What Is the Spouse Visa for Spain?
If you are married to a Spanish citizen or an EU citizen legally residing in Spain, you may be eligible to apply for a spouse visa—formally known as the Residence Card for Family Members of EU Citizens (Tarjeta de Residencia de Familiar de Ciudadano de la Unión).
This visa allows you to:
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🏠 Reside legally in Spain
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💼 Work without restrictions
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📚 Study and access public services
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🚆 Travel freely within the Schengen Area
👩❤️👨 Who Can Apply?
You may apply for this visa if you are:
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Married to:
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A Spanish citizen
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A citizen of another EU/EEA/Swiss country who resides in Spain
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Currently not an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen yourself
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Living with your spouse in Spain or planning to join them
✅ Civil partnerships or long-term unmarried partners may also qualify under special conditions.
📄 Required Documents
Here are the essential documents you’ll need to apply:
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| 🛂 Passport | Valid for at least 6 months |
| 💍 Marriage Certificate | Apostilled/legalized and translated into Spanish |
| 🧾 Spouse’s ID | Spanish DNI or EU passport and residence certificate |
| 🏠 Proof of Residence | Empadronamiento (local registration) |
| 💶 Financial Means | Proof of income, work contract, or bank funds |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | If not employed or self-employed |
| 📑 EX-19 Form | Official application form |
| 📸 Passport Photos | White background, recent format |
🗂️ Application Process
Here’s how to apply for a Spanish spouse visa:
✅ Step 1: Enter Spain Legally
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Arrive on a valid visa (if needed for your nationality)
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You cannot apply from outside Spain if your spouse is an EU citizen
🏛️ Step 2: Submit Your Application
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File your documents at the Immigration Office (Oficina de Extranjería)
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Get your resolución (approval) within 1–3 months
✋ Step 3: Fingerprinting & TIE Card
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Book an appointment for huellas
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Pick up your Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) in 3–6 weeks
⏱️ Processing Time
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📆 Residence application approval: 30 to 90 days
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📇 TIE card issuance: 3–6 weeks after fingerprinting
🛑 Common Reasons for Rejection
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❌ Missing or incorrect translations
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❌ Unrecognized foreign marriage documents
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❌ Lack of proof of genuine relationship
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❌ Spouse not legally residing in Spain
A rejected application can delay reunification and require an appeal or court action.
👩⚖️ Why Choose Borderless Lawyers?
At Borderless Lawyers, we simplify the process by:
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📑 Preparing and checking your full application
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🧑⚖️ Representing you at the immigration office
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🔁 Handling appeals or reapplications
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🌍 Providing services in English, Spanish, and more
We help you avoid mistakes and ensure you’re reunited with your partner as quickly and stress-free as possible.
💬 Real Client Example
“Thanks to Borderless Lawyers, I received my spouse residence card in under two months. Everything was smooth, and they kept us informed throughout the process.”
— Marcela R., Argentina
💌 Ready to Start Your Life Together in Spain?
We make the immigration process simple, fast, and fully compliant.