EU regime · Royal Decree 240/2007
Family member of an EU citizen
The regime for certain family members of citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland who exercise their right of residence in Spain.
Is this the right option for you?
It covers the spouse or registered partner, descendants under 21 or dependent, and dependent ascendants of a citizen of another EU country, the EEA or Switzerland who lives in Spain. Family members of Spanish nationals who have previously exercised their right to free movement in another Member State can also use it.
We review the family relationship and the financial and health insurance documents where applicable, and obtain the corresponding residence card.
If the reference person is a Spanish national who has not lived in another EU country, the route is usually the one for family members of Spanish nationals.
Main requirements
These are the essential requirements. The specific documents may vary depending on your nationality, your personal situation and changes in the law.
Family relationship
Proving the marriage, registered partnership or kinship and, where required, that the family member is dependent.
EU citizen living in Spain
The reference person must live in Spain as an employee, self-employed person, student or with sufficient resources and health insurance.
Financial means
The reference EU citizen must show financial means, through their employment or professional activity or through sufficient resources.
No criminal record certificate
No criminal record certificate is required for the EU citizen family member card.
Application deadline
The card is applied for in Spain within three months of entry.
Duration and work
The card is initially granted for five years and allows you to work.
Permanent residence
After five years of continuous residence you can apply for permanent residence under the EU regime.
How can we help?
- Initial eligibility review.
- Immigration strategy.
- Personalized checklist.
- Legal review of your documents.
- Preparing and filing your application.
- Follow-up with the authorities.
- Responding to requests for documents where applicable.
- Assistance with the steps after approval.
Usual documents
- Valid passport of the family member.
- Registration certificate or ID document of the EU citizen.
- Documents proving the family relationship.
- Proof of the reference citizen’s activity or financial means.
- Health insurance, where applicable.
- Proof of dependence, where required.
The final documents will depend on the applicant’s personal circumstances, nationality and the applicable procedure. After the initial review you will receive a personalized checklist.
Related procedures
- Family member of a Spanish nationalIf you are a family member of a Spanish national and want to live with them in Spain.See procedure
- EU citizen registration certificateThe mandatory registration when you take up residence in Spain.See procedure
- Permanent residence under the EU regimeAfter completing the years of residence required under the EU regime.See procedure
Tell us about your situation
We will review your case and explain which route may fit your circumstances.
The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration requirements may vary depending on the applicant’s personal circumstances and the legislation in force at the time of the application.