Residence permits for family members in Spain
Do you have a family connection with a Spanish citizen or another European Union country citizen and want to live legally in Spain? At Bonvenon, we assist you in processing the family member residence card, one of the most requested residence permits for those who wish to settle with their loved ones. Our team of immigration lawyers in Barcelona will guide you throughout the process, ensuring a fast, legal, and hassle-free management.
What is the community family card?
The EU family member card —also known as the residence card for family members of a Union citizen— is an authorization that allows relatives of EU citizens to legally reside and work in Spain. This card is valid for five years and can be renewed.
This is a right that falls under the EU regime, a set of regulations more favorable than the general immigration system. Obtaining this card will allow you not only to reside in Spain, but also to access the healthcare system, work as an employee or self-employed, and move freely within the Schengen area.4o
Who can apply for a community residence card?
The right to obtain the EU family residence permit extends to a wide range of family relationships, as long as certain requirements are met. The main beneficiaries are:
Spouses or registered partners
If you are married to a Spanish or EU citizen, you can apply for the EU family member card through marriage. You can also obtain this permit if you are in a registered civil partnership (marriage is not required), in which case you will apply for the EU family member card as a registered partner.
Minor or dependent children
The children of the EU citizen or their partner, who are under 21 years old or older but financially dependent, are also entitled to this residence permit.
Dependent ascendants
The parents or parents-in-law of the EU citizen, if it can be proven that they are financially dependent, may also obtain the residence card as family members of a Union citizen.
Other relatives
In exceptional cases, other relatives who are financially dependent on the Union citizen or live with them may be eligible for this card, provided that the relationship and effective dependency can be proven.
Requirements to obtain the EU family member card
The requirements to obtain the EU family member residence card may vary depending on the type of relationship, but generally the following are required:
- Proof of the bond (certificate of marriage, common-law partner or birth).
- Identity document of the community citizen (Spanish ID card or passport).
- Public or private health insurance.
- Sufficient economic means to stay in Spain.
- Joint registration or proof of living together if there is no marriage or registered partnership.
- Identity document of the community citizen (Spanish ID card or passport).
- Public or private health insurance.
- Sufficient economic means to stay in Spain.
- Joint registration or proof of living together if there is no marriage or registered partnership.
Additionally, if you are applying for residence as a registered partner, you must be listed in an official Spanish or European registry. At Bonvenon, we help you gather all the necessary documentation to present a strong application to the immigration authorities.
Where is the application submitted?
The application for the EU family member card in Spain must be submitted to the Immigration Office (Oficina de Extranjería) corresponding to your place of residence. In Barcelona, it is necessary to book an immigration appointment in advance to submit all the required documentation, either digitally or in person, depending on the current procedure.
We take care of the entire process: from preparing the application file and submitting the request to tracking its progress and resolving any issues that may arise.
Why work with an immigration lawyer in Barcelona?
Correctly applying for the EU family residence card can make the difference between obtaining your permit smoothly or facing delays, additional requirements, or even denials. At Bonvenon, we specialize in immigration law in Barcelona. We offer:
- Case feasibility assessment through a paid consultation. This appointment costs €50 (+21% VAT) and can be easily scheduled through our website.
- Personalized preparation of your application file.
- Submission and follow-up with the Immigration Office.
- Legal support in case of appeal.
- Personalized preparation of your application file.
- Submission and follow-up with the Immigration Office.
- Legal support in case of appeal.
Our experience with hundreds of applications allows us to anticipate common mistakes and ensure a fast and efficient process. If you're looking for a reliable immigration lawyer in Barcelona, you're in the right place.
How long does it take for the procedure to be resolved?
The official resolution deadline for the residence card of a family member of a citizen of the Union is Three months from the date of submission. However, this time period may vary depending on the province and the workload of the offices.
After obtaining a favorable resolution, you can request the issuance of your physical card (TIE), which is picked up at the appropriate police station by appointment.
What happens if my EU family member card is denied?
In some cases, the Immigration Office may deny the application due to missing documentation, procedural errors, or a restrictive interpretation of the family relationship. If this happens, at Bonvenon we offer you:
- A detailed review of the reason for the denial.
- Drafting and submission of an administrative or judicial appeal.
- Legal representation by our team of immigration law specialists.
- Drafting and submission of an administrative or judicial appeal.
- Legal representation by our team of immigration law specialists.
Request your consultation with Bonvenon
At Bonvenon, we treat your case as if it were our own. If you want to process your residence card in Spain like Family member of community, or do you have questions about the community residence and its requirements, we invite you to contact us.