Residence of family members of Spanish citizens

Since 20 May 2025 foreign family members of Spanish citizens obtain a specific residence authorisation, distinct from the card for a family member of a citizen of the Union. The new regime also concerns Italian citizens with a Spanish spouse or Spanish children, and families in which one of the members has acquired Spanish nationality. The Firm handles the application and the entire procedure.

Eligible family members

• the spouse and the partner registered in a public register;
• the partner in a durable relationship, attested by at least twelve months of cohabitation;
• children up to the age of 26, or older if dependent or with a disability;
• dependent ascendants without family support in the country of origin, or on humanitarian grounds;
• the parent of a Spanish minor;
• subject to certain conditions, a family member caring for a dependent person and other dependent family members.

The regime applies irrespective of where and when the family relationship arose.

Features

• Temporary residence authorisation valid for five years, which permits the holder to work.
• Time limit for a decision of two months; if no reply is given, the application is deemed rejected.
• Where the application is submitted from Spain, once it has been admitted for processing the family member is provisionally authorised to reside and work.
• For certain categories the absence of a criminal record is required.

Transitional regime

Persons who already held the card for a family member of a citizen of the Union as a family member of a Spanish citizen retain the right of residence until the document expires, without the need for a new application.

Costs

The procedure is free of charge; only the fee for the foreign national identity card (TIE), currently €12, is payable. The Firm issues a detailed, no-obligation quote for the professional assistance.

Immigration procedures in Spain

Sources: Real Decreto 1155/2024, arts. 93-99 and transitional provisions · Real Decreto 316/2026 · Orden PJC/617/2025. Information only, updated September 2026.