If you are a family member of an EU citizen but do not have the citizenship of a member state, Spain offers two options to obtain residency: Residence Permit for Family Ties (‘arraigo familiar’) and the EU Citizen Family Member Residence Card.
All these options grant the right to reside and, in some cases, work in Spain. The choice among these alternatives will depend on your family situation and your relative’s citizenship.
Below you will find more detail about the EU Citizen Family Member Residence Card.
It is issued to the direct family members of EU citizens who do not hold the nationality of a country within the European Union, the EEA, or Switzerland:
Spouse or registered partner, provided there has been no divorce, annulment, or cancellation of the partnership registration.
Child of the EU citizen or of their spouse/partner, under 21 years old, or older if financially dependent or disabled.
Dependent or cohabiting relative in the country of origin (with a minimum of 24 continuous months of proven cohabitation).
Relative with special health or disability needs who requires the care of the EU citizen.
Unregistered partner, if a stable relationship is proven, with at least one year of cohabitation or a child in common.
Conditions: Must accompany or join the EU citizen and prove the family relationship through supporting documents such as a marriage or birth certificate, depending on the case.
The Residence Card for Family Members of European Union Citizens allows non-European relatives of Spanish, EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens to legally reside in Spain.
This card facilitates mobility and stay in Spain and other EU countries, guaranteeing rights similar to those of European citizens in terms of employment, education, and freedom of movement.
Member states of the European Union and states party to the agreement on the European Economic Area
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Cyprus
Croatia
Denmark
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Estonia
Finland
France
Greece
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Lithuania
Liechtenstein
Luxembourg
Malta
Norway
Netherlands
Poland
Portugal
Czech Republic
Romania
Sweden
Switzerland
The card is valid for 5 years
Legal residence rights:
Allows legal residence in Spain for five years, renewable.
Work Rights:
Enables the holder to work in Spain under the same conditions as EU citizens, without the need for additional authorizations.
Mobility Within the EU:
Facilitates travel throughout the Schengen Area and allows for temporary residence in other EU countries.
Access to Public Services:
Provides access to essential public services in Spain, including healthcare, education, and social support.
Path to Nationality:
After meeting the required period of legal residence (in some cases, as little as two years for citizens of Latin American countries), holders may be eligible to apply for Spanish nationality.
Proof of family relationship:
Submit the necessary documentation that proves the relationship, depending on the specific case.
Proof of financial means of the EU citizen:
Proof of cohabitation:
Submit documentation that demonstrates both parties live at the same address.
Begin Your New Life in Spain Today. Our team is here to help you achieve your goals every step of the way. Register easily through our app—it takes just one minute. Simply click the “Become a Client” button in the menu and take the first step toward your future in Spain. It’s quick, easy, and secure.
We will schedule a personalized consultation to thoroughly assess your situation and develop a strategic plan tailored to your specific needs. During this stage, we will formalize the necessary agreements to ensure a transparent, efficient, and well-structured collaboration before beginning the process.
Once the agreement is formalized, you may choose the payment method that best suits your needs:
At IGOLAW, our support doesn’t end once your residence is approved. You are never on your own—our team in Barcelona is here to assist you with tax matters, renewals, and any additional procedures you may need, ensuring ongoing guidance and peace of mind.
Affordable option for those who have already advanced part of the process.
Offers a review and submission of the case file by a lawyer, with basic follow-up. It does not include responses to official requests or additional services. Recommended for those who already have their documentation prepared and experience with immigration procedures.
€300
Complete assistance with the essentials.
Includes all the fundamental steps of the procedure, with legal advice, preparation of the case file, and follow-up, as well as payment of fees and management of key appointments. Ideal for those who want security and support but do not need additional services such as translations or opening a bank account.
€550
Comprehensive and worry-free service.
Designed for those who seek full support throughout the entire process. It includes everything from document preparation, sworn translations, and administrative procedures to personal assistance at appointments and coverage of all official fees.
€1020
It is a document that allows non-EU family members of citizens from the European Union, European Economic Area, or Switzerland to legally reside in Spain for an initial period of five years.
In 2025, the required financial means to demonstrate economic sufficiency are based on the amounts established for non-contributory pensions (PNC) and are as follows:
These amounts reflect the minimum criteria needed to ensure that the EU citizen and their relatives do not pose a financial burden on the Spanish State. It is always advisable to confirm the latest official figures, as they may change according to current regulations.
The application must be submitted to the Foreigners Office (Oficina de Extranjería) corresponding to the applicant’s place of residence, within three months of their arrival in Spain.
At IGOLAW, we submit your application electronically using the digital certificate of a lawyer specialized in immigration law, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.
If you’d like us to manage your case, please don’t hesitate to register on our platform. We’re here to assist you every step of the way.
It is important to submit the renewal application within the established period to avoid any legal issues.
Application submission:
The application must be submitted within the month prior to the expiration date of the residence card.
It can also be submitted up to three months after expiration. However, doing so after the deadline may
result in an administrative penalty.
If the relationship ends, it may affect the right to residence. In some cases, the holder may apply for independent residence if certain conditions are met.
Yes, it allows free travel within the Schengen Area for short stays, although each country has its own entry requirements.
Yes, it allows access to public services such as healthcare, education, and other social rights, under the same conditions as EU citizens.
The main difference is that, for the EU Citizen Family Member Residence Card, the Spanish or EU citizen must demonstrate financial means or have a work contract. In contrast, ‘arraigo familiar’ does not require the Spanish citizen to prove financial means (except when the applicant is a dependent child). Additionally, the family card does not require a criminal record certificate from the foreign applicant, whereas ‘arraigo familiar’ does.
