Family members of EU citizens: the EU family residence card

What the rules say

Royal Decree 240/2007 governs the entry and residence of EU citizens and their family members: spouse, registered or proven partner, descendants under 21 or dependent, and dependent ascendants (art. 2), as well as the extended family (art. 2 bis). The EU citizen must work or have means and health insurance. The card is requested within three months of entry (art. 8).

What it means in practice

The application is filed at the Immigration Office or police station with proof of the family tie and evidence that the EU citizen meets the conditions. After five years, permanent residence can be requested. Family members of Spanish citizens fall under this regime in most cases, with some particularities.

Documents usually required

• Family member's passport and the EU citizen's identity document
• Marriage, registered partnership or birth certificate, apostilled or legalised and translated
• EU citizen's registration certificate and proof of work, means and insurance
• Joint municipal registration certificate
• Proof of payment of fee form 790, code 012

When to book an appointment with the firm

If the partnership is not registered, if the EU citizen does not work or if the relative belongs to the extended family, it is advisable to review the case before filing.

General information prepared by the firm; it is not legal advice on a specific case and is pending legal review.