RESIDENCY FOR EU CITIZEN FAMILY MEMBERS

Family members of Spanish citizens, citizens of other EU Member States, or citizens of countries party to the European Economic Area Agreement or Switzerland who are not nationals of said countries, may request an EU citizen family member residence card if they plan to reside in Spain for more than three months.

In order to apply for the EU citzen family member residence card, you must fulfil the following requirements:

• To reunite with or accompany an EU Member citizen in Spain and work for self or paid employment or to carry out studies in a recognized learning center for a period exceeding three months, you must have health insurance and sufficient economic means for the family unit.

• The EU Member State citizen, or citizen of the EEA or Switzerland must fall under one of the following four categories:

1. Work for paid employment in Spain
2. Work for self employment in Spain
3. Have sufficient economic means to cover the living expenses of all family members and provide them with health insurance
4. Be a student registered in a recognized public or private educational establishment or sponsored by the education administration to carry out studies or professional training.  You must also provide proof of health insurance and sufficient economic means to provide for the entire family unit.

• If the applicant is a student, then he must have one of the following types of relationships with the EU Member citizen:

a.) Spouse- as long as the relationship hasn´t been declared invalid due o divorce or separation

b.) Partner- must be registered in a public registry
c.) EU citizen´s child or their spouse or registered partner´s child- must be under 21 years of age or of age but disabled and under the care of the applicant.

• In all other scenarios, the applicant may also be a direct ascendant of the EU citizen or his spouse or registered partner.

Once all requirements are fulfilled, the family member must submit the application in person at the Immigration office or the corresponding police station in whichever province he intends to reside within three months of his arrival in Spain.  

Once granted, the card will be valid for five years from the date of issue.  If the foreseen period of residence of the Union citizen is less than five years, then the card will be valid for that amount of time.

Translated by: Katherine Pascal