EU Family Member Residence Card

Live and work in Spain as the family member of an EU citizen

The EU Family Member Residence Card allows non-EU nationals who are relatives of citizens of the European Union, EEA (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) or Switzerland to live and work in Spain under the EU free movement regime. This permit grants the right to reside in Spain for more than 90 days and provides the same access to the labour market as Spanish nationals.

At NomadTaxSpain, we assist couples and families in completing the process smoothly and ensuring that all documentation is prepared correctly from the start, reducing delays and requests for additional information.

What is the EU Family Member Residence Card?

This residence card is intended for non-EU family members who accompany or join an EU citizen who is legally residing in Spain. It grants residence and work rights derived from the EU free movement rules.

Eligible family members typically include:

• Spouses.
• Registered partners.
• Stable, unmarried partners with proven cohabitation over a sufficient period.
• Children (biological, adopted or stepchildren) under 21 or financially dependent.
• Parents of the EU citizen or of their spouse/partner, where financial dependency is proven.
• Certain extended family members in specific cases (dependency, health reasons, or proven prior cohabitation).

The card normally has a validity of up to five years and allows you to live and work freely in Spain during that period.

Who can apply?

You may qualify for the EU Family Member Residence Card if:

• You are a non-EU family member of an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen.
• The EU citizen is living in Spain in accordance with EU law, meaning they are:
  • Employed or self-employed;
  • Financially self-sufficient with adequate health insurance;
  • Or enrolled as a student with sufficient resources and insurance.
• You are accompanying or joining the EU citizen in Spain and intend to reside together.
• You can prove the family relationship through official documentation.

If the EU citizen is Spanish, from May 2025 certain cases may fall instead under the new national immigration rules (articles 94 and following of the Immigration Regulation). A case-by-case analysis is needed to determine the most favourable route.

Main requirements

The exact documentation depends on the type of relationship, but it generally includes the following elements:

• Proof of relationship

  For example:

  • Marriage certificate.
  • Registered partnership certificate.
  • Evidence of long-term cohabitation for unmarried partners.
  • Birth certificates for children or parents.
  • Evidence of financial dependency for parents or extended family members.
• Identification documents
  • Full passport of the non-EU applicant.
  • ID, NIE or passport of the EU citizen.
• Proof that the EU citizen resides in Spain

  This may include:

  • Registration in the Central Register of EU citizens; and/or
  • Proof of employment, self-employment, studies or financial means, in line with article 7 of Royal Decree 240/2007.
• Joint residence in Spain

  A certificate of joint address (empadronamiento) is highly recommended for couples and families, as it evidences that you are living together in Spain.

• Health insurance and means

  Where required for the EU citizen, depending on their economic activity, you must show that they meet the health insurance and resources conditions set out in EU rules.

• Application form and photos
  • Form EX-19, duly completed and signed.
  • Three biometric passport-style photos.

Foreign documents must be apostilled or legalised and accompanied by a sworn translation into Spanish, unless a specific exemption applies.

Application procedure

1. Submit the application in Spain

   The application must be submitted within three months of your arrival in Spain, at the Immigration Office or Police Station in the province where you reside.

   Both the non-EU applicant and the EU citizen should attend the appointment. Upon submission, the applicant receives a receipt which allows them to stay legally in Spain while the card is being processed.

2. Examination of documentation

   The authorities review the application and may request clarifications or additional documents if there are doubts about the relationship, the EU citizen's situation or the supporting evidence.

3. Resolution and card issuance

   The residence card should be issued within three months from the application date. It is normally valid for up to five years, and the right of residence takes effect retroactively from the moment the application was submitted.

4. Physical card (TIE)

   Before collecting the physical card, a fee must be paid using form 790-012 (around €12). The applicant then attends the corresponding police station to have fingerprints taken and later collect the card.

Rights granted

Holders of the EU Family Member Residence Card benefit from a wide range of rights in Spain, including:

• The right to live in Spain for more than 90 days, as long as the underlying conditions remain met.
• The right to work in Spain, either as an employee or self-employed, under the same conditions as Spanish nationals.
• The ability to travel within the Schengen Area under the same rules that apply to other legal residents in Spain.
• The possibility to apply for permanent residence after five years of continuous legal residence.

Important considerations

• The right of residence depends on the EU citizen's effective residence in Spain and their compliance with EU conditions (work, resources or studies).
• If the relationship ends (divorce, separation, breakup) or the EU citizen leaves Spain, you may retain your rights in certain situations, in line with article 9 of Royal Decree 240/2007.
• Extended absences from Spain (for example, more than six months per year) may affect your residence status or your ability to later obtain permanent residence.
• For family members of Spanish nationals, the new national regime may in some cases offer better conditions than the EU route. A tailored assessment is important before choosing one procedure or the other.

Why choose NomadTaxSpain?

We help couples and families navigate the EU Family Member Residence Card process with clarity and efficiency, ensuring that both immigration and practical aspects are covered from the beginning.

Our support typically includes:

• Eligibility assessment and personalised guidance on the most suitable route (EU regime or national regime, where applicable).
• Review and preparation of all supporting documents, including relationship evidence and dependency where needed.
• Assistance with obtaining recognition of marriages or partnerships, or proving a stable partnership when required.
• Appointment booking, preparation and submission support at the relevant Immigration Office or Police Station.
• Follow-up with the immigration authorities until the card is issued.
• Post-approval procedures such as TIE, padrón registration and related formalities.
• Advice on long-term residence and, where appropriate, future nationality options.

We regularly support binational couples and families relocating to Mallorca and across Spain, adapting our approach to the specific circumstances of each case.

Start your EU Family Member Residence application

If you are relocating to Spain with your EU partner or family member, our team will guide you through each step and design a clear roadmap for your application, so you know exactly what to expect at every stage.

We combine immigration expertise with practical experience assisting binational families, helping you secure your residence rights while you focus on building your life together in Spain.