Residence permits for family members in Spain

The EU family member card —also known as the residence card for family members of a Union citizen— is an authorization that allows relatives of EU citizens to legally reside and work in Spain. This card is valid for five years and can be renewed.The EU Family Member Card —also known as the Residence Card for Family Members of a Union Citizen— is an authorization that allows relatives of EU citizens to legally reside and work in Spain. This card is valid for five years and can be renewed.

This is a right that falls under the EU regime, a set of regulations more favorable than the general immigration system. Obtaining this card will allow you not only to reside in Spain, but also to access the healthcare system, work as an employee or self-employed, and move freely within the Schengen area.This is a right granted under the EU regime, a set of regulations that are more favorable than the general immigration system. Obtaining this card will allow you not only to reside in Spain, but also to access the healthcare system, work as an employee or self-employed person, and move freely within the Schengen Area.

The right to obtain the EU Family Residence Permit extends to a wide range of family relationships, provided certain requirements are met. The main beneficiaries include:

If you are married to a Spanish or EU citizen, you can apply for the EU Family Member Card on the basis of marriage. You may also obtain this permit if you are in a registered civil partnership (marriage is not required), in which case you will apply for the EU Family Member Card as a registered partner.

The children of the EU citizen or of their partner, who are under 21 years of age or older but financially dependent, are also entitled to this residence permit.

The parents or parents-in-law of the EU citizen, if it can be proven that they are financially dependent, may also obtain the residence card as family members of a Union citizen.The parents or parents-in-law of the EU citizen, if financial dependency can be demonstrated, may also obtain the residence card as family members of a Union citizen.

In exceptional cases, other relatives who are financially dependent on the Union citizen or who live with them may be eligible for this card, provided that both the family relationship and actual dependency can be duly proven.

The requirements to obtain the EU Family Member Residence Card may vary depending on the type of relationship, but generally the following are required:

-Proof of the family bond (e.g., marriage certificate, registered partnership certificate, or birth certificate).
-Identity document of the EU citizen (Spanish ID card or passport).
-Public or private health insurance with full coverage in Spain.
-Proof of sufficient economic means to reside in Spain without becoming a burden on the state.
-Joint registration certificate (padrón) or other proof of cohabitation if there is no marriage or registered partnership.

Additionally, if you are applying for residence as a registered partner, you must be listed in an official Spanish or EU registry. As an immigration lawyer, I can help you gather all the necessary documentation to submit a strong application to the immigration authorities.

The application for the EU Family Member Card in Spain must be submitted to the Immigration Office (Oficina de Extranjería) corresponding to your place of residence. In Barcelona, it is necessary to book an immigration appointment in advance to submit all required documentation, either online or in person, depending on the current procedure.

I take care of the entire process: from preparing the application file and submitting the request to monitoring its progress and resolving any issues that may arise along the way.

Correctly applying for the EU Family Residence Card can make the difference between obtaining your permit smoothly or facing delays, additional requirements, or even denials. As a lawyer specializing in immigration law in Barcelona, I offer:

- Case feasibility assessment through a paid consultation. This appointment costs €50 (+21% VAT) and can be easily scheduled through our website.
- Personalized preparation of your application file.
- Submission and follow-up with the Immigration Office.
- Legal support in case of appeal.

My experience handling hundreds of applications allows me to anticipate common mistakes and ensure a fast and efficient process. If you're looking for a reliable immigration lawyer in Barcelona, you're in the right place.

The official resolution deadline for the Residence Card of a Family Member of a Union Citizen is three months from the date of submission. However, this timeframe may vary depending on the province and the workload of the immigration offices.

After obtaining a favorable resolution, you can request the issuance of your physical residence card (TIE), which must be collected at the appropriate police station by appointment.

In some cases, the Immigration Office may deny the application due to missing documentation, procedural errors, or a restrictive interpretation of the family relationship. If this happens, I offer:

- A detailed review of the reason for the denial.
- Drafting and submission of an administrative or judicial appeal.
- Legal representation throughout the appeal process.

I treat your case as if it were my own. If you want to apply for your residence card in Spain as a family member of an EU citizen, or if you have any questions about the EU residence process and its requirements, I invite you to get in touch.