Tarjeta de Residencia de Familiar de Ciudadano de la Unión
Residence permit for a family member of an EU citizen (Residence Card for a Family Member of an EU Citizen)
If you are not an EU citizen but a member of your family (such as a spouse or parent) is an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen and plans to live in Spain, you are entitled to move there with them. To do so, you will need to obtain a residence card for a family member of an EU citizen. This card will confirm your right to live legally and, as a rule, to work in Spain on the same terms as other residents.
Your personal manager will accompany you every step of the way, monitoring all stages and resolving any issues that arise.
Preparation of documents
We take care of the entire document preparation process, including checking them to eliminate errors and delays.
Case audit
If your situation is complex, we will conduct a detailed audit and offer customised solutions to increase your chances of success.
Personal manager
Your personal manager will accompany you every step of the way, monitoring all stages and resolving any issues that arise.
Preparation of documents
We take care of the entire document preparation process, including checking them to eliminate errors and delays.
Case audit
If your situation is complex, we will conduct a detailed audit and offer customised solutions to increase your chances of success.
Who is it suitable for?
This residence permit is intended for nationals of countries outside the EU/EEA who can prove a family relationship with an EU/EEA/Swiss national. Key categories:
Spouse or civil partner (pareja de hecho).
Direct descendants (children, grandchildren) of an EU citizen or their spouse/partner who are under 21 or are dependent.
The direct relatives (parents, grandparents) of an EU citizen or their spouse or partner who are dependent on them.
Other family members (e.g. brothers, sisters), provided that, in their country of origin, they were dependent on or living with the EU citizen, or require his or her personal care for serious health reasons.
✍ General Terms
Traductor Jurado (Sworn Translation) — a translation performed by a translator officially accredited by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Some documents on the list must have a "jurado" translation. You can find the full list of accredited translators via this [link]. In addition to the official list, there are many agencies that work with multiple translators at once.
NIE (Foreigner Identity Number) — a unique identification number for foreigners. This number is assigned once for life. You can request it separately at the police station or receive it automatically after applying for a residency permit (VNV).
TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) — the physical ID card for foreigners in Spain. It contains your photo, NIE number, and the type and expiration date of your residency.
Padrón / Empadronamiento (Registration) — a local census registration (residency certificate). Registration in Spain is much simpler than in many other countries; you can register even in a rented apartment.
Cita (Appointment) — any scheduled meeting or booking, even a romantic date ❤️. In the context of visas, it refers to an appointment at a government office or police station. For example: "you need to book a cita for fingerprints."
Tasa (Government Fee) — a state tax or administrative fee that must be paid for various legal procedures and applications.
Matrícula (Enrollment) — an official document confirming enrollment in an educational institution for a specific course, including the exact study dates.
Nota Simple — an extract from the Spanish Land Registry (Registro de la Propiedad) containing essential information about a property and its legal status. The document is valid for no more than 3 months.
✍ Health Insurance Terms
Sin copago (No Co-payment) — insurance policies with full coverage where you don't have to pay extra for each doctor's visit.
Sin carencia (No Waiting Period) — insurance policies without "waiting periods" for certain services (for example, you can get an MRI immediately rather than waiting 6 months after the policy starts).
Key legislation
The procedure is governed by European Union law on the free movement of citizens and their family members, which has been implemented in Spain by Royal Decree 240/2007 of 16 February.
Requirements
Whether the card is successfully issued depends on both the EU citizen and their family member meeting the conditions.
1. Requirements for EU citizens:
He must be living (or intend to live) in Spain and meet one of the following criteria:
Being an employee or self-employed (autónomo) in Spain.
OR have sufficient financial resources to support yourself and your family members, as well as comprehensive health insurance.
OR be a student, have health insurance and provide proof of sufficient means of support.
2. Requirements for the family member (applicant):
To accompany an EU citizen or join them in Spain.
Provide documentary evidence of the family relationship.
In cases of dependency, prove financial dependence.
Required documents
(main list)
A completed official form (Form EX-19).
The applicant’s (or family member’s) valid passport.
Certificate of Registration (Certificado de Registro) for the EU citizen with whom the family is being reunited.
Documents proving family ties (marriage certificate, birth certificate, civil partnership certificate) bearing an apostille and an officially certified translation.
Evidence that the EU citizen meets the financial requirements (employment contract, self-employment documents, bank statement, health insurance for all family members).
Application procedure
Submitting an application
You must submit your application to the Immigration Office (Oficina de Extranjería) in your area of residence within three months of entering Spain.
Receiving a receipt
When you submit your application, you will be given a receipt (resguardo), which confirms your legal status until a decision is made.
Hearing of the case
The department has up to three months to reach a decision. If no response is received within this timeframe, this may be deemed a refusal (‘administrative silence’).
Receiving a positive decision
Once your application has been approved, you must collect your physical residence card (TIE). Within one month of receiving the decision, you must make an appointment with the police to have your fingerprints taken (toma de huellas).
Obtaining a card
In about 30–45 days, your residence card, which is usually valid for five years, will be ready for collection.
What does the service include?
Suitable for most applicants. We provide full support throughout the entire process and see your application through to the granting of a residence permit.
Case assessment: Checking documents for compliance with Spanish immigration regulations.
Preparing the application: Compiling a complete set of documents for the consulate or immigration authorities.
Health insurance: Finding a competitive policy and taking out insurance with a Spanish company.
Medical certificate: Arranging for the issue of a standard-format medical certificate.
Certified translation: Official translation (2 pages included in the price).
Technical translation: Preparation of translations (3 pages included in the price).
Application process: Booking an appointment at the Consulate and obtaining access codes.
Completing forms: Preparing all forms, applications and receipts for the payment of fees.
Submission by a solicitor: Electronic submission of documents via the solicitor’s official portal.