EU citizens and their family members in Spain

If you are a citizen of the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland, you can live and work in Spain without a visa or work permit. What you do need, if you stay more than three months, is to register with the Central Register of Foreigners. Your non-EU family members follow their own procedure.

This is governed by Royal Decree 240/2007 of 16 February, which implements Directive 2004/38/EC. We handle these procedures in Malaga, Marbella and the rest of Spain.


EU registration certificate

You apply with form EX-18 when you are going to live in Spain for more than three months. Article 7 of Royal Decree 240/2007 requires you to fall into one of these cases:

  • You work in Spain as an employee or self-employed.
  • You have sufficient resources for yourself and your family and health insurance that covers you in Spain.
  • You are enrolled at a place of study and have insurance and resources.
  • You are a family member of an EU citizen who meets one of the cases above.

We help you prove each requirement: employment contract or self-employed registration, bank statements, private health insurance or an S1 form from your country.


Abogada de Asecontex asesorando a clientes extranjeros en una reunión en Marbella

Residence card for family members of EU citizens

Non-EU spouses or registered partners, children under 21 or dependent, and dependent parents apply for the family member card with form EX-19. It is valid for five years.

Other relatives and long-term partners

Article 2 bis of Royal Decree 240/2007 (added by Royal Decree 987/2015) allows residence to be facilitated for other dependent relatives and for a partner in a duly proven stable relationship, even if not registered.

Permanent residence

After five years of legal, continuous residence in Spain, EU citizens and their family members can obtain a permanent residence certificate or card (article 10 of Royal Decree 240/2007).

If your family member is Spanish

Since May 2025, family members of Spanish citizens follow a different route: the residence permit for family members of Spanish citizens under the Immigration Regulation (Royal Decree 1155/2024). We handle that too.

FAQ

Can I work from day one?

Yes. As an EU citizen you can work as an employee or self-employed without a work permit. So can your family member with a card.

What if I am British?

Those living in Spain before 1 January 2021 are protected by the Withdrawal Agreement. Those arriving later fall under the general immigration rules for non-EU nationals.

Can I use my foreign documents as they are?

Marriage or birth certificates from outside the EU usually need an apostille or legalisation and a sworn translation. We check them before filing.

Request a quote

Tell us about your case and we will send you a quote. Phone +34 952 42 82 85 · WhatsApp +34 622 176 870 · info@asecontex.com