self-employed

Being a Self-employed Spanish resident requires:

  • Submitting a certificate for being a self-employed worker in Spain (using model 036 or 037). Spain also offers a Spain self-employed visa for non-EU/EEA citizens.
  • Providing proof of registration with the Census of Economic Activities (IAE).
  • Submitting a certificate of the registered company, certified by the Mercantile Registry.

To learn more about the Spain Self Employed Visa

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Be a student

As a student you must be enrolled in a recognized institution, with health insurance covering you in Spain and a declaration confirming they have enough funds for yourself and family members.

Be financially self-sufficient

EU citizens must demonstrate their financial ability to support their non-EU family members applying for the residence permit without needing social assistance from Spain. For an individual wishing to bring one family member, the EU citizen must prove they have at least €15,000 per year. For each additional family member, an additional €8,000 must be shown. They can prove their economic status using the following documents:

  • Bank balance certificate
  • Legal title deeds
  • Certified checks
  • Credit cards with sufficient balance

Who can apply?

  • Applicants must be from non-EU, non-EEA, or non-Swiss countries.
  • Having a clean criminal record is mandatory.
  • Applicants must be in good health.
  • Applicants who have a family member who is an EU citizen.

Family Relationship Requirements for the EU Family Member Residence Permit Card for Spain

Documents laid on a table with a bowl of money clips and a pen on a table. To apply for the EU Family Member Residence Permit Card in Spain, applicants must meet the following relationship and dependency criteria.

It is important to note that family members are considered “dependent” if the EU citizen provides their financial support and they require material assistance to cover basic needs. This dependency must exist in the country of origin.

If the applicant is a family member of a student, they can be:

  • A spouse, as long as there is no annulment or divorce.
  • A partner who has a stable relationship with European citizens. Note: Marriage and registered partnerships cannot exist at the same time.
  • A child of the student or their spouse/partner: Under 21 years old, or over 21, if financially dependent or unable to support themselves.
  • A dependent family member or someone who lived with the student in their home country for at least 24 months before moving.
  • A family member with serious health issues or a disability who needs the student to provide personal care.
  • An unregistered partner in a stable relationship with the student: Must show at least one year of continuous cohabitation, or, if they have children together, proof of living together is enough.  You cannot be both a spouse and a partner at the same time.

In other cases, the applicant can be:

  • A spouse, as long as there has been no annulment or divorce.
  • A partner in a legally recognized cohabiting relationship in an EU or EEA country, as long as the registration hasn’t been cancelled. Note: You can’t be both married and in a registered partnership.
  • A direct child of an EU or EEA citizen, or their spouse/partner: Under 21 years old, or over 21 if financially dependent or unable to support themselves.
  • A direct parent or grandparent of the EU or EEA citizen or their spouse/partner, if financially dependent.
  • A family member who depends financially on an EU or EEA citizen in their home country.
  • A family member who lives with an EU or EEA citizen in their home country, with proof of living together for at least 24 months.
  • A family member with serious health issues or a disability that requires the EU or EEA citizen to provide personal care.
  • An unregistered partner in a stable relationship with an EU or EEA citizen must show at least one year of continuous cohabitation, or proof of living together if they have children.

Benefits of Spain Residence Permit for Family Members of EU Citizens

– Legal right to live and work: Family members of EU citizens enjoy the legal right to live and work in Spain under the same conditions as EU citizens, allowing access to the job market without additional restrictions.

– Flexibility and mobility: The EU family member visa allows for stays of up to five years, meaning family members don’t have to worry about renewing visas frequently. This also gives them the flexibility to travel freely within the Schengen Area.

– Low-cost residency: Unlike other types of visas, there’s no need to make an investment in Spain. This makes it an affordable option for those seeking a second residency without the financial commitment required by other residency programs.

– Access to healthcare and education: As a family member of an EU citizen, you and your dependents can access Spain’s high-quality public healthcare system and education, ensuring you and your family are well cared for during your stay.

– Family reunification: The family reunification policy allows the main applicant to bring their spouse or unmarried partner, children under 18 (or over 18 if they’re financially dependent), and even dependent parents or grandparents, enabling the whole family to live together in Spain.

– Path to EU citizenship: After residing in Spain for 10 years as a permanent resident, family members can apply for Spanish citizenship and EU citizenship, granting access to all the benefits of being an EU national.

– Schengen travel: Holders of this permit can travel freely across the 27 countries in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, providing enhanced mobility throughout Europe.

– ETIAS and EES exemption: Family members of EU citizens will be exempt from the European Union ETIAS requirement once implemented. They will also be exempt from the European Union Entry/Exit System (EES) meaning they avoid passport registration, photos, and fingerprints.

Required Documents for Spain Residence Permit for Family Members of EU Citizens

  • Application Form: A completed application for the residence permit.
  • Valid Passport: A copy of your valid passport, including any previous visas.
  • Health Insurance: Proof of health insurance coverage for at least one year for you and your dependents.
  • Clean Criminal Record: A certificate showing no criminal record in your home country or any country where you’ve lived for more than six months in the past five years.
  • Proof of Financial Stability: Evidence of sufficient financial resources to support yourself and any dependents, including a signed job contract with a company in Spain.
  • Photographs: Recent passport-sized photos of you and any dependents.
  • Proof of Relationship: Marriage certificate for spouses and birth certificates for children to prove your relationship with the EU citizen, as well as proof of a stable relationship for partners.

For family members

  • Spouse/Partner: Provide a marriage certificate or registration of an unmarried partnership and
  • and proof of a stable relationship for partners.
  • Minor Children: Provide birth certificates.
  • Adult Children: Provide proof of their financial dependence and civil status.
  • Parents: Provide proof of their financial dependence.

Application Steps for Residence Authorization as a Family Member of an EU Citizen

A person going through a file of documents Non-EU citizens can travel to Spain to join their EU family member and apply for a residence permit once there.

Those needing a Schengen visa to enter Spain can apply for either a standard Schengen visa or a family member visa, which is valid for 6 months. During this time, they must travel to Spain and apply for a residence permit.

Here is an overview of the application process for the EU Family Card:

Step 1: Make sure your EU family member has the proper documents: Your EU family member must have a valid Spanish DNI (if they are Spanish) or a registration certificate as an EU national (green paper or digital version). Then, gather your documents, like your passport and proof of relationship.

Step 2: Book an immigration appointment: Each region in Spain has its own system. To book, go to the appointment website, select your province, choose “Residencia” or “Tarjeta de familiar de ciudadano de la UE,” pick a date and time, and confirm.

Step 3: Attend your appointment and bring all documents: Take the following:

  • EX-19 form (2 copies)
  • Your passport (original + copy)
  • Your EU family member’s DNI or EU certificate
  • Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage or birth certificate, translated and legalized)
  • Proof of cohabitation or financial dependency (if required)
  • Empadronamiento (recent address registration)
  • Any other required documents

You’ll get a submission receipt that proves you applied legally.

Step 4: Book your fingerprint appointment (TIE): Once your application is approved (“resuelto favorable”), go back to the same appointment site. Choose “Toma de huellas (expedición de tarjeta)” and book your fingerprint appointment.

Step 5: Pay the TIE fee: Fill out Form 790 Código 012 online or get a printed copy. Select “TIE por concesión de autorización de residencia temporal”. Pay the cost at a bank or online and save the payment receipt.

Step 6: Go to your fingerprint appointment: Bring your approval letter, passport, payment proof, a passport photo (white background), the EX-19 form, and an updated empadronamiento. You’ll receive a pickup receipt while your card is being made.

Step 7: Pick up your residence card: Wait about 30 to 45 days. Then return to the same police station and bring your pickup receipt and passport. Some offices require an appointment. Make sure to check your receipt for instructions.

Changing to a Different Type of Residence Permit

If you are one of the non-EU family members of a European Union citizen, you can change your current residence permit to a different type of permit at any time during its validity. You can change to one of these types of permits:

  • Non-lucrative residence permit (for people who don’t plan to work)
  • Residence and work permit for employed persons
  • Self-employment residence and work permit
  • Residence and work permit for highly skilled professionals
  • Digital Nomad permit (for remote workers)

However, once the EU family member status ends, certain family members must apply for a change in their permit. This applies to:

  • Parents or children of a former spouse or partner of the EU citizen
  • Former spouses or partners who no longer meet the requirements to live in Spain as family members of an EU citizen. They must prove one of these things:
    1. The marriage or partnership lasted at least 3 years, with 1 year of it spent in Spain, before divorce or annulment.
    2. They have custody of the EU citizen’s children.
    3. They are victims of domestic violence.
    4. They were trafficked by their spouse or partner.
    5. They have a court order or agreement for child visitation rights in Spain.

How long is the residence permit valid for?

The EU Family Member Residence Permit Card in Spain is valid for five years from the date it is issued. However, if the EU citizen’s planned stay in Spain is shorter than five years, the card’s validity will match that period.

Application Processing Period

A decision is usually made within 1 to 5 months after you submit your application, depending on where you apply.

How much does the Spain Residence Card for Family Members of EU Citizens cost?

The fee for the Spain residence card for family members of EU citizens is approximately €16.08.

How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?

Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments. 

We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application. 

Frequently Asked Questions About the Spain Residence Permit for Family Members of EU Citizens?

What is the Spain Residence Permit for Family Members of EU Citizens?

The Spain residence permit for family members of EU citizens allows non-EU relatives to legally live in Spain. It applies to spouses, partners, children, and dependent parents of EU citizens residing in Spain. The permit is valid for five years and grants the right to live, work, and study in Spain.

Who can apply for a Residence Permit as a Family Member of an EU Citizen in Spain? 

Family members include spouses, partners, children under 21 or financially dependent, parents, and other dependent relatives, such as those requiring care due to health issues.

What documents are needed to apply for the Residence Permit?

You will need proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.), financial documents proving support, health insurance, and valid identification for both the EU citizen and the family member.

Can unmarried partners apply for this permit?

Yes, unmarried partners can apply if they have been living together for at least one year or have children in common, and they can prove their stable relationship.

How long does it take to process the Residence Permit?

The processing time is around three months, but it may vary depending on the city and workload of the immigration office.

Can I work while holding the Residence Permit?

Yes, family members with this residence permit can work in Spain, provided they meet the necessary conditions for employment or self-employment.

Is there a minimum income requirement for applying for a residence permit?

Yes, EU citizens must demonstrate that they have enough financial means to support their family members without relying on public assistance. The exact amount depends on the number of dependents.

How long is the Residence Permit valid?

The permit is valid for five years for most family members, but it may be shorter for certain individuals, such as those dependent on EU citizens for health reasons.

Can I apply for permanent residency after living in Spain on this permit?

Yes, after five years of continuous residence, family members of EU citizens can apply for permanent residency in Spain.