If you’re a non-EU citizen with Spanish family ties, you may be eligible for a special temporary residence permit that opens doors to living and working in Spain. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about the Residence Permit for Family Members of Spanish Nationals, from eligibility requirements to application procedures.
What is the Spanish Family Residence Permit?
The temporary residence permit for family members of Spanish nationals is a special authorization that allows non-EU citizens to live in Spain based on their family relationship with a Spanish citizen. Unlike other residence permits, this authorization recognizes the fundamental right to family unity, regardless of where or when the family relationship was established.
This permit is particularly valuable because it grants both residence and work authorization, allowing holders to work anywhere in Spain without additional procedures once they reach the minimum working age.
Who Can Apply?

Family Relationships Covered
The Spanish authorities recognize a broad range of family relationships for this permit:
Spouses and Partners:
- Married spouses over 18 (provided the marriage is valid and not fraudulent).
- Registered partners from EU/EEA countries or Switzerland
- Stable unmarried partners who can prove at least 12 months of continuous cohabitation (this requirement is waived if the couple has children together)
Children and Dependents:
- Children under 26 (this requirement was previously 21)
- Children with disabilities requiring legal capacity support
- Stepchildren (when the Spanish citizen’s spouse/partner also resides in Spain)
- Children whose parent is or was a Spanish citizen by birth (special category with more flexible requirements)
Parents and Ascendants:
- Direct ascendants (parents, grandparents) who are financially dependent and lack family support in their country of origin
- Cases involving humanitarian reasons
Other Family Members:
- Parents, guardians, or tutors of Spanish minor children (when they have custody and live with the child)
- One family member up to second degree who provides care to a Spanish citizen with recognized dependency
- Other family members who can prove financial dependency
Essential Requirements
To qualify for this permit, applicants must:
- Be non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals
- Have a clean criminal record in Spain and countries of residence over the past five years
- Not be listed as inadmissible in countries with reciprocal agreements with Spain
- Not be within a voluntary return commitment period
- Pose no threat to public order, security, or health
- Maintain an active family relationship with the Spanish citizen

Required Documents: Getting Your Paperwork Ready
For the Spanish Family Member:
- Complete copy of Spanish national ID card (DNI)
- Responsible declaration (for spouse/partner cases) confirming no other spouse/partner resides with them in Spain
For the Foreign Family Member:
- Application form EX-24
- Complete copy of valid passport (all pages, even blank ones) or travel document
- Official documentation proving the family relationship (see detailed breakdown below)
- Proof of financial dependency (when required)
- Criminal background certificate from countries of residence during the past five years (for US residents, you need the FBI background check).
Specific Documentation to Prove Family Relationship:
Spouses:
- Marriage certificate issued by the Spanish Civil Registry (must be recently issed (6 months or less at time of application)).
- It must be issued by a Spanish Civil Registry. If you were married in Spain, you obtain this from the civil registry where it is registered. If you were married abroad, you will need to obtain a certified copy with a recent issue date from the Spanish Consulate or the Spanish Central Civil Registry depending on where you registered it.
- If your marriage is not yet registered, please start immediately on this step.
Registered Partners:
- Resolution and/or certificate from the Public Registry of Civil Unions where you registered your partnership
Stable Unmarried Partners (not married or registered): A relationship is considered stable when:
- You have children together: Provide birth certificates of your common children
- You’ve lived together at the same address for at least one year (in Spain or abroad): Provide cohabitation certificates, joint registration certificates, or other documentation proving cohabitation
Children of Spanish Citizens or Their Spouses/Partners:
- Children under 26: Birth certificate. If you’re the child of the Spanish citizen’s spouse/partner, also provide proof of their marriage/partnership with the Spanish citizen
- Children over 26: Same documentation as above plus proof of dependency (physical dependency and financial support documentation)
Ascendants (Parents of Spanish Citizens or Their Spouses/Partners):
- Parents over 80: Birth certificate of the Spanish citizen. If you’re the parent of the Spanish citizen’s spouse/partner, also provide their birth certificate and proof of marriage/partnership
- Parents under 80: Same documentation as above plus comprehensive proof of dependency (money transfers, remittances, payments, grocery purchases, etc.)
Parents of Spanish Minor Children:
- Birth certificate of your Spanish child
- Copy of your child’s Spanish DNI or passport
Children Whose Parent Is/Was Spanish by Origin:
- Your own birth certificate
- Birth certificate of your Spanish parent (the one who is/was Spanish by origin)
Extended Family Members: Documentation varies depending on the specific family member but must include proof of family relationship and dependency status
Important Documentation Notes:
- All foreign documents must be translated into Spanish by an official translator
- Foreign public documents require legalization through Spanish consulates or apostille certification
- Original documents must be presented when submitting copies
Application Procedure: Three Different Pathways
The application process varies depending on where the applicants are located:
Option 1: Spanish Citizen in Spain, Foreign Family Member Abroad
The Spanish citizen applies at the Foreigners’ Office in their province of residence in Spain. If approved, the foreign family member has one month to apply for a visa at the competent Spanish consulate.

Option 2: Both Applicants Abroad
The foreign family member applies directly at the competent Spanish consulate in their country.
Option 3: Both Applicants in Spain (Exceptional Cases)
For specific family categories (spouses, partners, children, parents of Spanish minors, caregivers, and children of Spanish-born parents), either party can apply at the Foreigners’ Office in their province of residence.
Processing Timeline
- Resolution period: 2 months from application submission
- No response within this timeframe means automatic rejection. In practice, this means you can present an appeal at the 2-month mark or wait for approval with the backlog at the Immigration Office.
- Upon approval, the foreign family member has one month to apply for their foreigner identity card at the local police station
Red Flags to Avoid
Common Pitfalls That Can Derail Your Application:
Documentation Errors:
- Submitting documents without proper translation or legalization
- Failing to provide the correct document or expired documents
- Incomplete or incorrectly filled application forms
Relationship Proof Issues:
- Insufficient evidence of stable partnership (less than 12 months cohabitation without common children)
- Fraudulent marriages or registered partnerships
- Incompatible relationship statuses (being married while claiming stable partnership)
Criminal Record Problems:
- Failing to obtain criminal certificates from all countries of residence
- Outstanding legal issues in Spain or abroad
- Previous immigration violations or deportation orders
Timing Mistakes:
- Missing the one-month deadline for visa applications after approval
- Applying too early or too late for renewals
- Failing to apply for the foreigner identity card within the required timeframe
Your Rights and Obligations
What This Permit Gives You:
- Right to reside in Spain for up to 5 years
- Authorization to work (employed or self-employed) throughout Spain
- No additional work permit procedures required
- Ability to apply for family reunification for your own relatives
- Option to apply for independent residence authorization
Your Obligations:
- Maintain the family relationship that justified the permit
- Comply with Spanish laws and regulations
- Renew the permit before expiration (within 2 months before or 3 months after expiry)
- Keep your documentation current and valid
Renewal Process:
If your initial permit was granted for less than 5 years, you can renew it for the full 5-year period (or shorter if the Spanish family member’s residence period is limited) as long as you maintain the qualifying conditions.
Why Professional Guidance Matters
The Spanish family residence permit process involves complex legal requirements, strict documentation standards, and precise timing. Small errors can result in delays, additional costs, or outright rejection of your application, meaning you will need to start from scratch.
Common areas where applicants struggle include:
- Determining the correct family relationship category
- Gathering and properly legalizing foreign documents
- Choosing the right application pathway
- Understanding renewal requirements and timing
- Navigating language barriers and bureaucratic procedures
Professional immigration assistance can help you avoid costly mistakes, ensure complete documentation, and maximize your chances of success.
Ready to Reunite with Your Family in Spain?
Don’t let complex immigration procedures keep you separated from your Spanish family members. We specialize in Spanish family residence permits and have helped countless families navigate this process successfully.
Get your free consultation today and take the first step toward your new life in Spain. We’ll review your specific situation, assess your eligibility, and create a personalized strategy for your application.
Contact us now – your family reunion in Spain is closer than you think.
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and procedures can change, and individual circumstances vary. Always consult with qualified immigration professionals for personalized guidance.