Spanish Immigration Regulations · Royal Decree 1155/2024
Family member of a Spanish national
A permit for certain family members of Spanish nationals who want to live with them in Spain.
Is this the right option for you?
It covers the spouse or partner, children under 26 (or older if dependent or with a disability), dependent parents, the father, mother or guardian of a Spanish minor, and other family members in the cases provided for in the law.
We review the family relationship and the specific situation of the Spanish national and the foreign family member, and determine the right procedure whether the family member is outside Spain or already here.
If the Spanish national has previously exercised their right to free movement in another EU country, the EU citizen family member regime may apply.
Main requirements
These are the essential requirements. The specific documents may vary depending on your nationality, your personal situation and changes in the law.
Proven family relationship
Proving the family relationship or partnership, and that the relationship continues and you live together in Spain.
Partners
A partnership registered in a public register, or a stable relationship with at least twelve months of continuous cohabitation, unless you have children together.
Dependent family members
For parents and children over 26, proving that they depend on the Spanish national or that there are reasons that justify it.
Criminal record
No criminal record in Spain or in the countries where you have lived in the last five years.
No financial means required
Unlike other regimes, there is no requirement to show financial means.
Personal situation
Not being a national of an EU country, the EEA or Switzerland, and not being a threat to public order, security or public health.
Where to apply
In Spain, at the Immigration Office for the province of residence or online. From abroad, at the Spanish consulate; if approved, the family member applies for the visa within one month. There is no fee.
Duration and work
It is granted for five years and allows you to work as an employee or self-employed, in any sector and anywhere in Spain.
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.
- ID card or passport of the Spanish national.
- Marriage certificate, partnership registration or proof of cohabitation.
- Birth certificates proving the family relationship.
- Proof of financial dependence, where required.
- Criminal record certificate.
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 an EU citizenThe regime for family members of EU, EEA or Swiss citizens.See procedure
- Marriage and registered partnershipFormalizing the relationship can be the first step towards residing as a family member.See procedure
- Arraigo and exceptional circumstancesIf you are in Spain and want to regularize your status by another route.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.