The first step towards residing as a family member
Marriage and registered partnership
Formalizing the relationship can be the first step towards residing as a family member. We support you through both processes.
Is this the right option for you?
It is designed for couples in which one partner is a foreign national and who want to marry or register as a partnership in Spain, or register a marriage celebrated abroad.
We review the civil status documents from each country, advise you on the legalizations, apostilles and sworn translations needed, and plan from the outset the residence permit that will follow.
The next step is usually residence as a family member of a Spanish national or as a family member of an EU citizen.
Main requirements
These are the essential requirements. The specific documents may vary depending on your nationality, your personal situation and changes in the law.
Legal capacity and civil status
Both partners must be of legal age and prove their civil status: single, divorced or widowed, as applicable.
Foreign documents
Birth and civil status certificates from the country of origin, legalized or apostilled and, where applicable, with a sworn translation.
Municipal registration
Registration of both partners in the municipal register, which is usually required for the marriage file and for partnership registers.
Regional requirements
For a registered partnership, the requirements depend on the autonomous community: for example, a minimum period of cohabitation or having children together.
Genuine relationship
In the marriage file, the authenticity of consent is checked, usually through an interview.
Marriage
Marriage file before the Civil Registry or, where applicable, a notary, followed by registration. We also handle the registration of marriages celebrated abroad.
Registered partnership
Registration in the partnership register of the relevant autonomous community or local council.
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
- Passport or ID of both partners.
- Birth certificates.
- Civil status certificates.
- Divorce ruling or death certificate of the previous spouse, where applicable.
- Municipal registration certificate.
- Any legalizations, apostilles and sworn translations 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
- Family member of an EU citizenThe regime for family members of EU, EEA or Swiss citizens.See procedure
- Family reunificationIf you live legally in Spain and want to bring your family.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.