Good to know · Residency
Residence card for family of EU or Spanish citizens (tarjeta de familiar de ciudadano de la Unión)
Non-EU relatives of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens (and, under the same regime, Spanish citizens) who move to Spain apply for a 'Tarjeta de residencia de familiar de ciudadano de la Unión' within three months of entering Spain, valid for up to five years.
- Why it matters
- An American married to, or a child or dependent parent of, an EU or Spanish citizen follows this regime rather than the visa routes in GLIFE-0100 to 0104. It has its own simpler visa step.
- When
- Your spouse, partner or parent is an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen (or Spanish) and you are moving to Spain with or to join them.
- How long it takes
- Apply for the card within 3 months of entry; card issued in about 3 months; valid 5 years or the EU citizen’s expected residence, whichever is shorter.
- Official page
- Hoja 62 - Residence card of family member of EU citizen
- Last checked
- 7 Oct 2026
In the guide: the 4 steps, what to bring (4 items), and 4 Easy to miss lines, with every official source.
One Easy to miss, on us
Proof of the family link must be apostilled or legalized and translated; proof of living at the EU citizen’s expense is listed 'where applicable'.