EU family residence
Residence card for a family member of an EU citizen
Complete guide to applying for an EU family member residence card in Spain using form EX-19: requirements, documents, fees, processing times, eligible family members and mistakes to avoid.
Key application details
Form
EX-19
Fee
790-012
Processing time
3 months
Validity
5 years
For non-EU family members of Spanish citizens, EU citizens, EEA citizens or Swiss citizens.
Quick summary
- The residence card for a family member of an EU citizen allows non-EU family members to live legally in Spain.
- It is also known as the EU family member residence card, the EU residence card or the EU family member card.
- The official application form is EX-19.
- You must provide evidence of your family relationship with the Spanish, EU, EEA or Swiss citizen.
- The usual fee is paid using Form 790, Code 012.
- The card is usually valid for up to five years, unless the EU citizen’s planned period of residence is shorter.
Do not confuse these procedures
EX-18 is for the EU citizen’s registration certificate. EX-19 is for the residence card for a non-EU family member. If you need the physical card after it is approved, you may also need to have your fingerprints taken and have a TIE issued.
What is the residence card for a family member of an EU citizen?
The residence card for a family member of an EU citizen is the document that certifies the legal residence in Spain of certain foreign family members who are not nationals of a European Union, European Economic Area or Swiss country.
It must be applied for when the foreign family member accompanies or joins a Spanish, EU, EEA or Swiss citizen in Spain and intends to live in Spain for more than three months.
In practice, many people call it the EU family member card or the community family card. Although these names are commonly used, its technical name is residence card for a family member of an EU citizen.
Who can apply for the EU family member card?
Certain non-EU foreign family members of Spanish, EU, EEA or Swiss citizens may apply, provided they meet the applicable requirements and can prove their family relationship.
Spouse
The husband or wife of the Spanish or EU citizen, provided the marriage is valid.
Registered partner
A partner registered in a valid public register, provided the registration is current.
Descendants
Children of the EU citizen or their spouse or partner, usually under 21 or dependent adult children.
Ascendants
Parents or direct ascendants who are financially dependent on the EU citizen or their spouse or partner.
There are also provisions for extended family members and other special cases, but these generally require more detailed evidence of cohabitation, financial dependence, personal care or family relationship.
Difference between EX-18, EX-19 and TIE
| Document or form | Who uses it | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| EX-18 | EU, EEA or Swiss citizens. | Apply for the registration certificate for an EU citizen. |
| EX-19 | Non-EU family members of Spanish, EU, EEA or Swiss citizens. | Apply for the residence card for a family member of an EU citizen. |
| TIE | Foreign nationals with authorization or a right of residence that can be documented on a physical card. | Use a physical card to prove the authorized or recognized status. |
For more details, see our guide to the EX-18 form and EU registration certificate and our guide to NIE/TIE fingerprinting.
Main requirements for applying for the EU family member card
The requirements depend on the type of family member and the situation of the Spanish or EU citizen in Spain. In general, you should prepare evidence relating to the following:
1. Applicant's identity
A valid, current, complete passport belonging to the non-EU foreign family member.
2. Family relationship
Marriage, registered partnership, birth, ancestry or another recognized relationship.
3. EU citizen
DNI, passport, EU registration certificate or equivalent documentation.
4. Means or activity
Employment, self-employment registration, sufficient financial resources, studies or applicable category.
5. Financial dependency
Key for ascendants or children over 21 when applicable.
6. Fee paid
Proof of payment of fee 790, Code 012, under the correct category.
Required documents
The exact documents may vary depending on your circumstances, but you will normally need to prepare:
- Completed and signed Form EX-19.
- A valid, current, complete passport belonging to the foreign family member.
- The Spanish or EU citizen's DNI, passport or registration certificate.
- Marriage certificate, registered partnership certificate, birth certificate or another document proving the relationship.
- Proof of financial dependency, where required.
- Employment contract, proof of employment registration, self-employment registration, proof of financial resources, enrolment or health insurance, depending on the circumstances.
- Proof of payment of fee 790, Code 012.
- Photographs, if requested by the office for issuing the card.
- Originals and copies of the documents.
Foreign documents
If the marriage, birth or registered partnership certificate, or another document, was issued abroad, it may need to be legalized, apostilled and accompanied by a sworn translation. Check this before booking an appointment.
How to complete Form EX-19
EX-19 must be completed with the details of the foreign family member applying, the details of the Spanish or EU citizen who qualifies them for the procedure, their address in Spain and the type of family relationship.
- Download Form EX-19 from an official source.
- Enter the details of the foreign family member applying.
- Provide their passport details, NIE if they already have one, nationality, address and contact details.
- Enter the details of the Spanish or EU citizen.
- Select the type of relationship: spouse, registered partner, descendant, ascendant or other category.
- Add the representative’s details only if applicable.
- Enter the place and date.
- Sign the form before submitting it.
- Check that no pages or required sections are missing.
Form 790, Code 012 fee
The residence card for a family member of an EU citizen is usually subject to the Form 790, Code 012 fee. Select the item corresponding to the residence card for a family member of an EU citizen and keep the complete proof of payment.
Before paying, always check the current amount and generate the fee form through the official online portal. If you select the wrong item, the office may not accept the payment receipt.
For more information, see the guide to the Police fee, Form 790, Code 012.
Where to submit the application and how long it takes
Applications are usually submitted to the Immigration Office in the province where the family member lives or intends to live. In many cases, you will need to book an appointment or use the designated submission channel.
Submission
Immigration Office or designated channel in the relevant province.
Receipt
The submission receipt confirms that your stay is lawful while the application is being processed.
Processing time
The card must be issued within three months of the application date.
Validity, renewal and absences from Spain
The residence card for family members of EU citizens is generally valid for five years from the date of issue, unless the EU citizen’s intended period of residence is shorter.
Extended absences from Spain may affect the validity of the card. As a general rule, absences of more than six months in a year may cause problems, although exceptions apply for justified reasons such as military service, pregnancy, childbirth, serious illness, studies, vocational training or a work-related transfer.
Recommendation
If you plan to leave Spain for several months, check in advance how this could affect your card, especially if you are close to applying for permanent residence.
Questions about your residence card for a family member of an EU citizen?
If you have questions about documents, financial dependency, a registered partnership, a foreign marriage or booking an appointment, a professional review can help prevent delays.
Common mistakes when applying for a residence card for a family member of an EU citizen
Using the wrong form
Use form EX-19 for this card, not EX-18 or EX-17.
Failing to properly prove the family relationship
Family certificates must be up to date, legalized, apostilled or translated, where applicable.
Insufficient proof of dependency
For ascendants or children over 21, financial dependency may be key.
Incorrect fee
Select the correct fee category on Form 790, Code 012.
Checklist before submitting your application
- You have downloaded and completed form EX-19.
- The form is signed by the family member applying.
- You have a valid, current, complete passport.
- You are providing the Spanish or EU citizen’s identity document.
- You have prepared the certificate proving the family relationship.
- Foreign documents are legalized, apostilled or translated, where applicable.
- You provide proof of financial dependency when required.
- You are providing proof of financial means, an employment contract, registration, proof of enrolment or health insurance if required in your case.
- You have paid the 790 fee, Code 012, under the correct category.
- You have the complete, legible proof of payment.
- You have booked the correct appointment or confirmed the submission method.
- You are keeping a copy of everything submitted.
Related procedures
Frequently asked questions about the EU citizen’s family member residence card
▸ What is the residence card for a family member of an EU citizen?
It is a document that proves the legal residence in Spain of certain non-EU family members of Spanish citizens, citizens of the European Union or European Economic Area, or Swiss citizens.
▸ Which form do I need to apply for the EU citizen’s family member residence card?
You must use form EX-19, completed and signed by the non-EU family member applying.
▸ Is the EU citizen’s family member residence card the same as the EU registration certificate?
No. The EU registration certificate is applied for by the EU citizen using form EX-18. The EU citizen’s family member residence card is applied for by the non-EU family member using form EX-19.
▸ How long does it take to receive the residence card for a family member of an EU citizen?
The card must be issued within three months of submitting the application. The receipt serves as proof that your stay is lawful while the application is being processed.
▸ How long is the EU family member residence card valid for?
It is usually valid for five years from the date of issue, unless the EU citizen's intended period of residence is shorter.
▸ What fee do I need to pay?
The fee normally paid is 790 Code 012, selecting the item for a residence card for a family member of an EU citizen.
▸ Can I work with the EU family member residence card?
The residence card for a family member of an EU citizen allows you to live legally in Spain and, as a general rule, to work, provided that the requirements that gave rise to this right continue to be met.
Conclusion
The residence card for a family member of an EU citizen is an essential procedure for non-EU family members who want to live legally in Spain with a Spanish, EU, EEA or Swiss citizen.
To avoid delays, complete Form EX-19, provide proof of the family relationship, check whether you need to demonstrate financial dependency, pay the correct fee 790-012 and keep a copy of all the documents you submit.