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Family member of Spanish citizen

New category introduced by Royal Decree 1155/2024 (RELOEX), in force since May 2025. Residence card for family members of Spanish citizens: spouse, registered partner, children up to age 26, and dependent ascendants. Work authorization is granted from the date of application.

Minimum income No minimum income required from the family member (the Spanish citizen demonstrates sufficient means)
Initial duration 5 years
Decision time 1–3 months
Work allowed? ✓ Yes
Family allowed? ✗ No
Fee 2026 TIE card fee (€16.08)

💡 RELOEX update May 2025: the Spanish citizen initiates the application process. The family member is entitled to work from the date the application is submitted. Spouses may apply for Spanish citizenship after 1 year of residence.

📋 Authorizes both employed and self-employed work from the very day the application is filed.

Step by step

The Spanish citizen initiates the application at the Immigration Office (Oficina de Extranjería) in their province of residence.

1
The Spanish citizen gathers the required documents
The Spanish citizen prepares: their national ID (DNI), the family member's passport, proof of family relationship (marriage, birth certificate), joint municipal registration, and Form EX-24.
2
Book an appointment at the Immigration Office
The Spanish citizen books an appointment at the Immigration Office (Oficina de Extranjería). The application must be submitted by the Spanish citizen, not the family member.
3
Submit the application (EX-24)
Submit Form EX-24 together with all supporting documents. From this point, the family member is already entitled to work in Spain.
4
Decision
A decision will be issued within 3 months. If no express decision is made within that period, administrative silence is deemed positive (approval by default).
5
Collect the TIE residence card
Once approved, the family member collects their 5-year TIE residence card. This card serves as proof of residence and work authorization in Spain.
Publicidad

Mistakes that get applications refused

⚠️ Applying under the EU family member regime (EX-19) instead of the Spanish citizen family member regime (EX-24)

Consecuencia: Incorrect processing — the benefits of immediate work authorization and accelerated citizenship eligibility are lost

Solución: If your relative is a SPANISH citizen, always use Form EX-24 (family member of a Spanish citizen), not EX-19 (family member of an EU citizen). These are two distinct legal regimes.

⚠️ The family member (non-Spanish) submitting the application instead of the Spanish citizen

Consecuencia: Possible rejection of the application

Solución: The Spanish citizen must initiate and submit the application. The family member should attend in person for biometric data collection (fingerprinting).

⚠️ Applying for children over age 26 without proving dependency

Consecuencia: Refusal

Solución: RELOEX extends eligibility to children up to age 26. For those over 26, financial dependency on the Spanish citizen must be demonstrated.

⚠️ Failure to prove cohabitation with the Spanish citizen

Consecuencia: Refusal or request for additional documentation

Solución: Register at the same address as the Spanish citizen (empadronamiento) before submitting the application.

Legal basis

Royal Decree 1155/2024 (new RELOEX), in force from 20 May 2025; Organic Law 4/2000, art. 17

Official sources

🔗 Real Decreto 1155/2024 (RELOEX) → 🔗 Ley Orgánica 4/2000 (LOEX) → 🔗 Ministerio de Inclusión - Familiares → 🔗 Formulario EX-24 →

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.