The EU Family Member Residence Card, also known as the EU Citizen Family Member Card, is a key residency permit in Spain for non-EU citizens who are related to an EU citizen.
This permit allows family members of EU nationals to reside and work in Spain, benefiting from the same rights as European citizens.
It is typically granted for a five-year period, during which the holder can live, work, or study in Spain under similar conditions as EU citizens.
The process is focused around proving the relationship with the EU citizen, demonstrating sufficient economic resources, and providing adequate health insurance.
Who can apply for the EU Family Member Residence Card?
The EU Family Member Residence Card is available to non-EU nationals who have a close familial relationship with an EU citizen.
This includes:
- Spouses or registered partners: If you are legally married or in a registered partnership with an EU citizen.
- Children: Direct descendants under the age of 21 or dependent children of the EU citizen or their spouse/partner.
- Parents: Dependent parents of the EU citizen or their spouse/partner.
Main requirements for the Residence Card
Obtaining the EU Family Member Residence Card involves meeting specific legal and financial conditions. These requirements ensure that the applicant can support themselves and are legitimately connected to the EU citizen:
- Proof of relationship: THe most important documents is proof of the family relationship. This could be a marriage certificate, a birth certificate, or proof of registered partnership.
- Financial means: The applicant must demonstrate that they or the EU citizen can support themselves financially while living in Spain. This might involve showing employment contracts, bank statements, or other proofs of income.
- Health insurance: Having health insurance that covers the applicant in Spain is mandatory. This can be provided through public or private insurance schemes.
- EU Citizen´s residency: The EU citizen must be legally residing in Spain and fulfilling one of the following conditions: working, studying, or having enough financial resources to sustain themselves and their family members.
Application Process
Involves several steps:
- Gather required documentation: Gather essential documents, such as proof of the family relationship, proof of financial means, and health insurance.
- Submit the application: Applications must be submitted at the Foreigners’ Office (Oficina de Extranjería) of the province where the applicant resides. You may also apply online through the relevant government portal.
- Resolution: After reviewing the application, authorities may request additional information or documents. If approved, the applicant will be granted a five-year residence card.
- Biometric appointment: Once the application is approved, the applicant must attend a biometrics appointment to provide fingerprints and a photograph for their residence card.
- Collect the Residence Card: After the biometrics appointment, the residence card will be issued and ready for collection at the relevant office.
How to Renew the EU Family Member Residence Card?
After five years of holding the EU Family Member Residence Card, it can be renewed if the conditions of residency are still met. The applicant must continue to demonstrate their relationship with the EU citizen, financial stability, and compliance with residency requirements.
Renewal is generally straightforward, especially if the EU citizen and their family member have been living in Spain continuously. The new residence card will be valid for another five years, after which long-term residency options may be explored.
Key differences between EU Family Residence and General Residence permits
One of the significant advantages of the EU Family Member Residence Card over general residence permits is the simplified documentation process.
While non-EU nationals must often go through extensive procedures, family members of EU citizens enjoy more streamlined applications and fewer restrictions.
Additionally, the EU Family Member Residence Card grants immediate work rights, unlike some other residence permits which may have employment restrictions or waiting periods.
Frequently asked questions
The process typically takes around 3 months.
Yes, family members can live and work in Spain with the same rights as EU citizens.
