Residence card for marriage in Spain

Marriage to a Spanish or European Union citizen opens up the possibility of obtaining an EU family member residence card. This document allows the foreign spouse to reside and work in Spain legally, granting them rights similar to those of any other resident in the country.

However, this process is not automatic. To ensure that the union is genuine and not a marriage of convenience, the Spanish authorities have established a series of eligibility requirements and mandatory documentation that must be met. The application is submitted to the Foreigners Office, and in some cases, the authorities may request interviews to verify the authenticity of the relationship.

Below, we explain in detail the necessary requirements and the step-by-step procedure for obtaining a residence card through marriage in Spain.

Requirements and eligibility for the residence card through marriage

To apply for a residence card as a family member of an EU citizen, the applicant must meet a series of conditions established by Spanish immigration law. These requirements are designed to ensure that the marriage is legitimate and that the foreign spouse has sufficient means to reside in Spain without becoming a burden on the state.

The main eligibility requirements include:

• Proving the marital link: A marriage certificate issued by the relevant authorities must be presented. If the marriage took place outside of Spain, it must be legalized and registered in the Spanish Civil Registry before the residence application can be initiated.
  
  

• Proof of cohabitation: It must be demonstrated that the couple lives at the same address in Spain. This is accredited by means of a joint census registration certificate, which is requested from the town hall of the city where the couple resides. Other documents may also be presented, such as rental contracts, utility bills in both names or shared bank accounts.
  
  

• Financial sufficiency: Spanish or European citizens must prove that they have sufficient income to support their foreign spouse. This can be through an employment contract, an economic activity as a self-employed person or entrepreneur, or by presenting sufficient savings in a bank account.
  
  

• Health insurance: If the Spanish or EU citizen is not working or contributing to the Social Security system, they must take out private health insurance to cover the foreign spouse. This is a fundamental requirement to prevent the applicant from becoming a burden on the public health system.
  
  

Compliance with these requirements is essential for the residence application to be approved. If any of them are not met, the authorities can reject the application or request additional documentation before making a decision.

Necessary documentation and application process

To apply for the residence card for family members of EU citizens, the foreign spouse must present a series of documents to the Foreigners Office. It is essential that the documentation is complete and correctly presented to avoid delays or possible rejections.

Required documents:

• Valid passport of the foreign spouse: It must be valid and contain all the pages necessary for identity verification.
  
  

• Legalized marriage certificate: If the marriage took place outside of Spain, it must be legalized or apostilled and registered in the Spanish Civil Registry.
  
  

• Certificate of joint registration: This document proves that the couple resides at the same address and must be requested from the town hall.
  
  

• DNI or EU Citizen Registration Certificate of the Spanish spouse: This document accredits the nationality and right of residence of the EU citizen.
  
  
• Proof of sufficient funds: Depending on the case, this may include a work contract and recent payslips, a declaration of income as a self-employed person or businessman or bank statements showing a sufficient balance.
  
  

• Private medical insurance: Only necessary in cases where the Spanish or EU citizen is not working or contributing to the Social Security system.
  
  

Application process

The steps to follow for the residence card application process are as follows. Bear in mind that the process can take between one and three months, depending on the province and the workload of the Foreigners Office.

• Submission of the application to the Foreigners’ Office: The foreign spouse must make an appointment at the Foreigners’ Office in the province where they reside and present all the aforementioned documentation.
  
  

• Fingerprinting and payment of fees: Once the application has been submitted, the applicant must pay the corresponding administrative fee and go for fingerprinting for the issuance of the residence card.
  
  

• Evaluation and resolution: The Foreigners Office will evaluate the application and may request additional documentation or interviews to verify the authenticity of the marriage.
  
  

• Receipt of the residence card: If the application is approved, the foreign spouse will receive the residence card with an initial validity of five years.
  
  

Obtain residency in Spain through marriage

Obtaining residence in Spain through marriage is a structured and accessible process for those who meet the established requirements. However, it is essential to understand that the Spanish authorities carefully verify each application to avoid fraud or marriages of convenience.

Although the process may seem complex, with proper planning and compliance with each step, the path to residence in Spain through marriage can be easier than it seems.

Ready to take the plunge? Spain is waiting for you to start a new life with your partner, with stability and opportunities. Make this process the first step towards your future in the country!