In short: family of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens fall under the EU regime (RD 240/2007) and get the EU family member residence card, on more favourable terms than the general regime; it is issued within 3 months.
In person or by representative? The first card is requested within 3 months of entering Spain, at the Oficina de Extranjeros of your province or, failing that, the Comisaría de Policía (RD 240/2007, art. 8.2). When you file, you get a receipt (resguardo) on the spot that proves your legal stay until you receive the card. The official information sheet (Hoja 62) says the application is filed by the family member personally, in person. Form EX-19 has a section for a representative and Hoja 60 allows representation in these applications, but the two sheets do not match: if you want to send someone, confirm it with your office first. Your fingerprints are taken for the card, which requires appearing in person at least once (Regulation (EU) 2025/1208, art. 10.1). Whether you need a prior appointment, confirm at your office.
Family members included:
- Spouse (as long as there is no annulment or divorce).
- Registered partner in an EU/EEA public registry (incompatible with marriage).
- Descendants under 21 or dependent.
- Dependent ascendants.
The EU citizen's condition: must have the right to reside for more than three months (be an employed or self-employed worker; or have sufficient means and health insurance; or be a student with resources and insurance).
Documents (art. 8.3): the official form (EX-19); a valid passport (if expired, a copy plus the renewal application); proof of the family relationship (translated and apostilled or legalised, where applicable); the EU citizen's registration certificate (certificado de registro); proof that you are dependent on them, where required; and recent colour photos, white background, ID size (RD 240/2007 asks for three; Hoja 62, for one). Fee: form 790 code 052, section 5, paid before the card is issued; the amount equals the Spanish ID card (DNI) fee (Hoja 62). The card is issued within 3 months of the application and is valid for 5 years, or less if the EU citizen's planned residence is shorter (arts. 8.4 and 8.5).
Family of Spanish nationals: have their own route (residence of relatives of Spanish nationals, Instruction SEM 2/2025, form EX-24), distinct from general-regime reunification. Exception: if the Spanish national has exercised the right to free movement (for example, lived in another EU country), Hoja 62 allows applying for this card with form EX-19.
Official source: RD 240/2007 (entry, movement and residence of EU citizens).
Informational only; exact requirements and documents vary — check the official source and a professional for your case.
