Registered partnerships have become a popular option for those seeking to obtain residence in Spain, especially among non-EU citizens. This process not only formalizes the relationship but also opens the door to significant legal and financial benefits.

If you want to know how the process works and what requirements you need to meet, this article will provide all the information you need about registered partnerships as a way to obtain residence in Spain.

How can you obtain residence in Spain through a registered partnership?

The first step towards obtaining residence through a registered partnership is to formalize the relationship with the relevant register. This can be done at the Civil Registry or another designated body, depending on the autonomous community.

Once the relationship has been registered, you can apply for the EU family member residence card, which grants residence and work rights. This process is crucial, as the rights granted by this card are equivalent to those of an EU citizen.

It is important to note that the partnership must be registered in an EU country to be valid in Spain. The required documents include evidence of the relationship, as well as proof of financial means and health coverage.

Requirements for applying for residence through a registered partnership

Requirements may vary slightly depending on the autonomous community, but the following documents are generally required:

• Municipal registration certificate (empadronamiento): It must show that both partners live at the same address.
• Evidence of the relationship: Photographs, messages or any other documents that can help prove the relationship.
• Financial means: You must show that you have sufficient resources to support the household.
• Health coverage: Health insurance or registration with the public healthcare system.

In addition, both partners must be legally present in Spain, and there must be no legal impediment to the relationship.

How to register as partners

The registration process may vary, but it generally involves the following steps:

1. Gather the documents: Prepare all the required documents mentioned above.
2. Book an appointment: Go to the Civil Registry or relevant body to book an appointment.
3. Attend the appointment: Submit the documents and sign the registered partnership agreement.
4. Collect the certificate: Once approved, a certificate confirming the registered partnership will be issued.

This process can take several days, so it is advisable to start well in advance if you wish to apply for residence.

Benefits of registering as a domestic partner in Spain

Registering as a domestic partnership to obtain residence in Spain offers several advantages:

• Employment rights: Once you obtain the EU citizen family member residence card, you have the same employment rights as a Spanish citizen.
• Easier family reunification: It makes it easier for other family members to obtain residence.
• Less legal red tape: Compared with marriage, the process is simpler and involves less bureaucracy.
• Access to public services: Partners can access services such as education and healthcare.

In addition, registered partners may be able to file a joint tax return, which could result in significant tax savings.

Can I obtain Spanish citizenship through a registered partnership?

It is possible to obtain Spanish citizenship through a registered partnership, but certain requirements must be met. Generally, the couple must have been registered as partners for at least one year.

Applicants must also demonstrate that they have lived legally in Spain for a specified period, which is generally at least 10 years, although this may be reduced to 2 years for applicants from an Ibero-American country.

The applicant’s level of integration into Spanish society will also be assessed, so it is advisable to have some knowledge of the language and culture.

Who can apply for the EU family member residence card?

The EU citizen family member residence card may be applied for by people in a registered partnership with an EU citizen. This applies to both non-EU and EU citizens.

Applicants must prove their relationship and meet the documentation requirements. They should also make sure their residence and work permits in Spain are up to date.

Applying for the EU citizen family member residence card is not only a step towards obtaining residence; it also provides easier access to various employment and social opportunities in the country.

Related questions about residence through a registered partnership in Spain

How long does it take to get residence through a registered partnership?

The waiting time to obtain residence through a registered partnership can vary depending on several factors, mainly the workload of the relevant registry and the autonomous community. In general, the process can take between 1 and 3 months.

Make sure all the documents are complete and correct to avoid delays. After submitting the application, it is important to monitor its progress and respond to any requests for additional documents.

How long do you have to live with your partner to register as domestic partners?

There is no minimum period of cohabitation required to register as domestic partners. However, couples who have lived together for a longer period often find it easier to demonstrate that their relationship is genuine and stable, which is essential when applying for residence.

What is required is that both partners agree and can provide documents proving this, regardless of how long they have lived together.

What are the benefits of registering as domestic partners in Spain?

In addition to residence, registering as domestic partners offers several benefits, including access to the EU citizen family member residence card, the possibility of bringing family members to Spain and simpler legal procedures. Partners are also entitled to healthcare and social services, which can help them integrate into society.

You may also be able to choose a more favourable tax arrangement, which could result in significant savings over time.

How long does it take to obtain Spanish citizenship through a registered partnership?

The process of obtaining Spanish citizenship through a registered partnership can take several months. In general, once the legal residence period has been completed and all the required documents have been submitted, a decision is estimated to take between 6 months and one year.

The timeframe varies depending on the number of applications handled by the Ministry of Justice and whether all the documents are submitted correctly from the outset, which can significantly help speed up the process.