Family member of an EU citizen: frequently asked questions
Direct answer
A family member of an EU citizen exercising free movement may reside in Spain by proving the relationship and the EU citizen's status. A family member card is required for long stays and work is permitted after registration.
Key facts
- Covers spouses, registered partners and dependent relatives.
- EU citizen must be exercising residence rights.
- TIE card for non-EU family members.
- Right to work without extra permit after registration.
Our explanation
Preguntas básicas
Extended answers to common practical doubts.
Preguntas sobre documentos
Which originals to submit, validity and translations.
Preguntas sobre plazos
How long town hall and immigration take.
Preguntas sobre costes
Municipal fees and official payment forms.
Preguntas sobre casos especiales
Minors, change of municipality or irregular status.
Más ayuda
Educational content; always confirm with official sources.
Step by step
- Verify EU citizen's residence basis.
- Gather relationship certificates.
- Register address.
- File card application.
- Collect TIE at police station.
Requirements
- Non-EU family member passport.
- EU citizen identification.
- Proof of relationship.
- Municipal registration.
- Insurance or resources per EU citizen's status.
FAQ
Unregistered partner?
May be proved with strong evidence of stable relationship; strict scrutiny.
Work before the card?
With application receipt some cases allow work; verify locally.
If the EU citizen stops working?
If another residence basis is met, the family member may keep rights.
Spanish spouse?
Specific rules for family of Spanish nationals differ from migrating EU citizens.
¿Puedo delegar en un representante?
With notarised power of attorney or accredited representation per authority.
¿Qué hago si me deniegan?
Review grounds, comply with requests or consider appeal depending on case.
Official sources
Verified primary references. Our explanation is independent and does not replace official regulations.