EU Citizen Family Card

Everything You Need to Know to Get It

If you are a family member of a European Union citizen and you wish to reside in Spain, the EU Citizen Family Card is a key document to regularize your situation and access multiple benefits. In this guide, we explain who can apply for it, the requirements and the rights it grants.

What is the EU Citizen Family Card?

This is a residence permit that allows family members of citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland to reside and work legally in Spain for a period of five years. This card facilitates family reunification and guarantees access to rights similar to those of European citizens.

This should not be confused with the Family Roots which is a type of residence permit for exceptional circumstances granted to foreigners who have family ties with Spanish citizens.

Who can apply?

The following family members of an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen residing in Spain may apply for the card:

1. Spouse or registered partner.
2. Children of the citizen or his/her spouse/partner under 21 years of age or older if they are economically dependent.
3. Ascendants (parents or grandparents) of the citizen or his/her spouse/partner if they are financially dependent.
4. Any other family member who lives with the European citizen or who, for serious medical reasons, is dependent on him/her for his/her care.

Requirements to apply for the EU Family Membership Card

To obtain this card, the following requirements must be met:

• Demonstrate the family bond with the EU citizen (marriage certificate, partnership certificate, birth certificates, etc.).
• The EU citizen must reside in Spain. and meet one of these conditions:
  • Be employed or self-employed.
  • Have sufficient financial resources and medical insurance.
  • Be a student with health insurance and financial means.
• Registration at the same address.
• Medical insurance (in some cases, depending on the situation of the European citizen in Spain).
• CCriminal Record Certificate of the Apostilled Relative

How to apply for the EU Family Card?

The application process consists of the following steps:

1. Gathering documentationPassport of the applicant, NIE of the EU citizen, documents proving the family relationship and proof of financial means.
2. Request an appointment and submit the application at the Foreigners Office of the province where you reside, or digitally through the use of an Electronic Certificate.
3. Pay the corresponding fee.
4. Receive the resolutionWithin approximately 6 monthsThe administration issues a response, although it may vary depending on the date of submission, the particular case and the workload of the public administration.
5. Card issuanceIf the application is approved, a physical card is obtained with an initial validity of five years.

Benefits of the EU Citizen Family Card

Having this card provides several advantages, among them:

• Right to reside and work in Spain on an equal footing with European citizens.
• Access to public health care if the European citizen complies with the established requirements.
• Possibility of mobility within the EUThe visa-free travel permit allows temporary stays in other European countries without the need for a visa.
• Ease of applying for permanent residency after five years of residence in Spain, or possible application for nationality.

Important considerations

• The card must be renewed before expiration if you wish to continue residing in Spain.
• In case of divorce or death of the EU citizen, there are specific conditions to maintain the right of residence.
• If you move to another city within Spain, it is advisable to update your registration and notify Extranjería.

At Ven EmigraWe help you with the application process for the EU Citizen Family Card so that you can regularize your residency in Spain quickly and without complications.

Book a free meeting with our specialists who will advise and guide you on your way!