EU Family Visa
What the scheme is
Under Directive 2004/38/EC (free movement of EU citizens) and Spanish implementing law (for example Real Decreto 240/2007), non-EU/EEA family members of an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen who is exercising EU free-movement rights have the right to accompany or join them in Spain.
In Spain this takes the form of the “Residence card of a Family Member of a Union citizen” (Spanish: Tarjeta de Residencia de Familiar de Ciudadano de la Unión).
Also, for short-term stays there is a special visa category for family members of EU/EEA nationals entering Spain.
Who is eligible
The following are typical eligible family members of the EU/EEA/Swiss citizen:
Spouse (married) of the EU citizen.
Registered partner (in a recognised “pareja de hecho” or equivalent) in some cases.
Children (direct descendants) of the EU citizen or of the spouse/partner. This includes minors, and in some cases adult children if dependent.
Parents (ascendants) of the EU citizen or of the spouse/partner, if the EU citizen has them as dependents.
Other family members (extended) in exceptional circumstances: e.g. if the non-EU relative is a dependent of the EU citizen, or has lived with them for at least 2 years, or is under their care for health reasons.
Note: The exact eligibility can depend on whether the EU citizen is moving/has moved to Spain or already resides there exercising free-movement rights.
Key requirements & process in Spain
Entry/Short-term stay (if relevant)
If the non-EU family member is going to travel to Spain to join the EU citizen, and the stay is short (e.g., less than 90 days) there is a specific visa (or simplified entry) for “Family Member of Union Citizen” category.
Documents typically required for the visa include: valid passport, proof of the EU citizen’s identity and status, proof of family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.), proof the EU citizen is exercising free-movement rights.
Residence card for stays over 3 months (or establishing residence)
Once the non-EU family member resides in Spain with the EU citizen, they must apply for the residence card (Tarjeta) within three months of their entry.
Where to apply: At the provincial Non-Nationals Office (Oficina de Extranjeros) or relevant local police station in the area of residence.
Documents required include:
Valid passport/ID for the non-EU family member.
Proof of family relationship with the EU citizen.
In case of unregistered partner/cohabitant: evidence of stable relationship or shared children.
Evidence that the EU citizen is exercising free-movement rights in Spain: e.g. working, self-employed, studying, has resources and health insurance.
Health insurance / coverage and sufficient resources (so the family member will not become a burden on the Spanish social assistance system) may be required.
Rights once approved
The residence card normally grants the right to live and work in Spain under the same conditions as the EU citizen family member.
The initial card validity is up to 5 years (though sometimes shorter depending on situation) and renewal is possible.
Important caveats & things to note
The rights are contingent on the EU citizen actually exercising their free-movement rights in Spain (i.e., they are resident, working or self-employed, or have sufficient means). If the EU citizen returns to their country of origin and stops exercising those rights, the entitlement for the family member may lapse.
The non-EU family member must apply within the three months of entry for the residence card (if staying longer than 3 months) — failing to do so may lead to complications.
For travel rights: Once the residence card is issued, the family member has better mobility across Schengen/EU countries as a family member of an EU citizen.
If the family member is entering Spain for a short stay (less than 90 days) and does not yet have the residence card, then they may need the special visa for family members of EU citizens (depending on nationality).
The official Spanish law texts may have precise rules about documentation, translations, legalisations, and local regional variation. Always check with the Spanish consulate/immigration office in the relevant province.
Application from the UK (or other country)
Since you are in the UK (assuming your residence situation), if you’re applying from the UK to join an EU citizen in Spain:
You would need to apply at the Spanish consulate or visa application centre in the UK for the visa (if required) for short stay. For example the UK-based application page mentions the “EU/EEA Spouse & Family Members Visa” via BLS International in London. BLS Spain Visa
After entering Spain, you then proceed with application for the residence card at the relevant local immigration office in Spain.