If you are a family member of an EU citizen but do not hold citizenship from an EU member country, you have two options to obtain residency in Spain: family roots residency (arraigo familiar) and the Residence Card for Family Members of a European Union Citizen.
Arraigo familiar is intended exclusively for family members of Spanish citizens.
The Residence Card for Family Members of a European Union Citizen is available to family members of citizens from other EU member states.
Both options grant the right to reside and, in some cases, work in Spain.
The choice between these alternatives will depend on your family situation and the citizenship of your relative.
Below, you will find more details about arraigo familiar.
Family roots residency (arraigo familiar) is a residence permit granted in Spain to foreign nationals who are in the country without legal status and have family ties with Spanish citizens. This permit allows them to regularize their situation in order to live and work in the country.
Parents or legal guardians:
Of a minor with Spanish nationality, as long as the child is in their care and they live together.
Direct relatives of Spanish citizens:
Spouse or registered domestic partner of a Spanish citizen.
Ascendants over 65 years of age, or under 65 if they are dependent on the Spanish citizen.
Descendants under 21 years of age, or over 21 if they are dependent on the Spanish citizen, their spouse, or registered partner.
Persons providing support to Spanish citizens with disabilities:
As long as the person with the disability is in their care and they live together.
Children of parents who were originally Spanish.
5 years in the first three cases, and a 1-year card in the case of children of parents who were originally Spanish.
Residence and work permit :
The applicant can reside and work in Spain, either as an employee or self-employed.
Access to social and healthcare services :
The applicant can access the public healthcare system and other social services.
5-year permit in the first three cases
Family reunification :
After a period of residency, the applicant may apply for family reunification to bring other family members, provided they meet the necessary economic and housing requirements.
Provide proof of family relationship. :
No criminal record :
Provide proof of disability (if applicable) :
Provide proof of financial dependence (if applicable) :
Start your journey towards a limitless residency in Spain today!
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Register easily through our app — it only takes 1 minute to complete the process.
Simply click the “Become a Client” button in the menu and start taking the first steps toward your future in Spain.
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We will arrange a personalized consultation to analyze your situation in detail and create a strategic plan tailored to your needs.
During this stage, we will formalize the necessary agreements to ensure a transparent and efficient collaboration before starting the process.
Once the agreement is formalized, you will be able to choose the payment option that best suits you:
Documentation: We assist you from the collection of all required documents to compiling a complete case file ready for submission.
Application Submission: Once we have all the necessary documentation, we will submit your application online.
Awaiting Approval: After submission, the resolution period is officially three months, but it may take longer depending on the province where the case is processed.
Residence Card: You will receive it approximately one month after your application is approved.
Appointment: We will schedule an appointment at the police station for fingerprinting.
Documentation: Bring your passport and a photo for the Foreigner Identity Card (TIE); we’ll handle the rest.
Fingerprinting: You will receive your TIE within 30 to 45 days, officially certifying your residence in Spain.
At IGOLAW, we provide support even after your residency is approved. You’re not alone—our team is ready to assist you from our office in Barcelona. We help you with tax matters, renewals, and any other procedures you may need.
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.
€500
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.
€650
“Arraigo familiar” is a temporary residence permit in Spain, intended for foreigners in an irregular situation who have direct family ties with Spanish citizens.
Yes, this permit allows you to work in Spain, either as an employee or as a self-employed worker.
The family roots residence permit is initially valid for 5 years. After that, a long-term residence permit can be requested.
No, unlike other regularization paths, the family roots residence permit does not require a work contract in order to apply for it.
Yes, once you obtain your permit and meet certain requirements (such as financial means and housing), you can apply for family reunification to bring other family members.
The official timeframe to resolve a family roots residence application is three months from the moment it is submitted.
However, the processing time may vary depending on the workload of each Immigration Office.
For example, in Barcelona, cases currently tend to take around six months to be resolved.
It is important to keep these timeframes in mind and plan accordingly. If you need more details or support with the process, feel free to ask.
