RESIDENCE CARD FOR FAMILY MEMBER OF EUROPEAN UNION (EU) CITIZEN
The “Residence Card for Family Member of European Union (EU) Citizen” is a document that allows the family members of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) citizens to live and work in an EU or EEA country where the EU citizen resides. These cards are issued to ensure that family members have similar rights to those of the EU citizen in terms of residence and employment.
Here is detailed information on how to apply for the Residence Card for Family Member of EU Citizen in Spain, although the procedures may vary slightly in other EU countries:
Who Are Considered Family Members of EU/EEA Citizens?
Family members who can apply for this card include spouses, registered partners, children under 21 years of age or economically dependent, and parents and grandparents who are economically dependent. In certain cases, other relatives may also be included.
Requirements to Apply for the Residence Card for Family Member of EU Citizen in Spain:
Family Relationship: You must demonstrate your family relationship with an EU/EEA citizen residing in Spain. Eligible family relationships include spouses, registered partners, children under 21 years of age or economically dependent, and parents and grandparents who are economically dependent.
Accompanied or United with the EU/EEA Citizen: You must be accompanied or united with the EU/EEA citizen living in Spain. This means you must live in the same EU/EEA country where the EU citizen resides.
Compliance with Health and Social Security Requirements: You may need to demonstrate that you have health insurance and sufficient financial means to avoid becoming a burden on Spain’s social assistance system. Health insurance can be obtained through private insurance or Social Security if you are entitled to it.
Step-by-Step Application Process:
Initial Registration as a Resident:
Before applying for the Residence Card for Family Member of EU Citizen, you must register as a resident in the country. This is usually done at the Foreigners’ Office or the local police station. You will need to present your passport or identity document, proof of family relationship, and proof of address in Spain.
Please note that this information is based on current regulations and policies and may change over time. It is always a good idea to check with a trusted source for the most up-to-date information before initiating the application process.
Application for the Residence Card:
Once you have obtained the Certificate of Resident Registration, you can proceed to apply for the Residence Card for Family Member of the EU Citizen.
Required Documentation:
The necessary documents may vary depending on your situation and local regulations, but generally include:
Valid passport or identity document.
Certificate of Resident Registration (the document that certifies your residence in Spain).
Marriage certificate or birth certificate to demonstrate the family relationship.
Proof of financial dependence if applicable.
Proof of health insurance or health coverage.
Proof of sufficient financial means, such as an employment contract, bank account, or a sworn statement of financial resources.
Processing and Resolution:
Once you have submitted the application and provided all the necessary documents, the immigration authorities will process your application. The processing time may vary, but a decision is typically issued within three months from the date of application.
Card Collection:
If your application is approved, you will receive a Residence Card for Family Member of the EU Citizen. This card is usually valid for a specified period of time (generally several years) and allows you to live and work legally in Spain.
It is important to remember that regulations and procedures can change over time and may vary by autonomous community in Spain. Therefore, it is always advisable to check the specific requirements and procedures on the website of the Spanish immigration authorities or seek legal advice if necessary. Additionally, it is essential to submit a complete and accurate application to avoid processing delays.
The duration of the Residence Card for Family Member of the European Union Citizen in Spain may vary depending on several factors, including your individual situation and the regulations in effect at the time of application. In general, the card is usually valid for several years, but here are some general guidelines:
Relationship with the EU/EEA Citizen: The duration of the card may depend on your relationship with the EU/EEA citizen in question. For example, if you are a spouse or registered partner, you may be granted a card with a longer validity compared to other family members, such as dependent children.
Personal Circumstances: In addition to the family relationship, authorities may also consider your personal circumstances, such as your employment, financial, and health situation, when determining the card’s duration.
Local Regulations: Regulations can vary among different autonomous communities in Spain, and some regions may have slightly different policies regarding the duration of the card.
Changes in Situation: If your situation changes during the validity period of your card (for example, if your relationship with the EU/EEA citizen changes or if you no longer meet the health and social security requirements), you may need to update or renew your card before its expiration date.
In general, residence cards for family members of EU/EEA citizens are usually valid for a period of between 5 and 10 years, depending on individual circumstances and local regulations. However, it is important to check the specific regulations at the time of your application and consult with the immigration authorities or immigration police to obtain accurate information about the duration of the card in your particular case.