The EU family member residence card offers a residence option for family members of European citizens who decide to live in Spain. This document is essential to ensure that their stay in the country is lawful and gives them peace of mind.

Knowing the requirements and the documents needed to obtain it is key to avoiding problems and enjoying a positive experience in Spain.

How to Obtain an EU Family Member Residence Card in Spain

Obtaining an EU family member residence card in Spain requires following a series of steps established by the Spanish government. Essentially, the process involves registering and submitting documents proving the family relationship with an EU or EEA citizen.

The process begins at a National Police office or the Central Register of Foreign Nationals, depending on the province where the applicant lives. The application must be submitted in person, and the applicant must be in Spain when applying.

The application process may vary depending on the type of family relationship and the purpose of the stay, so it is advisable to check the requirements for each specific case with the relevant authorities.

Once the application and required documents have been submitted, processing times may vary. However, it is essential to keep track of the application status so you can respond to any requests for additional information.

What Are the Requirements for an EU Family Member Residence Card?

• A family relationship with an EU or EEA citizen.
• Documents proving that relationship.
• Sufficient financial resources to support yourself during your stay.
• Health insurance covering risks in Spain.
• You must not be a citizen of an EU Member State.
• You must not have a criminal record in Spain or in any countries where you previously lived.

These requirements may vary depending on each applicant’s particular circumstances and the type of card they wish to obtain.

What Documents Do I Need to Apply for an EU Family Member Residence Card?

The documents required to apply for an EU family member residence card include the application form, identification for the applicant and their EU-citizen family member, proof of the family relationship, and documents demonstrating that the financial and health insurance requirements have been met.

All documents must be up to date and, where necessary, translated and legalised. This ensures they are valid before the Spanish authorities and speeds up the review and approval process.

You must also provide proof of payment of the fee for this procedure. This is an essential requirement for processing any administrative application.

How Many Types of EU Family Member Residence Cards Are There?

There are two main types of EU family member residence card: the initial card and the permanent card. The initial card is issued for five years and is intended for family members who are just beginning their residence in Spain.

The permanent card, on the other hand, is granted after five years of legal residence in Spain and is valid for ten years, providing greater stability and security during the stay.

It is essential to know which type best suits each applicant’s needs and circumstances in order to follow the appropriate procedure.

Who Can Apply for an EU Family Member Residence Card?

Family members of citizens of the European Union or the European Economic Area can apply for an EU family member residence card. This includes spouses, registered partners, direct descendants under 21 years of age or dependent adult descendants, and dependent direct ascendants.

In addition, people in an unregistered relationship may be able to apply for an EU family member residence card as a spouse or registered partner, provided they can prove the stability and duration of their relationship.

How Can You Apply for an EU Family Member Residence Card Online?

The application process for an EU family member residence card has been made easier by the option to complete certain procedures online. However, not every step can be completed online, and applicants may need to attend in person at some stage of the process.

To get started, you must complete form EX-19, available on the Spanish government’s official website, and follow the instructions for submitting documents electronically where this option is available.

Although applying online can be quicker, it is advisable to seek guidance beforehand to ensure that all the documents are complete and correct, helping to avoid delays or refusals.

What Should You Do If Your EU Family Member Residence Card Application Is Refused?

If your application for an EU family member residence card is refused, it is important to act quickly and seek legal advice to understand the reasons for the decision and the options available to you.

Applicants have the right to submit an administrative appeal for reconsideration to the same office that issued the refusal, within the prescribed time limit. Another option is to pursue judicial review before the administrative courts.

In either case, it is vital to have all the necessary documents and arguments to support the application and overturn the initial decision.

Frequently asked questions about the EU family member residence card

What documents do I need for an EU family member residence card?

The documents required to apply for an EU family member residence card include:

• Application form (EX-19).
• Complete, valid passport.
• Documents proving your family relationship with an EU citizen.
• Proof of sufficient financial resources.
• Proof of health insurance covering your stay in Spain.

It is important to check that all documents are up to date and, if necessary, translated and legalised.

Who is entitled to an EU family member residence card?

Family members of citizens of the European Union or the European Economic Area are entitled to an EU family member residence card. This includes spouses, registered partners, direct descendants under 21 years of age or dependent adult descendants, and direct ascendants who are financially dependent on the EU citizen.

How long does it take to receive an EU family member residence card?

The time it takes to receive a decision on an application for an EU family member residence card may vary. The process generally takes around three months from the submission of the application and complete documentation.

How many types of EU family member residence card are there?

There are two main types of EU family member residence card: the initial card, valid for five years, and the permanent card, valid for ten years. Which one you can apply for depends on how long you have lived in Spain and whether you meet the relevant requirements.

It is worth mentioning that the video carousel contains material that may complement the information provided. For example, the video with ID Dsm-UckdPb8 offers a visual guide to the application process for the EU family member residence card.

In summary, the EU family member residence card is an essential document for relatives of European citizens who wish to live in Spain. Meeting the requirements and submitting the appropriate documents are key steps in obtaining it. By understanding the process and preparing properly, applicants can make their path to legal and secure residence in Spain easier.