Residence Permit for Relatives of Spanish Nationals – Guide

If you have a Spanish partner or family member, this new route for residency and permission to work may be for you. 

In May 2025, the Residence Permit for Relatives of Spanish Nationals (Permiso de Residencia para Familiares de Españoles) was introduced. It aims to make it easier for Spanish nationals to bring their family or relatives to Spain. The Residence Permit effectively replaces the Arraigo Familiar route. 

The Residence Permit for Relatives of Spanish Nationals does not apply to citizens from other European Union countries. For relatives of another EU country, see the EU Family Card guide.

How does it work?

The Residence Permit for Relatives of Spanish Nationals is a renewable 5 year temporary residency and work permit.

It is for any of the following relatives of the Spanish national:

• Spouses, partners, cohabitating couples
  • Unregistered couples must have lived together in or outside of Spain for at least a year (or less if they have children).
• Children (under 26, unmarried and without any children themselves)
  • Adopted children must be under 18
  • Children who have disabilities can be over 26, have children or be married
• Parents and their spouses, a grandparent, legal guardians
• Some extended family members if they are dependent on or care for the Spanish national.

Additionally, children whose parent was Spanish by origin can also apply.

If not all your family members fit into these categories, see Family Reunification as well.

Application Process

Generally, it is the relative of the Spanish national who should apply at the Immigration Office. However, the applicant must be legally in Spain when applying.

If the Spanish National is in Spain and the relative is in their own country, then the Spanish National will apply at the provincial immigration office. Within 30 days of approval, the relative will then apply for a visa at the Consulate in their country.

If more than one person in the family wants to apply, they can apply together.

You should receive a response within two months. After this, it has likely been rejected.

Documents required for the Residence Permit for Relatives of Spanish Nationals

The Spanish national must provide:

• Complete copy of valid passport and DNI.
• For partners, a written declaration that no other spouse or partner is living with them.

The family applicant must provide:

• Completed and signed application form (EX24)
• Copy of passport and travel document (including a visa if needed).
• Criminal record certificate ie. ACRO proving you do not have a serious criminal record in the the last 5 years 
• Document(s) proving the relationship and its nature, for example:
  • Signed Marriage or Pareja de Hecho certificate
  • Signed Birth Certificate
  • Spanish Padron certificate
  • Joint rental contracts or bills
  • Adoption Certificate 
  • Proof of financial dependency ie. bank statements with transfers, proof parents are not eligible for support in their own country
  • Proof of physical dependency ie. medical certificates or proof of disability 

There is no fee for this type of application. However, all official documents not issued in Spain should be translated and apostilled. Our recommended service providers can be found here.

Requesting your residency card (TIE)

Once approved, you will have one month to apply for a TIE– Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero – at the Immigration Office or Police Station.Those outside Spain will have one month from the date of entry to apply for the TIE. You will need to book an appointment at a police station to get your fingerprints taken and apply for your biometric residency card. Learn more about applying for the TIE here.

Keeping your Residency Status

You’re required to report any changes to your relationship, address or nationality to the immigration office or relevant police station within 2 months.

If your relationship ends with the Spanish National or they enter into an official relationship with someone else, the permit and visa may be withdrawn.

The Residence Permit for Relatives of Spanish Nationals is valid for up to 5 years from either the date of issue or entry into Spain. You can renew the card two months before the expiry date or up to 3 months after.

Permanent Right to Residency

Qualifying Residence:

The 5 years spent under this permit count in full toward the requirement for long-term residence (residencia de larga duración) under Spain’s general immigration rules.

Type of Status Obtained After 5 Years:

You may apply for Long-Term Residence (Larga Duración) under Article 32 of LO 4/2000.

Alternatively, if you also meet integration and EU mobility requirements, you could apply for Long-Term EU Residence (Larga Duración-UE), which gives extra rights to move within the EU.

Conditions:

• No prolonged absences (generally, no absence from Spain of more than 6 consecutive months, and not exceeding 10 months in total during the 5-year period).
• Continued family relationship or proof of having resided legally during the entire period.
• No serious criminal records or breaches of immigration law.

What About Citizenship?

If you are from a Latin American country, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, or are of Sephardic origin, you may apply for Spanish nationality after just 2 years of legal residence—even while holding the temporary permit. For other nationalities, the standard is 10 years.

Share your experience with the Age in Spain community

We know processes tend to differ slightly by region, especially as new laws are introduced – so we’d love to hear your experience of the reality. Send us a message to info@ageinspain.org or share on our Social Media.