Non-EU nationals who are married to, in a registered partnership with, or the children of an EU citizen living in Spain can live and work in Spain with the residence card for family members of EU citizens (tarjeta de residencia de familiar de ciudadano de la Unión). This route is easier than general family reunification: the EU citizen does not need to have lived in Spain for a set period, and the card is issued directly for 5 years.
Who can apply
- A spouse (provided the marriage has not been annulled or ended in divorce)
- A partner registered in an official register in an EU or EEA country
- Children under 21 of the EU citizen or of their spouse or registered partner; children aged 21 or over if they are dependent
- Dependent parents of the EU citizen or of their spouse or registered partner
Unregistered partners who can document a relationship of at least one year, and other relatives who in their country of origin are dependent on or live with the EU citizen, can also apply. The authorities assess these applications case by case.
What is expected of the EU citizen
The card depends on the EU citizen's right of residence in Spain. The EU citizen must be in one of the following situations:
- Employed or self-employed in Spain
- Having sufficient means for themselves and their family, and health insurance valid in Spain
- Studying at a recognised educational institution in Spain, with health insurance and sufficient means
The EU citizen must also have obtained their own registration certificate (certificado de registro) in Spain.
Family members of Spanish citizens
The new Immigration Regulation, in force since 20 May 2025, introduced a separate residence permit for family members of Spanish citizens (residencia de familiares de personas con nacionalidad española). If your spouse, partner or parent is Spanish, you generally apply for this new permit. If the Spanish citizen has exercised their right of free movement by living in another EU country, the EU card route may also be available. The new permit is also granted for 5 years and gives the right to work, but who can apply and the age limit for children (26) are different. If the family member is abroad, the application can be made through the foreigners' office in Spain or the consulate; if both are in Spain, it can be made directly in Spain.
How to apply
- Turkish citizens enter Spain with a visa; for family members accompanying or joining the EU citizen, this visa is free of charge and processed as a priority
- The card application is made in person on form EX-19 at the foreigners' office or the police in the province where you will live, within 3 months of entering Spain
- With the application you submit your passport, apostilled and translated documents showing the family relationship, and the EU citizen's registration certificate
- The receipt issued when you apply proves your legal stay until the card is issued
- The card must be issued within 3 months of the application
- After 5 years of continuous legal residence, you acquire the right of permanent residence
How we work with you
- We assess whether your family relationship and the EU citizen's situation meet the card requirements
- We plan the apostille and translation of documents such as marriage, birth and partnership records
- If you are the family member of a Spanish citizen, we choose with you between the new permit and the EU card
- We prepare the visa and card applications and follow up the appointment and decision process
Frequently asked questions
Can I work with this card?
Yes. Spouses, registered partners and children can work as employees or self-employed on the same terms as Spanish citizens, without needing a separate work permit.
My spouse is an EU citizen but does not work in Spain. Can I still apply?
Yes, if your EU spouse has sufficient means for themselves and the family and health insurance valid in Spain. Whether the means are sufficient is assessed according to the family's circumstances.
Is an unmarried partnership accepted?
Partnerships registered in an official register in an EU or EEA country are accepted directly. If you are not registered, you can apply by documenting at least one year of living together or a child in common; these applications are assessed separately.
What happens to my card if I divorce?
Under certain conditions, such as the length of the marriage and the years spent in Spain, the right of residence can be retained in your own right. If such a change happens, we need to assess your situation together without delay.
My spouse is a Spanish citizen. Which route should I use?
As a rule, you apply for the new permit for family members of Spanish citizens (form EX-24). If your Spanish spouse has exercised their right of free movement by living in another EU country, the EU card (form EX-19) may also be possible; we determine which one suits you at the consultation.
Member of the Istanbul Bar Association. Profile
Requirements and amounts are updated every year. Your file is prepared under the rules in force on the day you apply.