Discover the complete and updated 2025 guide on the Spanish family member residence permit. Latest updates, requirements, documents, and expert advice from Visal Immigration Lawyers.

In September 2025, a new criterion has been published that directly affects one of the most requested residence permits in Spain: the residence permit as a family member of a Spanish citizen. This permit is essential for those who want to live legally in Spain based on their relationship with a Spanish national, whether as a spouse, registered partner, child, parent, or even extended family member.

The most important update is that it is no longer necessary to provide a medical certificate when the application is submitted in Spain. In addition, Immigration Offices are now including in their admission resolutions that, from the moment the application is accepted, the foreign family member can legally work. This is a major practical improvement for thousands of applicants.

In this complete guide prepared by Visal Immigration Lawyers, a Barcelona-based law firm specialized in immigration, we explain everything you need to know about this residence permit in 2025: who can apply, which documents are required, what “being financially dependent” really means, how to file the application, and which mistakes you must avoid. We also share practical tips to increase your chances of success and explain how our lawyers can help you through the process.

If you would like to solve your specific doubts with one of our attorneys, you can contact us directly via WhatsApp at 618 702 253 or book your online consultation here: 

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The residence permit as a family member of a Spanish citizen is one of the most complete authorizations in the Spanish immigration system. It allows you to live, work, and study in Spain while benefiting from certain social advantages. Unlike other residence permits, in many cases it does not require proof of a job contract or high economic means. What really matters is the family relationship with the Spanish citizen and, in specific cases, proof of dependency.

As you will see throughout this article, the regulation is broad and covers many situations: from marriage to registered partnerships, from children under 26 to parents over 80, and even members of the extended family. Each case has its own requirements and documentation, and here we explain them in detail.

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Eligible family members

Spanish law recognizes a wide list of relatives who can benefit from this permit. Among them are the spouse of the Spanish citizen, a registered partner in a public registry, an unmarried but stable partner, children under 26 years old, children over 26 if they are financially dependent, direct ascendants, and in certain cases extended family members if dependency is demonstrated.

A very common case is unmarried partners with children in common. Here, the stable relationship is proven through the children’s birth certificates, which allows the foreign partner to obtain the residence permit.

For parents, there is a key distinction: if the parent of the Spanish citizen (or of their spouse/partner) is 80 years or older, they can directly access the permit without proving dependency. If they are under 80, then it is necessary to prove that they are financially dependent, which requires documented money transfers or evidence of economic support over at least one year.

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What “being financially dependent” means

The concept of “being dependent” has always raised doubts, but the new Immigration Regulation clarifies it further. Being dependent means that the foreign relative relies on the Spanish citizen for economic, physical, or humanitarian reasons.

This must be demonstrated with solid evidence, especially in cases of children over 26, parents under 80, or extended family members. Economic dependency is proven through regular money transfers covering at least 51% of the per capita GDP of the family member’s country of origin. In practice, this can amount to more than €400 per month in many Latin American countries.

Moreover, these transfers must be continuous for at least 12 months. Sending money just before the application will not be enough. Immigration Offices check for continuity and real necessity.

If you are unsure how to prove this situation, our team at Visal Immigration Lawyers can guide you and help you prepare the strongest documentation for your case. Book your consultation here: 

 

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Required documents in 2025

The foundation of every application is the documentation that proves the family relationship and, when applicable, the dependency. The most common documents include:

• Official application form (EX–24).

• Complete passport of the foreign applicant.

• Identity document of the Spanish citizen.

• Certificate of cohabitation or joint registration.

• Criminal record certificate of the applicant (if over 18).

• Marriage certificate, birth certificate, or documentation proving family relationship.

• In cases of dependency: proof of money transfers, receipts, maintenance contracts, etc.

And here is one of the most relevant updates of September 2025: when the application is filed in Spain, the medical certificate is no longer required. This simplifies the process significantly and avoids delays caused by legalization or translation of this document.

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Permission to work from the very first day

Another positive change is that Immigration Offices are now expressly stating in their admission resolutions that the family member can work from the moment the application is accepted.

This means that the applicant does not need to wait for the final resolution to start working legally in Spain. For employers and companies, this provides certainty and eliminates previous doubts about whether hiring was possible during the process.

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How and where to apply

The residence permit as a family member of a Spanish citizen can be requested either from Spain or abroad.

• If applying from Spain: both the Spanish citizen and the family member must be physically present in Spain. In this scenario, the medical certificate is not required.

• If applying from abroad: the process begins at the Spanish consulate in the applicant’s country of origin. In these cases, the medical certificate is still required and processing times are often longer.

Most applications can now be submitted online through a lawyer, which speeds up the process and allows for closer monitoring of the file. At Visal Immigration Lawyers we always submit applications electronically to ensure better control and faster communication with Immigration Offices.

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Practical advice from immigration experts

Based on years of experience handling these cases, here are some professional tips:

• Prepare your documentation in advance, especially if you need to prove dependency.

• Make sure your marriage, birth, or partnership certificates are updated.

• Always check the legalization (apostille) and sworn translations of foreign documents. Many applications are delayed because documents are not properly legalized.

• Keep copies of all documents and monitor your file closely.

• If you receive a request for additional documents, respond within the deadline and with precise evidence.

Many rejections or delays could be avoided with proper legal assistance.

If you want one of our immigration lawyers to review your case step by step, contact us by WhatsApp at 618 702 253 or schedule your consultation here: 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for the family member residence permit if I am already in Spain without legal status?
In many cases, yes. The key requirement is to prove the family relationship with a Spanish citizen. The law allows certain applications even if you entered Spain without a visa or your status expired. Always consult a lawyer to review your particular case.

Do I always need a medical certificate?
No. As of September 2025, when the application is filed in Spain the medical certificate is no longer required. It is only necessary when applying from abroad through a Spanish consulate.

Can I start working right after submitting the application?
Yes. Immigration Offices now clearly state in their admission resolutions that the applicant is authorized to work immediately after the application is admitted for processing. This is a major improvement for applicants and employers alike.

What does “being financially dependent” really mean?
It means that the foreign relative cannot sustain themselves without the support of the Spanish citizen. This is generally proven with money transfers covering at least 51% of the per capita GDP of the applicant’s country of origin, maintained continuously for at least one year.

How long does it take to get a decision?
The legal timeframe is three months, but in practice it depends on the workload of each Immigration Office. The good news is that from the admission of the application, the applicant can already work legally in Spain.

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At Visal Immigration Lawyers we have successfully handled numerous family member residence applications. We know the updated criteria, the common mistakes, and the best strategies to present your case correctly and avoid unnecessary delays.

If you need professional help, contact us today by WhatsApp at 618 702 253 or book your online consultation here: 

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Our team of immigration lawyers in Barcelona will be glad to assist you and your family in obtaining legal residence and the right to work in Spain.