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Family member of EU citizen

Guide to the EU Community Regime for family members of EU citizens in Spain: who can apply, required documents, process and rights. Allows you to work from day 1.

Ingresos mínimos Not required from the family member (the EU citizen's income is sufficient)
Duración inicial 5 years (residence card)
Tiempo resolución 1–3 months
¿Permite trabajar? ✓ Sí
¿Con familia? ✗ No
Tasa 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.

Proceso paso a paso

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

Errores que llevan a la denegación

⚠️ 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.

Renovación

Duración renovación: 5 años (residencia permanente tras primer periodo)

Plazo solicitud: 60 días antes de la expiración

Requisitos:

  • 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.

Fuentes oficiales

🔗 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.