Family Roots in Spain: A Legal Path for Non-EU Relatives to Work and Live

If you're hiring international talent in Spain, it's useful to know about the legal options available for employees and their family members to stay and work in the country. One of these options is the temporary residence permit for family ties (arraigo familiar), which allows certain non-EU family members of Spanish citizens to live and work in Spain. This can be especially helpful for employers who want to support their employees through the settling-in process for them and their families.

What Is the Temporary Residence Authorization for Family Ties?

This type of residence permit allows certain non-EU family members of Spanish citizens to regularize their situation in Spain. It grants the right to live and work in the country for five years, including employment as either an employee or self-employed person.

Non-EU family members of citizens from other EU countries may also be eligible for the EU Family Member Card, which similarly provides legal residence and work rights in Spain.

Who Can Apply?

The following people may qualify:

• Parents of Spanish minors who live with the child or take care of them
• People supporting a Spanish citizen with a disability who live with and depend on them
• Spouse or registered partner of a Spanish citizen
• Parents over 65 years old (or younger if financially dependent) of a Spanish citizen or their partner
• Children under 21 years old (or older if financially dependent) of a Spanish citizen or their partner
• Children of someone who was originally Spanish, even if that parent lost their Spanish nationality

Basic requirements:

● Living with the Spanish relative: It is required to demonstrate that there is cohabitation with the Spanish family member or that parental obligations are being fulfilled.

● Supporting documentation: Applicants must submit documents proving their family relationship with the Spanish citizen.

● No criminal record: In some cases, applicants must provide a criminal record certificate from the countries where they have resided in the past 5 years.

Application Process

1. Submission of the application at the Foreigners' Office (Extranjería) in the area where the applicant lives
2. Presenting the required documents to show the family relationship or shared home
3. Processing time is officially up to 90 days, but delays of 6–9 months are common
4. After approval, the applicant must go in person to request their TIE (Foreigner's Identity Card) at the Foreigners' Office or Police Station

Important: If the marriage or partnership was registered outside Spain, it must also be registered in Spain before applying. Otherwise, it won’t be considered valid for immigration purposes.

Why This Matters for Employers

When relocating or hiring foreign talent in Spain, it’s important to consider the legal options - visas and permits - available for their family members too. Permits based on family ties can make it easier for non-EU relatives to live and work in Spain, adding stability to your employee’s relocation experience.

Understanding these options helps employers better support their international hires and makes their company more attractive for global talent.

Need help relocating employees to Spain?

Jobbatical helps employers manage immigration and relocation for international employees and their families. Talk to our team for help with work and residence permits, family applications, and long-term residency in Spain.