Residence Card for Family Members of EU Citizens
Spain
Last updated: December 23, 2025
5 years (renewable)
12 €
3-6 months
Medium
About this Visa
This visa lets you live in Spain with your EU, EEA, or Swiss family member. You must be married to them, their child, their parent, or in a registered partnership. Your family member is your sponsor—they must have a job, be a student, or have enough money to support you. This is not a work visa or student visa. It's specifically for family members of EU citizens who want to live together in Spain. You get the same work rights as EU citizens. You can work, start a business, study, or just live in Spain without needing special permission.
Key Benefits
- Work full-time, part-time, or start your own business without separate work permit
- Travel freely within all Schengen countries
- Bring spouse and children; parents can apply if financially dependent
- Access to Spain's healthcare system same as Spanish citizens
- Children can attend Spanish schools and universities
- Get permanent residence card after 5 years continuous residence
- Apply for Spanish citizenship after 10 years residence
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Married to EU/EEA/Swiss citizen or in registered civil partnership
- Biological or adopted child under age 21 of EU citizen
- Child over 21 but financially dependent on EU citizen
- Parent or grandparent financially dependent on EU citizen
- Lived with EU citizen for 2+ years with genuine relationship
- No criminal record
- Valid health insurance required
- EU family member must have income or savings to support you
Financial Requirement
No fixed amount in law. For married couples: approximately €13,440/year (€960/month) minimum. For parents/children: approximately €33,600/year (€2,400/month) minimum. Proof can include: salary, savings, bank account, property ownership, pension, investment income. Money must be enough to support family without needing Spanish social assistance.
Documents
- Valid passportMust be valid for 3+ months after visa expires
- Marriage or civil partnership certificateNot older than 6 months
- Birth certificateIf applying as child; not older than 12 months
- Criminal record certificateFrom home country and all countries lived in
- EU family member EU identity card or passport copyCopy of sponsor's document
- Proof sponsor lives in SpainRegistration certificate from town hall
- Proof of sponsor's incomeJob contract, self-employment certificate, or student enrollment
- Bank statementShowing sponsor has enough money
- Health insurance proofComprehensive health insurance covering applicant in Spain
- Spanish translation of all foreign documentsRequired by law; must be done by official translator
- Official certification (apostille)All foreign public documents must be apostilled by home country
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.