Unmarried Partner (Stable Union) Residence Permit
Spain
Last updated: December 23, 2025
2-5 years (renewable)
$490-$1,292
4-6 months
Medium
About this Visa
This visa lets unmarried couples (same-sex or opposite-sex) move to Spain together and build a life there. You need to be in a serious, stable relationship—similar to marriage. At least one person must be a Spanish citizen, EU citizen, or already living legally in Spain. This visa gives you legal rights to live, work, and access healthcare in Spain. It's one of Spain's easiest visas to get because it focuses on your relationship, not your job or money. Spain doesn't have one single "unmarried partner visa." Instead, you pick the best route for your situation. Most couples use the Family Reunification Visa or the Pareja de Hecho (registered partnership).
Key Benefits
- Work without restrictions as employee or self-employed
- Access healthcare via private insurance; public healthcare after 5 years
- Bring spouse and dependent children
- Travel freely throughout Schengen Area (26 countries)
- Automatic work authorization; no separate permit needed
- Path to Spanish citizenship after 10 years (2 years for Latin American nationals)
- Open bank accounts, sign leases, conduct official business
- Renew indefinitely; not a temporary visa
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Age 18 or older
- Not currently married to anyone else
- Partner is Spanish citizen, EU citizen, or legal resident of Spain
- No serious criminal record (past 5 years)
- Can prove you live together or plan to live together
- Been together at least 1 year (waived if children together)
- Sufficient income (€10,800/year minimum for couple)
- Adequate housing in Spain
- Valid health insurance
Financial Requirement
Minimum €10,800/year ($12,700 USD) for couple. Add €3,600/year ($4,230 USD) per dependent child. Income can be savings, employment, or regular income. Spanish citizen or EU citizen sponsor must prove income.
Documents
- Valid passportMust be valid for at least 6 months
- Proof of relationshipMarriage certificate OR registered partnership certificate OR birth certificate of shared child
- Proof of cohabitationJoint lease, utility bills in both names, government address proof
- 6 months bank statementsShowing regular income deposits
- Employment proofEmployment contract, tax returns, or business registration
- Health insurance policyPrivate health insurance required
- Criminal record certificateFrom home country; must show no crimes in past 5 years
- Housing proofLease or property deed showing adequate space
- Document translationsAll foreign documents must be officially translated to Spanish
- Apostille stampsAll foreign documents must have official apostille certification
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.