Residency for EU Family Members
Moving to Spain to join your
EU partner or family?
You’ve made the decision, you’ve packed your life up, and you’re ready to start your new chapter in Spain. As a non-EU citizen joining an EU family member who is legally living here, you have the right to residency but the process is genuinely paperwork-heavy and surprisingly easy to get wrong, especially as each extranjeria in the country has their own rules that aren’t officially published anywhere.
The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone. I’ve helped lots of people in exactly your situation get through it without the stress.
Who can apply under this route?
If your family member is a registered EU citizen legally living in Spain, you may qualify.
Here’s who is eligible:
Spouses & registered partners
Married or in a civil partnership. Unmarried couples must prove 12+ months of stable relationship.
Children & grandchildren
Under 21, or older if financially dependent on the EU citizen. Stepchildren included.
Parents & grandparents
Must be genuinely dependent on the EU citizen — usually for health or care reasons.
Special case: student families
If the EU citizen is a student, a relative who cared for them in the last 24 months may also qualify.
NOTE: if both you and your EU family member are registering for the first time, the EU citizen must complete their registration before you can apply. Click here to read more about how.
Do you qualify? Key requirements
Proof of funds
• Minimum €1,130/month income for the EU family member (this can be significantly higher in some areas of Spain
• Add 50% of IPREM (roughly €565) for each additional family member applying
• Evidence via employment contract, autónomo registration, or bank statements or pension payslips
Health cover
• Spanish social security (if the EU citizen is working in Spain)
• Qualifying Spanish private health insurance — no co-pays, no waiting periods
Proof of relationship
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate (issued within the last 3 months if from an EU country)
• For unmarried couples: joint bank accounts, shared tenancy, utility bills, or similar evidence showing 12+ months together and in some areas of Spain you must get a Pareja de Hecho
• Birth certificates for children
What you need to gather
Key Documents
Every applicant will need originals and depending on whether they’re applyin on the Mercurio site or not, copies of the following.
Requirements can vary slightly by region, so always double-check with a professional.
EX-19 application form
Completed and signed by the applicant.
Valid passport
Original plus a photocopy of every single page.
Proof of relationship
Marriage certificate, civil partnership cert, or cohabitation evidence.
Proof of income or funds
Contract, autónomo registration, or bank statements.
Health insurance
Social security or qualifying private policy.
Padrón certificate
Must be less than 3 months old.
Tasa Modelo 790-012
Fee payment receipt. €12 per applicant (for your TIE card).
EU family member's ID and Residency
Their Passport and EU residency certificate.
Checklist
How it works
01 Check you qualify
Use the eligibility information above to confirm your relationship type and that the EU family member meets the income and health cover requirements. Not sure? Book a consultation and we'll work through it together.
02 Start gathering your documents
Some documents take longer than you'd expect — especially anything requiring an apostille or sworn translation. Give yourself plenty of time and don't leave it to the last minute.
03 Proof of relationship
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate (issued within the last 3 months if from an EU country)
• For unmarried couples: joint bank accounts, shared tenancy, utility bills, or similar evidence showing 12+ months together and in some areas of Spain you must get a Pareja de Hecho
• Birth certificates for children
I offer a full-service or I can simply book appointments
Whether you’re moving to Spain for love, a fresh chapter, or to finally be in the same country as your family, I’m here to make the admin side as painless as possible.
I’ll prepare your documents, guide you through every step, and make sure nothing gets missed.
Do you Have a Question?
Please fill out the form, so we can learn more about you and your needs.