What is the Spain Residence Permit for Family Members of EU Citizens?
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 EU 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 includes being:
Employed
For EU citizens who are employed in Spain, they need to provide a valid employment contract and proof of being registered with Social Security as a worker. There is no requirement for a minimum length of employment or a specific salary amount.
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
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 €10,029.32 per year. For each additional family member, an additional €4,000 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
Eligibility Criteria as an EU Citizen
- Applicants must be from non-EU, non-EEA, or non-Swiss countries.
- A clean criminal record is mandatory.
- Applicants must be in good health.
- Applicants who have a family member who an EU citizen.
Family Relationship Requirements for the EU Family Member Residence Permit Card for Spain
To apply for the EU Family Member Residence Permit Card in Spain, applicants must meet the following relationship and dependency criteria:
Spouse: The legally married spouse of the EU citizen, provided that the marriage has not been annulled or divorced.
Registered partner: A partner in a registered, cohabiting relationship, officially recognized in an EU Member State or a State party to the European Economic Area (EEA), with proof of registration and no cancellation. Marital and registered partner situations are considered incompatible.
Child: A direct child of the EU citizen or their spouse/registered partner, who is under 21 years old, or over 21 if they are financially dependent on the EU citizen, or incapable of self-support.
Direct ascendant: A parent of the EU citizen or their spouse/registered partner, who is financially dependent on them.
Family member dependent in the country of origin: Any family member who is financially dependent on the EU citizen in their country of origin.
Cohabitant family member in the country of origin: Any family member who cohabits with the EU citizen in the country of origin, with at least 24 months of continuous cohabitation as proof.
Health or disability requirement: Any family member who, due to serious health reasons or disability, requires the European Union national to assume responsibility for their personal care.
Unregistered partner: A non-married partner with whom the EU citizen has a stable, proven relationship, demonstrated by at least one year of continuous cohabitation. If they have children together, proof of stable cohabitation is sufficient. Marital and partner situations are considered incompatible.
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 residence permit 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.
For family members
- Spouse/Partner: Provide a marriage certificate or registration of unmarried partnership.
- Minor Children: Provide birth certificates.
- Adult Children: Provide proof of their financial dependence and civil status.
- Parents: Provide proof of their financial dependence.
Application Process for Residence Authorization as a Family Member of an EU Citizen
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 then apply for a residence permit.
- Where to apply: Submit the application at the Immigration Office in the city where you and your EU family member live.
- How to apply: Applications are submitted electronically through a legally authorized representative.
- Processing time: Typically 3 months from submission, though it may take longer in larger cities like Barcelona, Madrid, or Valencia due to high volumes.
- Duration of the authorization: It is valid for five years, except for family members of unregistered partners who receive a two-year authorization.
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:
- The marriage or partnership lasted at least 3 years, with 1 year of it spent in Spain, before divorce or annulment.
- They have custody of the EU citizen’s children.
- They are victims of domestic violence.
- They were trafficked by their spouse or partner.
- They have a court order or agreement for child visitation rights in Spain.
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?
Who can apply for a Residence Permit as a Family Member of an EU Citizen in Spain?
Family members include spouses, registered 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.
