Residence for family members of Spanish citizens

What is the new temporary residence for Spanish family members?

The temporary residence for family members of spanish citizens is a new authorization that allows certain foreigners to live legally in Spain due to their family relationship with a Spanish national.
This new regime, regulated by the Royal Decree 1155/2024came into effect on May 20, 2025 and represents an important step forward in terms of family reunification y regularization of extended family ties.

This regime is not part of the community regimeThe EU Family Card, like the EU Citizen's Family Card, but is a procedure that is not a specific for family members of Spaniardswith its own requirements, advantages and limitations.

Who can apply for this residency?

One of the most important new features of these regulations is the extension of the types of family members who are eligible for this permit. Let's see, point by point, who they are:

👩‍❤️‍👨 Spouses and partners

• We can apply for this residency if we are spouses of a Spanish citizen.
• Also if we are your domestic partner, registered or not registeredprovided that we can demonstrate a stable relationshipsuch as a coexistence of at least one year or have children in common.

➡️ It is no longer necessary to be registered in an official registry of couples. Cohabitation is recognized as a valid bond.

👧 Sons and daughters of the Spanish citizen.

• The following are eligible to apply for this residency children under 26 years of age of the Spanish citizen or his or her partner.
• Also the children over 26 years of ageif we can prove that are in chargefor economic or health reasons.
• Children of Spaniards of origin, without age limit,

➡️ This change considerably extends the possibility of regrouping with respect to what existed before (up to 21 years of age).

👵 Parents and parents-in-law of Spanish citizen.

• The following are allowed to apply for this residency ascendants (parents or in-laws), if they are in charge and have no other family support in their home country.
• In general, it will be understood that they are in charge if they are are over 80 years oldThe following will also be considered cohabitation or effective dependence.

➡️ DGM Instruction 2/2025 has clarified that not only economic dependence is required, but also emotional, health or care dependence.

👨‍🍼 Parents or guardians of Spanish minors

• If we are parents or guardians of a minor with Spanish nationalityWe can also apply for this residency, even if we are in an irregular situation.

➡️ This route is especially useful for those who have had children in Spain and have not yet been able to regularize their situation.

👨‍👩‍👧 Other extended family members

• This regime also includes other family members (brothers, uncles, aunts, nephews, etc.) who are in charge of the Spanish citizen, for economic or health reasons.

➡️ This is one of the most significant advances: the reality of extended families that were previously completely left out is recognized.

👵 Caregivers

• It is possible to apply for this residency if we take care of a Spanish person with a disability. recognized degree of dependence and with whom we maintain a stable coexistence.

➡️ This figure is especially useful in cases of elderly or disabled people who depend on a close caregiver.

Where and how do I apply?

We can process this residency in two ways:

🏛️ From Spain:

If the family member is already here, we submit the application at the Immigration Office corresponding to your place of residence. Even if you do not have prior authorization or visa, you can access this procedure.

🌍 From abroad:

If the family member is outside Spain, the application must be submitted at the Spanish Consulate corresponding to your address.

➡️ In both cases, it is important to prepare the file well and provide clear evidence of the relationship and, if applicable, of cohabitation or dependency.

Is it possible to work with this residence?

Yes. One of the most notable new features is that the following family members will be able to to work legally from the moment they submit the application, without waiting for it to be resolved:

• Spouses.
• Stable couples (registered or not).
• Children included in the procedure.

👉 This right does not apply automatically to ascendants, caregivers or other extended family members.

Conclusion

The new temporary residence for family members of spanish citizens represents real progress in the area of foreigners.
It offers us a legal, flexible and more humane way to regularize our loved ones, recognizing real ties that until now had no legal standing.

As we always say, each case is differentFor this reason, it is essential to prepare the file carefully, with professional advice if possible.

📩 Do you have questions about your situation or that of a family member? Write to us. We will be happy to help you assess your case and accompany you through the process.