Residency for Non-EU Family Members of EU Employees in Spain in 2025

When EU citizens move to Spain for work, their non-EU family members - spouses, children, and dependent relatives - can join them under the EU Family Member Card scheme. This applies to citizens of EU Member States, the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland.

Spain’s 2025 rules have expanded eligibility and made this process simpler, but there are still important steps employers and employees should be aware of.

Here’s how Non-EU Family Members of EU Employees in Spain can apply for residency.

Read our Quick Guide to Spanish Residency for EU Citizens in 2025 for full information on the residency process for EU employees.

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Who Can Apply?

Non-EU family members eligible for residency include:

Spouses or registered partners (not separated or divorced)
Children under 21 or dependent adult children
Parents/grandparents if financially dependent on the EU citizen
Cohabiting partners with proof of a stable relationship (at least one year together, unless they have children)
Other dependents with serious health or disability needs

‍Case Example: A French engineer relocating to Barcelona can bring her non-EU spouse and dependent parents, provided she meets the financial requirements.

Requirements for Non-EU Family Member Residency

Proof of Relationship	Marriage certificate (apostilled and translated into Spanish) Birth certificates for children Dependency proof for parents/adult children For unmarried couples, Spain recognizes Pareja de Hecho (registered partnership) as equivalent to marriage for residency purposes. To qualify, couples need: Proof of 12+ months cohabitation (lease agreements, joint bills) Notarized declaration of a stable relationship Same-sex partnerships are fully recognized in Spain. Important: Some countries require marriages celebrated abroad to be registered in the EU citizen’s home country for recognition in Spain. This applies to nationals of Spain, France, Portugal, Estonia, Italy, Denmark, and others. Your employee should check if their marriage certificate needs additional validation.
EU Citizen’s Status in Spain	Valid EU passport/ID EU Registration Certificate (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión)
Financial Means	The EU citizen must show sufficient resources to support their family (amounts vary; typically around €10,800/year for a couple). A job contract, bank statements, or proof of self-employment can serve as evidence.
Health Insurance	If the EU citizen is employed, family members access public healthcare. If not, private insurance (equivalent to Spain’s public system) is required.
Shared Address in Spain	A rental contract or utility bill showing the same address. A Volante de Convivencia (the cohabitation certificate that proves shared address) from the Padrón registry.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1 Step 1: Gather Documents	Ensure all foreign documents are translated into Spanish and apostilled (unless exempt under EU rules).
2 Step 2: Submit the Application	File at the Foreigners’ Office (Oficina de Extranjería) within 3 months of arrival. Use Form EX-19.
3 Step 3: Wait for Approval	Processing takes weeks to months. A temporary permit is issued while waiting. Madrid and Barcelona offices often have 6+ week backlogs. Some Andalusia offices process applications in under 15 days.
4 Step 4: Collect the Residence Card	Valid for 5 years. Grants full work rights in Spain.

Permanent Residency and Citizenship

After 5 years, non-EU family members can apply for permanent residency.
After 10 years, they may qualify for Spanish citizenship.

2025 Updates to Family Reunification

Recently introduced rules make it easier for employees to bring their families to Spain and expand family reunification eligibility. Read our article 2025 Immigration Regulations in Spain: What Employers Need to Know for the full info.

Common Problems And How to Avoid Them

Healthcare Gaps: Until residency is approved, private insurance is mandatory. Many policies exclude pre-existing conditions – a costly oversight.
Lack of NIE: Family members need NIEs to open bank accounts or sign leases, but these are often requested too late.
Document Discrepancies: Name discrepancies on documents like birth certificates and passports are a surprisingly common cause of delay.

How Jobbatical Can Support You With Family Reunification

Family reunification in Spain involves multiple steps and careful documentation. Jobbatical's immigration specialists guide employees through the entire process, from initial paperwork to final residency approval. We work directly with Spanish authorities to help:

Prepare and submit applications correctly the first time
Schedule required appointments efficiently
Coordinate registration requirements

For companies bringing international talent to Spain, we make sure families can relocate stress-free. Book a consultation to learn more about our Spain relocation services.

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