Registering as a Non EU Spouse in Spain

Information about how to get a residence and work visa in Spain as a non EU Spouse.

Like getting anything done in Spain, when it comes to registering as a Non EU spouse, it’s never a direct route. However, it isn’t a lost cause, as the rights of an EU citizen are extended to their family members. So even if the process can be somewhat long and frustrating at times, keep your head up and don’t lose hope.

In general, within three months of arriving in Spain, a non EU spouse must apply for an EU Family-member Residence Card (Tarjeta de Residencia de Familiar de Cuidadano de la Union). The Schengen agreement allows someone to go to Spain for 90 days within a 6 month time period. So you can stay 3 consecutive months, or go a month and a half, return to your native county and go another month and a half around the wedding (the total amount in 180 days cannot exceed 90 days). Lots of people stay in Spain illegally, however it can often be a bit of a hassle when flying in and out of the country, if you don’t have the right paperwork or if they deem you to be slightly suspicious. A bit of advice, if you get a one-way ticket, try to fly directly into Spain from the US as the UK and the Netherlands are a bit stricter about visa requirements and it is better to avoid layovers there.

So if you’re looking to obtain your EU residency, here’s are a few pointers that will help with the process.

Step 1:

1. The first thing you have to do is register your marriage with the EU country where your spouse is from. This can’t be done at an embassy it has to be sent to the actual county and it will require your spouse’s birth certificate, your birth certificate with an Apostil stamp along with copies of both your passports.
2. Next step is to register you and your spouse with City Hall. This is called Empadronamiento. Basically all you need for this is your passport or ID card as well as a bill or bank statement with your home address on it.
3. What you should then do, or even prior, as it takes a few weeks to get an appointment, is go to this web site http://www.mpr.es and make an appointment with “Servicio de Cita Previa.” Select, “Residence Permit For Relatives of EU Nationals” (tarjeta de residencia de familiar de ciudadano de la Unión) and go to the Oficina de Extranjeros located at: c/Murcia 42. The documents you should have include…and take note: ALWAYS bring at least 3 photocopies of each document you have:

• Your spouse’s NIE document
• Both Passports
• Work contract if you have one
• A completed EX16 form (download form EX 16)
• 2 copies of both you and your spouse’s passports
• The marriage certificate from your EU spouse’s country
• A copy of both of your registrations with City Hall (Empadronamientos)
• Three passport-sized photographs in color

After you’ve completed step one, you should expect a letter in the mail (can take a few months) where they’ll tell you to go to the police station (in Barcelona that’s on c/Guadalajara and c/Bosch) to complete step two.

Step 2:
For this step you’ll need:

• The letter from the Oficina de Extranjeros (the one they’ll be sending you in the mail)
• Three recent passport sized pictures
• Your registration with City Hall
• You’ll also receive a form to take to your bank where you need to transfer 10 euros to the Police

Once you’ve completed step two, you’re pretty much set and all you have to do is wait for another letter telling you that your card is ready (usually a month later). Once you receive the letter, go pick up your NIE and then as they say in Spanish… Ya Está! You’re a Spanish resident…until the next batch of paperwork!!

Last updated 15 03 2011

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