Residency for Non-EU Family Members of EU Employees in Spain in 2026

When EU citizens move to Spain for work, their non-EU family members—spouses, children, and dependent relatives—can join them under the EU Family Member Card scheme. This applies to citizens of EU Member States, the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland.

Spain’s 2026 rules build on prior reforms, further expanding eligibility (e.g., raising the age limit for dependent children to 26) and introducing a centralized online platform for faster processing, but there are still important steps employers and employees should be aware of.

Here’s how Non-EU Family Members of EU Employees in Spain can apply for residency.Read our Quick Guide to Spanish Residency for EU Citizens in 2026 for full information on the residency process for EU employees.

Who Can Apply?

Non-EU family members eligible for residency include:

• Spouses or registered partners (not separated or divorced)
• Children under 26 or dependent adult children
• Parents/grandparents if financially dependent on the EU citizen (with expanded age considerations up to 80 for certain dependencies under the new framework)
• Cohabiting partners with proof of a stable relationship (at least one year together, unless they have children)
• Other dependents with serious health or disability needs

Case Example: A French engineer relocating to Barcelona can bring her non-EU spouse and dependent parents, provided she meets the financial requirements.

Requirements for Non-EU Family Member Residency

Proof of Relationship

• Marriage certificate (apostilled and translated into Spanish)
• Birth certificates for children
• Dependency proof for parents/adult children

For unmarried couples, Spain recognizes Pareja de Hecho (registered partnership) as equivalent to marriage for residency purposes. To qualify, couples need:

• Proof of 12+ months cohabitation (lease agreements, joint bills)
• Notarized declaration of a stable relationship

Same-sex partnerships are fully recognized in Spain.Important: Some countries require marriages celebrated abroad to be registered in the EU citizen’s home country for recognition in Spain. This applies to nationals of Spain, France, Portugal, Estonia, Italy, Denmark, and others. Your employee should check if their marriage certificate needs additional validation.

EU Citizen’s Status in Spain

• Valid EU passport/ID
• EU Registration Certificate (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión)

Financial Means

The EU citizen must show sufficient resources to support their family (amounts tied to IPREM; typically around €8,400/year for a couple, with €600/month per additional dependent). A job contract, bank statements, or proof of self-employment can serve as evidence, with 2026 rules allowing more flexible demonstrations of support.

Health Insurance

If the EU citizen is employed, family members access public healthcare. If not, private insurance (equivalent to Spain’s public system) is required.

Shared Address in Spain

A rental contract or utility bill showing the same address. A Volante de Convivencia (the cohabitation certificate that proves shared address) from the Padrón registry.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Step 1: Gather DocumentsEnsure all foreign documents are translated into Spanish and apostilled (unless exempt under EU rules).
2. Step 2: Submit the ApplicationFile at the Foreigners’ Office (Oficina de Extranjería) within 3 months of arrival—or via the new 2026 centralized online platform managed by the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration. Use Form EX-19. The platform supports digital signatures, biometric verification, and AI-assisted checks for streamlined submissions.
3. Step 3: Wait for ApprovalProcessing now takes 20-30 days for standard cases via the online system, with a temporary permit issued while waiting. Madrid and Barcelona offices benefit from reduced backlogs, while some Andalusia offices process in under 15 days.
4. Step 4: Collect the Residence CardValid for 5 years. Grants full work rights in Spain.

Permanent Residency and Citizenship

After 5 years, non-EU family members can apply for permanent residency. After 10 years, they may qualify for Spanish citizenship.

2026 Updates to Family Reunification

The 2026 reforms integrate 2025 flexibilities into a new legal framework, including a one-stop online portal for family applications, broader eligibility for dependents, and simplified financial proofs to make it easier for employees to bring their families to Spain. Read our article 2026 Immigration Regulations in Spain: What Employers Need to Know for the full info.

Common Problems And How to Avoid Them

1. Healthcare Gaps: Until residency is approved, private insurance is mandatory. Many policies exclude pre-existing conditions—a costly oversight.
2. Lack of NIE: Family members need NIEs to open bank accounts or sign leases, but these are often requested too late.
3. Document Discrepancies: Name discrepancies on documents like birth certificates and passports are a surprisingly common cause of delay.

How Jobbatical Can Support You With Family Reunification

Family reunification in Spain involves multiple steps and careful documentation. Jobbatical's immigration specialists guide employees through the entire process, from initial paperwork to final residency approval. We work directly with Spanish authorities to help:

• Prepare and submit applications correctly the first time (including via the new online platform)
• Schedule required appointments efficiently
• Coordinate registration requirements

For companies bringing international talent to Spain, we make sure families can relocate stress-free. Book a consultation to learn more about our Spain relocation services.

‍