EU Family Member Residence Card in Spain
Support with EU-family residence cards and permanent residence cards where applicable.
Quick answer
The EU-family residence card applies to third-country nationals who accompany or join an EU/EEA citizen in Spain and fall within a legally recognised family category. Family members of Spanish nationals are also subject to a separate specific regime under Royal Decree 1155/2024, which must be distinguished.
Who may qualify
- Spouses and registered partners of EU/EEA citizens where the conditions are met.
- Certain direct descendants and ascendants.
- Other family members or durable partners in the cases covered by Royal Decree 240/2007.
Main requirements
- Evidence of the family relationship or qualifying durable relationship.
- The EU citizen must meet the applicable residence conditions in Spain.
- Where relevant, evidence of dependency, prior cohabitation or other special circumstances.
Documents
- EX-19 form and applicant passport.
- EU citizen identity document and evidence of their status in Spain.
- Marriage, birth, partnership or other relationship evidence.
- Where applicable, evidence of dependency, cohabitation or medical circumstances.
How the procedure works
- First identify whether the EU-family regime or the specific family-of-Spanish-national regime applies.
- The residence-card application is filed in Spain under the competent procedure.
- After approval, the corresponding physical card is issued.
Frequently asked questions
Is an EU-family card the same as residence as a family member of a Spanish citizen?
Not always. The current Regulations include a specific authorisation for family members of Spanish nationals (articles 93–98 of Royal Decree 1155/2024), so the correct regime should be identified before filing.
Which form is normally used for the EU-family residence card?
The residence card for a family member of an EU citizen is normally filed using form EX-19.
Official sources
- BOE — Royal Decree 240/2007, EU free-movement regime
- Spanish National Police — EX-19: EU-family residence card
Last reviewed: 20/08/2026
Residency and immigration services
Assistance with residence cards for family members of EU citizens in Spain.
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