Family reunification for EU citizens: residence card

What does it involve?

Family members of a citizen of another European Union country, the European Economic Area or Switzerland who do not hold that nationality, and who accompany or join that citizen to live in Spain for more than three months, must apply for the residence card for family members of EU citizens.

Family members who can apply

Who can come?

Spouse, except in cases of annulment or divorce.
Registered partner in a public register of an EU or EEA country.
Unregistered stable partner who can prove a lasting relationship: as a general rule, at least one year of continuous cohabitation (or stable cohabitation if you have children together).
Children of the EU citizen or of their partner who are under 21, or older if they are dependants or have a disability.
Ascendants of the EU citizen or of their partner who are their dependants.
Other relatives who are their dependants or lived with them in the country of origin (24 months of cohabitation), or who need their personal care for serious health or disability reasons.

Requirements for the EU citizen

The European family member must have the right to live in Spain for more than three months through one of these routes:

Working in Spain as an employee or as a self-employed person.
Having sufficient financial resources for the whole family and health insurance with cover in Spain.
Being a student enrolled at a recognised institution, with health insurance and sufficient resources.

Deadlines and validity

3 months

Deadline to apply

The application must be filed within three months of entering Spain. The application receipt proves your legal stay until you receive the card.

5 years

Validity of the card

The card is valid for five years from the date of issue, or for the planned period of residence of the EU citizen if shorter.

Is your relative Spanish?

Family members of Spanish nationals have their own procedure: see Residence for family members of Spanish citizens.