It documents the right of residence of non-EU family members of an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen or of a Spanish citizen, under Royal Decree 240/2007. It is a faster regime with fewer requirements than the general one.
The card is granted for five years and allows you to work as an employee or self-employed person without any additional authorisation.
- Spouse or registered partner of the EU or Spanish citizen, provided there is no legal or de facto separation.
- Descendants of the EU citizen or of their spouse/partner, under 21 or older if dependent.
- Dependent ascendants of the EU citizen or of their spouse/partner.
- Other family members in specific cases: proven cohabitants, dependants, or people with serious health reasons requiring personal care.
- That the EU citizen lives in Spain and, if Spanish, that the family relationship gives access to the regime (check your case: the current regulation has adjusted these situations).
- Where the EU citizen is not a worker, proof of sufficient resources and health insurance for the whole family.
- Filing the application within the 3 months following entry into Spain.
- No criminal record where the rules require it for your particular case.
Official form EX-19, completed and signedIn duplicate (original and copy) if you file it on paper. Always download it from the Ministry website so you use the current version.Official link Full passport, validA copy of every written page (including blank ones if the office asks for them) plus the original for checking. Many procedures require at least 4 months of validity. Proof of payment of fee form 790 code 012It is generated and filled in on the official fee website, paid at a bank or online, and submitted as the stamped copy.Official link Three passport-size photographsWhite background, recent. Document proving the family relationshipMarriage certificate, registered partnership certificate or birth certificate, recently issued, legalised or apostilled and translated by a sworn translator. Documents of the EU citizenDNI or passport of the Spanish citizen, or registration certificate and passport of the EU citizen. Evidence that the EU citizen lives in SpainMunicipal registration, employment contract, employment history, self-employed registration, or proof of resources and health insurance if not working. Evidence of cohabitation or of financial dependency if applicable Joint municipal registration, regular transfers, documents from the country of origin. Required for ascendants, adult descendants and other family members.
Application for an EU citizen family member residence card
Always download the form from the Ministry website: the templates are updated and offices reject outdated versions.
| Form | What it covers | Who pays | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 790 código 012 | EU citizen family member residence card | The applicant | Generate fee form |
Amounts are updated periodically: the one shown when you generate form 790 is the one in force.
Immigration Office of the province where you live
By appointment: procedure "Tarjeta de familiar de residente comunitario". In some provinces fingerprints are taken at the same appointment.
- Application: within the 3 months following entry into Spain.
- Decision: 3 months; under this regime administrative silence is positive.
- Card validity: 5 years (or the expected period of residence of the EU citizen, if shorter).
- After 5 years of legal and continuous residence you can apply for the permanent EU family member card.
You can work while the card is being processed: the application receipt proves that your situation is regular.
A refusal on grounds of a "marriage of convenience" requires a reasoned investigation; if you receive one, you can appeal.