Where clients get caught out
Filing the old EU card form, or following outdated guides, leads to inadmission or refusal and months lost. The authorities also watch for marriages of convenience.
What changed on 20 May 2025
Until May 2025, the foreign spouse of a Spaniard applied for the same card as the spouse of any other EU citizen. The new Immigration Regulation created a specific residence authorisation for family members of Spanish citizens, with its own requirements and procedure. See our service for family of Spanish citizens and what changed in 2025.
Requirements for the spouse
The spouse must be over 18, the marriage must be valid and registered (a marriage abroad must be recorded in the Spanish Civil Registry), the couple must live together, and there must be no legal separation. The Spaniard declares that they do not live with another spouse or partner.
Where to apply: Spain or the consulate
If both spouses are in Spain, the application is filed with the immigration office of the province, in Mallorca in Palma, even if the foreign spouse is in an irregular situation; once the application is admitted, they may provisionally live and work. If the spouse is abroad, they apply for a visa at the Spanish consulate.
Validity, changes and breakdown
The authorisation lasts five years and allows work in any sector. A divorce must be reported, and residence can be kept in certain cases; see divorce and residence.
The path to nationality
A spouse who has lived legally in Spain for one year while married and living with the Spaniard can apply for Spanish nationality by residence.
Castell.law is the English and German-speaking practice of Castell Abogados, a law firm in Palma de Mallorca. This page is general information, not advice on a specific case: laws and procedures change, so check your situation with us before acting.
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Tell us about your matter or send us the documents you have. A lawyer will explain the risks, the options and the cost before you commit to anything.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for residence if I married a Spaniard while in Spain irregularly?
Yes. The application can be filed in Spain, and once admitted you may provisionally live and work.
Do I still apply for the EU family card?
No. Since 20 May 2025, the spouses of Spaniards apply for the residence authorisation for family members of Spanish citizens.
When can I become Spanish?
After one year of legal residence in Spain while married and living together.