NEXO Spain

A path through the guides

Non-EU family of an EU citizen

The procedures this situation usually goes through, in order. Each step says why it comes where it does, and links to its guide and official sources.

Who this is for

Citizenship
Non-EU citizens
Where you are
In Spain on a visa · Already in Spain
Why you are coming
Joining family

Where it leaves you

The steps

  1. Done by your EU family member

    Register as an EU/EEA/Swiss resident in Spain

    Register your residence in Spain if you are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen staying for more than three months.

    When
    within the first 3 months
    How long it takes
    certificate issued immediately when the registration requirements are met
    Legal deadline
    3 months, from entry
    Cost
    current government fee

    NEXO Expert for complex cases

    Official sources

    Read the full guide

  2. Get residence as a non-EU family member of an EU citizen

    Get the EU-family residence card if you are a qualifying non-EU family member accompanying or joining an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.

    Needs first: Register as an EU/EEA/Swiss resident in Spain

    When
    within the first 3 months
    How long it takes
    official card-issuance period up to 3 months; real waits can be longer
    Legal deadline
    3 months, from entry
    Cost
    current government fee

    Lawyer for complex cases

    Official sources

    Read the full guide

  3. Register your address in Barcelona

    Register the Barcelona address where you usually live so the city records your residence and you can prove it for later local procedures.

    When
    week 1
    How long it takes
    about 7 calendar days online when documents are correct
    Cost
    free
    Official sources

    Read the full guide

  4. Get your TIE card

    Get the physical foreigner identity card that documents an already granted qualifying residence or stay status.

    Comes after: Register your address in Barcelona, Get residence as a non-EU family member of an EU citizen

    When
    immediately after the qualifying authorization becomes effective
    How long it takes
    card-production timing varies; recent Barcelona reports often indicate about one month
    Legal deadline
    usually 1 month, from the event stated for the underlying authorization
    Cost
    current card fee

    NEXO Expert for complex cases

    Official sources

    Read the full guide

Get started with your journey

Talk your situation through with a NEXO Expert, or write to us.

Talk to a NEXO Expert[email protected]

Information, not legal advice.