Spanish residence permit based on family ties (Arraigo Familiar)
Arraigo Familiar is a residence permit granted, under exceptional circumstances, to family members of Spanish citizens. It is one of the most reliable routes to legalisation, resulting in the issuance of a five-year residence card that automatically grants the right to work as an employee (por cuenta ajena) or as a self-employed person (por cuenta propia).
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 non-EU nationals who have a direct family relationship with a Spanish citizen. According to an official source, the categories of applicants include:
The spouse or civil partner (pareja de hecho) of a Spanish citizen.
Parents aged 65 or over, or dependants under the age of 65 who are the parents of a Spanish citizen, their spouse or partner.
Children under the age of 21, or dependants over the age of 21, who are the children of a Spanish citizen, their spouse or partner.
A parent (father or mother) of a minor child who is a Spanish national, provided that the parent making the application has custody of the child and lives with them.
A person who provides support to a Spanish citizen with a disability with whom they live.
A child whose father or mother was originally a Spanish national (español de origen).
✍ 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 the general rules governing matters relating to foreign nationals: Organic Law 4/2000 (Ley Orgánica 4/2000) on the rights and freedoms of foreign nationals in Spain. The implementing regulations for the Act (Royal Decree 557/2011), in particular Article 124.3, which sets out the conditions for Arraigo Familiar.
Requirements
The key requirements focus on proving the applicant’s family ties and good conduct.
Not be a citizen of an EU country, an EEA country or Switzerland.
Have no criminal convictions in Spain or in countries of previous residence over the last five years for offences under Spanish law.
Not be subject to an entry ban into Spain and not be listed as a "persona non grata" in countries with which Spain has relevant agreements.
To prove the existence of family ties with a Spanish citizen.
Have no criminal convictions in Spain or in countries of previous residence over the last five years for offences under Spanish law.
Have no criminal convictions in Spain or in countries of previous residence over the last five years for offences under Spanish law.
Important note: The official portal confirms that this procedure does not require proof that the applicant or their Spanish relative has any financial resources (except in cases where dependency is proven).
Required documents
(main list)
The official form (Form EX-10), completed and signed.
A full copy of a valid passport.
A certificate of good conduct from the countries where the applicant has resided over the past five years, bearing an apostille and a certified translation.
A copy of the Spanish citizen’s identity card (DNI).
Documents proving family relationships (marriage certificate, birth certificate, civil partnership certificate, etc.), bearing an apostille and a certified translation.
Receipt for payment of the government fee (Tasa 790, code 052).
Application procedure
Preparation and Legalization
The most crucial stage is gathering all the documents, having them apostilled in the country of issue, and having them translated into Spanish by an official sworn translator (traductor jurado).
Submitting an application
Applications and supporting documents must be submitted to the Foreigners’ Office (Oficina de Extranjería) in the applicant’s area of residence. Applications may be submitted in person by the applicant (by appointment) or online via an authorised representative (such as a solicitor or legal representative), which is the quicker and preferred method.
Consideration
The authorities have three months to reach a decision. If no response is received within this period, the application is deemed to have been rejected by ‘administrative silence’.
Receiving a positive decision
Once you have received notification of a favourable decision (resolución favorable), you must apply for a residence card within one month.
Card registration (TIE)
You will need to book an appointment at a police station to have your fingerprints taken (toma de huellas). Following this procedure, your resident’s card (TIE) will be ready in approximately 30–45 days.
Are you ready to set off on your journey to Spain?
Arraigo Familiar is the most direct route to legal residency in Spain. Don’t risk having your application rejected due to an incorrectly issued apostille or a missed deadline. We specialise in Arraigo Familiar cases and will ensure your application is submitted online for maximum speed and reliability.
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.