Residence Card for Non-EU Family Members of EU Citizens (Tarjeta de Familiar de Comunitario)

If you reside in Spain or intend to relocate here as a citizen of the European Union (e.g., from Germany or Austria) and are accompanied by family members from a non-EU country (third country), they are entitled to enter, reside, and work in Spain subject to statutory criteria.

The formal regularisation of this residency status is carried out via the Tarjeta de Residencia de Familiar de Ciudadano de la Unión—a full Spanish Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) that grants the non-EU family member an official five-year residence entitlement including full employment authorization.

Eligible Family Members

European freedom of movement regulations and Spanish immigration law (Real Decreto 240/2007) specify the relatives eligible to derive a right of residence through an EU citizen:

Spouses & Registered Civil Partners (Pareja de Hecho): Married spouses or partners whose partnership is formally registered in an official Spanish or European registry.
Children & Direct Descendants (Descendientes): Direct children or children of the spouse/civil partner aged under 21 years (or over 21 years provided continuous financial dependency on the EU citizen is proven).
Parents & Direct Ascendants (Ascendientes): Direct parents or parents-in-law, provided they are demonstrably dependent on and financially supported by the EU citizen (a cargo).
Extended Family (Familia Extensa): Other relatives (siblings, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces) or cohabiting partners without official registry registration, provided durable cohabitation or demonstrable economic/caregiving dependence can be substantiated.

Entitlements Conferred by the Residence Card

Five-Year Validity Period: The initial card is issued for a term of 5 years (or for the intended duration of residence of the EU citizen).
Full Right to Work: Unrestricted permission to pursue employed activities (Cuenta Ajena) or self-employment (Autónomo / Cuenta Propia) throughout Spain without requiring an additional work permit.
Free Movement within the Schengen Area: Unrestricted travel across the Schengen Area when presented alongside a valid national passport.
Path to Permanent Residency: Following 5 years of continuous legal residence in Spain, the holder qualifies for permanent residency (Tarjeta de Residencia Permanente).

Statutory Criteria for Approval

The EU citizen must verify their legal residence status in Spain and establish adequate provision for the accompanying relative:

Lawful Status of the EU Citizen: Proof via the EU Registration Certificate (CUE / green card) alongside active economic activity (employment contract or self-employment registration as an Autónomo) or sufficient financial assets and income for non-working individuals/pensioners.
Healthcare Cover: Proof of comprehensive healthcare coverage for the non-EU relative (inclusion under the public Spanish Social Security healthcare system or private Spanish full health insurance without co-payments).
Joint Cohabitation: Both individuals must be registered at the exact same municipal residential address (Certificado de Empadronamiento convivencial).
Proof of Family Relationship: Official certified certificates documenting marriage, civil union, or direct descent.

Typical Procedural Hurdles

Strict Filing Deadlines: The initial application must be lodged with the Immigration Office (Oficina de Extranjería) within the first 3 months following the non-EU family member’s entry into Spain.
Foreign Documents & Legalization: Foreign marriage or birth certificates must carry the Hague Apostille (or consular legalisation) and require sworn translation into Spanish (Traducción Jurada). Civil registry extracts frequently must have been issued within the preceding 3 to 6 months.
Two-Tier Administrative Route: The procedure requires an initial application for administrative authorization lodged with the Extranjería (digitally or by appointment). Following approval, a fingerprint appointment (Toma de Huellas) is scheduled before the National Police for physical card production.

Procedural Support for Family Residence

Our office coordinates each stage of the immigration filing:

Verification of Legal Entitlements: Review of civil status records, financial proof, and health insurance structures.
Dossier Management & Sworn Translations: Provision of an itemized checklist and management of required certified translations (Traducción Jurada).
Electronic Submission to the Extranjería: Digital transmission of the application dossier (Form EX-19 and documentation) via the administrative platform.
Fingerprint Scheduling & Card Issuance: Booking the required police appointment (Policía Nacional), drafting the administrative fee form (Tasa 790-012), and supervising the steps leading to final card collection.

Required Documentation

Valid passport of the non-EU family member (complete copy of all pages).
Identity document and CUE registration certificate of the EU citizen.
Current joint municipal census certificate (Certificado de Empadronamiento convivencial).
Civil status documentation confirming kinship: International marriage certificate, registered partnership certificate, or birth certificate (with Apostille and sworn translation).
Evidence of economic means and healthcare: Employment contract, Autónomo records, or pension statements of the EU citizen, along with healthcare entitlement documentation for the applicant.
Application Form EX-19 and payment receipt for administrative fee Tasa 790-012.

Apply for an EU Family Member Residence Card

Establish secure legal residency and employment rights in Spain for your family members. Contact our office for an initial review of your case.

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Legal Notice / Disclaimer:

The information provided on this website serves as a general guide and orientation. Because statutory regulations, administrative practices, and official deadlines in Spain are subject to change and each individual situation has unique circumstances, this content does not constitute specific legal, tax, or gestoría advice and cannot replace a personal consultation tailored to your specific situation. We accept no liability for the completeness, accuracy, or up-to-date nature of the information provided.