Is a work contract required for this authorization?

No. The authorization is based on the family relationship with the Spanish national. In addition, the official sheet states that if the applicant is of working age, the permit allows both employed and self-employed work during its validity.

Is a marriage celebrated in Morocco or another country still valid?

Yes, provided the relationship can be proven with valid documents, legalized or apostilled where required and translated by a sworn translator if the Administration demands it.

How long does the authorization last in 2026?

As a rule the authorization is granted for five years, or for the expected residence period of the Spanish citizen if that is shorter.

Is this always the correct route when the applicant is a relative of a Spaniard?

Not always. The official sheet itself notes that if the Spanish national exercised free movement in another Member State and then returns to Spain, the family-member-of-an-EU-citizen regime may be available. It must be checked case by case.

Residence for family members of Spanish citizens

Since the new Immigration Regulation entered into force, the official route is the temporary residence authorization for family members of Spanish nationals, generally valid for five years and including work rights when the minimum working age is met.

Overview

In 2026 this is no longer handled as a simple adaptation of the EU family regime. The current official information sheet regulates a specific authorization for family members of Spanish nationals, in force since May 20, 2025.

The family categories are now more precisely defined as well: adult spouse who is not separated, registered partner, duly proven stable partner, children or stepchildren under 26 or dependent, certain ascendants and other specific cases set by law. This is where applications usually fail if the legal fit is not reviewed from the start.

Requirements

Non-EU foreign national who is a family member of a Spanish national under one of the categories admitted by law.
Proven qualifying family link: spouse, registered partner, stable partner, children or stepchildren under 26 or dependent, certain ascendants or other officially recognized cases.
No entry ban in force and no threat to public order, security or public health.
Financial dependency, cohabitation, civil-status evidence or effective care where the specific family category requires it.

Common documents

EX-24 form in duplicate, signed by the foreign family member of the Spanish citizen.
Full valid passport of the family member and a copy of the Spanish citizen's DNI.
Marriage certificate, partnership registration, proof of a stable partnership, birth certificate or other relationship documents, with legalization or sworn translation where necessary.
Additional documents depending on the case: proof of dependency, cohabitation, civil status, effective care or criminal-record certificates where required.

Process

Assessment

We determine whether the case fits the current authorization for family members of Spaniards or whether, because of prior free movement by the Spanish citizen in another Member State, another route should be considered.

Preparation

We review the family link, prepare the EX-24 and make sure all foreign documents are properly legalized and translated.

Submission

We file the application in Spain or prepare the consular phase if the family member is abroad. The official decision period is two months from registration with the competent authority.

TIE stage

If the authorization is granted for more than six months, we guide the fingerprinting appointment and the TIE within the month following notification or entry into Spain, depending on the case.

FAQ

Hispamar

Let's review your family-based file under the 2026 rules

We verify that your relationship fits the new authorization, prepare the EX-24 and organize all documents before filing.

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