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📄 VISADO

Family member of EU citizen

Residence card for family members of European Union citizens (non-Spanish) residing in Spain. EU Community Regime — allows you to work from day one without needing to prove personal income.

Minimum income Not required from the family member (the EU citizen's income is sufficient)
Initial duration 5 years (residence card)
Decision time 1–3 months
Work allowed? ✓ Yes
Family allowed? ✗ No
Fee 2026 Free (registration certificate) or TIE fee for non-EU nationals

💡 This regime is for family members of EU citizens who are NOT Spanish. If your family member is Spanish, you must apply for the family member of a Spanish national card (EX-24), which offers additional benefits.

📋 Allows both employed and self-employed work from the moment of application.

Step by step

The application must be submitted in Spain at the Immigration Office (Oficina de Extranjería) in the province of residence, within 3 months of entry.

1
The EU citizen registers as a community resident
The EU citizen must first obtain their EU Citizen Registration Certificate (green certificate) at the local National Police station.
2
Gather the family member's documentation
Prepare the passport, proof of family relationship (apostilled and translated), form EX-19, photos and applicable fees.
3
Book an appointment at the Immigration Office
Schedule an appointment at the Immigration Office in the relevant province. Submit form EX-19 and all supporting documents.
4
Decision and residence card
A decision is issued within 3 months. A residence card for family members of EU citizens is issued, valid for 5 years.
5
Collect the TIE card
Attend to collect the TIE once a favourable decision has been notified. The card certifies the right to reside and work in Spain.
Publicidad

Mistakes that get applications refused

⚠️ Applying under the EU Community Regime when the family member is Spanish

Consecuencia: Incorrect processing and possible refusal

Solución: If your family member is SPANISH, you must apply for the family member of a Spanish national card (EX-24), not the family member of an EU citizen card (EX-19).

⚠️ Applying for the card before the EU citizen has completed their prior registration

Consecuencia: Refusal due to incomplete documentation

Solución: The EU citizen must have their registration certificate (green certificate) before the family member applies for the card.

⚠️ Failing to apply for the card within 3 months of entering Spain

Consecuencia: Administrative penalty

Solución: Apply for the residence card within 3 months of entering Spanish territory.

⚠️ Failing to provide sufficient proof of the family relationship

Consecuencia: Refusal

Solución: Submit a marriage certificate, birth certificate or registered partnership certificate. Foreign documents must be apostilled and translated by a sworn translator.

Renewal

Renewed for: 5 años (residencia permanente tras primer periodo)

When to apply: 60 días antes de la expiración

Requirements:

  • Mantener el vínculo familiar con el ciudadano de la UE
  • El ciudadano de la UE debe seguir residiendo en España

Tras 5 años de residencia continuada, se puede solicitar la residencia permanente de familiar comunitario.

Legal basis

Royal Decree 240/2007 on the entry, free movement and residence of EU citizens and their family members

Official sources

🔗 Real Decreto 240/2007 - Régimen Comunitario → 🔗 Ministerio de Inclusión - Régimen Comunitario → 🔗 Formulario EX-19 → 🔗 Sede electrónica Policía Nacional →

Última actualización: 2026-04-13

ℹ️ La información de esta web es orientativa y de carácter general. No constituye asesoramiento jurídico. Para tu caso concreto, consulta con un abogado especializado en extranjería o con la oficina oficial correspondiente. Emigra España nunca aconseja actuar fuera de la legalidad.