Key Takeaways
• Spain National (Type D) Visa allows non-EU family members to join EU/EEA/Swiss relatives for stays over 90 days.
• Applicants must prove their family relationship, financial dependency if required, and provide translated and legalized documents.
• Most applicants pay only a small service fee and gain work rights with the Spain National (Type D) Visa.
Moving to Spain 🇪🇸 as a non-EU national to join your close family member who is an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen is possible through the Spain National (Type D) Visa for family members. This visa gives non-EU nationals the right to live in Spain 🇪🇸 with their EU family members for more than 90 days. The process might seem long or tricky, but careful planning and understanding each step can make it much smoother. This in-depth guide will explain all the requirements, documents, eligibility details, fees, timing, and what to do after you arrive in Spain.
What is the Spain National (Type D) Visa for Family Members of EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens?
The Spain National (Type D) Visa is a special visa that lets non-EU nationals join their family members who are EU/EEA/Swiss citizens living in Spain 🇪🇸. It’s meant for long-term stays, meaning you can stay in Spain for more than 90 days. With this visa, you can also get work rights and enjoy many of the same benefits as European residents, including access to health and public services.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility)
To qualify for the Spain National (Type D) Visa as a family member, you must show a close family relationship with the EU/EEA/Swiss citizen living in Spain 🇪🇸. These are the allowed relationships:
- Spouse or registered partner: This means married couples or couples who have officially registered their relationship.
- Minor children: This includes children under 18, adopted children, or children who are under the legal care of the EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.
- Adult children: If the adult child depends financially on the EU/EEA/Swiss citizen (for example, because they cannot support themselves), they can also apply.
- Parents: If a parent is financially dependent on the EU/EEA/Swiss citizen living in Spain, they may qualify.
Important: If you are an adult child or a parent, you must be able to show that you rely on the EU family member for financial support. “Financial dependence” usually means you get regular money or help from the EU citizen.
What Documents Do You Need?
For the Spain National (Type D) Visa for family members, you need several types of documents. Here is a checklist you can use to get ready:
Personal Documents:
- A fully filled-out and signed Spain National (Type D) Visa application form.
- A recent passport photo in color, taken on a light background.
- Valid passport (must have at least four months of validity left and two blank pages).
- Background check or police certificate showing no criminal record from any country where you lived during the last 5 years.
- Medical certificate from the last 3 months to confirm you have no diseases that could be a public health concern.
Proof of Your Relationship:
Depending on your link to the EU/EEA/Swiss citizen:
– Spouse: Marriage certificate.
– Registered partner: Certificate of registered partnership or proof that the relationship existed before your EU family member moved to Spain 🇪🇸.
– Children: Birth certificate from an official civil registry showing the child–parent link.
– Adult children: Official documents showing you depend on your EU family member and proof of your civil status.
– Parents: Birth certificate of your EU family member and paperwork proving financial support (such as bank transfers that total at least 51% of the per-person income average (GDP) in your country).
Documents from the EU Citizen in Spain:
- Copy of your EU/EEA/Swiss family member’s passport or, if they are Spanish, their national ID card (DNI).
- A letter from your family member explaining that you’ll live with them in Spain and listing their address.
Additional Supporting Documents:
- Proof that you have enough money to support yourself (for example, bank statements or letters showing regular financial help from your family member).
- Valid health insurance that covers you in Spain 🇪🇸 for at least one year.
- Evidence of a place to stay in Spain, like a rental contract or invitation letter showing you’ll live with your family member.
Note: If your documents are not in Spanish, you must provide certified translations and get foreign documents legalized or “apostilled” as required.
Step-by-Step Application Process
To help you feel confident, here’s a breakdown of the full process:
1. Gather and Prepare All Documents
Begin by collecting all required documents from the list above. Make sure every document is up-to-date, translated, and, if needed, properly legalized or apostilled. Double-check that information matches across all paperwork.
Tip: Make copies of every document. Bring both originals and copies to your appointment.
2. Book an Appointment at the Spanish Embassy or Consulate
Contact the Spanish embassy or consulate closest to your home. Ask for an appointment to apply for the Spain National (Type D) Visa for family members.
Timing: You can apply no earlier than 180 days and no later than 15 working days before your planned date of travel to Spain 🇪🇸. Do not wait until the last minute.
3. Attend Your Appointment and Submit Your Application
Go to your appointment in person with all your documents. You’ll need to fill out and sign the application form if you haven’t already. Hand over every required document and answer any questions clearly.
Important: The embassy or consulate may ask for more documents, so be prepared to respond quickly if they do.
4. Wait for Your Application to Be Processed
Once your application is accepted, the usual processing time is about one month. However, depending on how busy the consulate is, it may take a bit longer. You can check the status of your application by contacting the embassy or consulate where you applied.
Note: If extra documents are requested, getting them in quickly will help avoid delays.
5. Collect Your Visa
If your visa is approved, the embassy or consulate will tell you when to pick it up. You must collect your new Spain National (Type D) Visa in person.
If You Are Denied: Ask for a written explanation. You can appeal the decision if you believe it was unfair. The process for appeals will be explained by the embassy or consulate.
Fees and Validity
Application Fees
- Most family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens do not have to pay a regular visa fee if they meet all the requirements and are joining or traveling with their EU family member.
- You will need to pay a small service fee at the application center (about $18 USD). This fee may change depending on the location.
Validity
- The first residence authorization is usually valid for five years.
- If you are an unregistered partner, you get a two-year authorization.
This means you can live and work in Spain legally for a long time before you need to renew your status.
What Happens After You Arrive in Spain?
When you get to Spain 🇪🇸 with your newly stamped visa, your journey isn’t quite done yet. There are important steps you must take:
1. Apply for the Spanish Residence Card (TIE)
Within 30 days after arriving in Spain, go to a local immigration office or police station to apply for your Residence Card for Foreigners (called the TIE). This step is not optional.
The TIE is a plastic card that proves you are allowed to live (and work, if applicable) in Spain. When you apply, you’ll also receive your NIE (Foreigner’s Identity Number).
Tip: Ask your family member or a friend to help you with this step if you are unsure.
2. Register With Your Local Town Hall
Some towns require you to go to the local government office to register your new address (this is called the “empadronamiento”). Registration allows you to access local public services.
Work Rights in Spain
One of the best things about the Spain National (Type D) Visa for family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens is that you do not need a separate work permit. You can start working once you have your residence card. This rule applies to both employed and self-employed work.
Tips and Best Practices
- Apply Early: Do not leave paperwork or appointments to the last minute. Start as soon as possible—steps like getting documents translated and legalized may take time.
- Document Consistency: Information in your paperwork must match—any differences (misspelled names, wrong dates) can slow down your application.
- Translations: Every document not in Spanish must be professionally translated and certified.
- Backup Documents: Always keep copies of everything you hand over.
Possible Problems and How to Avoid Them
- Incomplete applications: Missing documents are the number one reason for delays. Use the checklist and double-check before your appointment.
- Expired documents: Make sure all papers are up-to-date, especially your passport, which must be valid for at least four months from the date you plan to travel.
- Incorrect translations: Only use official, certified translators for required documents—not a computer or friend.
- Waiting too long to apply: Embassies and consulates get busy. Appointment slots can fill up months ahead, especially before holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is not mandatory for this visa, but having it is a good idea in case you need medical care during your trip.
Is the process different for registered partners?
Partners must show registration or proof of relationship before the EU family member moved to Spain. If your partnership is not registered, your stay authorization will be shorter (two years).
Can I bring more than one family member?
Each person must have their own application, even for children.
Where can I get official information?
For more official information, visit the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa page.
Document Checklist (For Easy Reference)
- Completed Spain National (Type D) Visa application form
- Valid passport (minimum 4 months validity)
- Passport-size photo
- Police clearance (criminal record check)
- Medical certificate (recent)
- Proof of relationship (marriage, partnership, or birth certificate)
- Proof of financial dependency (if applicable)
- Proof of EU/EEA/Swiss family member’s identity and legal residence in Spain
- Cover letter from the EU/EEA/Swiss citizen
- Proof of accommodation in Spain
- Health insurance
- Proof of financial means
- Certified translations for all documents not in Spanish
What’s Next After Getting Your Residence Card?
After you complete all the steps and get your residence card, you’re allowed to settle in Spain 🇪🇸. You can:
- Work and earn money
- Travel inside the Schengen Area (most of Europe)
- Use public health and social services like Spanish citizens
- Study or register children at school
Before the validity period of your first card ends (two or five years), you must renew it to stay longer.
Help and More Resources
If you need extra help, you can ask questions at your local Spanish embassy or consulate or see resources like the official Spanish government visa information. For more practical advice and recent updates, VisaVerge.com regularly reports on changes in Spanish visa rules for family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens.
Summary: The Spain National (Type D) Visa for family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens is your path to joining your loved ones in Spain 🇪🇸 for long stays. The process means collecting several documents, going to the Spanish embassy or consulate for an appointment, and applying for your residence card after arrival in Spain. Most family members pay only a small service fee, and you gain work rights and a path to long-term residency. Stay organized, allow enough time for document gathering, and follow each step carefully. If you have more questions or special circumstances, always check with official authorities.
Learn Today
Spain National (Type D) Visa → A long-term visa for non-EU family members to legally reside with EU/EEA/Swiss relatives in Spain.
Financial dependence → Situation where family members rely on the EU/EEA/Swiss citizen for regular financial support to qualify for the visa.
Apostille → A legal certification making a foreign public document valid for use in Spain under international agreements.
TIE (Residence Card) → Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero; Spain’s residence card that proves legal residency and allows working.
Empadronamiento → Spanish address registration process required for accessing public services and confirming residence locally.
This Article in a Nutshell
Moving to Spain as a non-EU family member of an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen is achievable with the National (Type D) Visa. This visa grants residence and work rights, provided all documents—including translations and legalizations—are fulfilled. Organization and early preparation significantly increase the likelihood of a smooth approval process.
— By VisaVerge.com
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