The Family-Tie Residence Permit (Arraigo Familiar) is a temporary residence authorization granted under exceptional circumstances to certain foreign nationals who have a direct family relationship with a citizen of another EU Member State, the EEA or Switzerland.

 

It was established by Royal Decree 1155/2024 of 19 November 2024, which updated Spain’s Immigration Regulations to protect family unity for families that include EU citizens living in Spain.

 

🧭 1. What is this residence permit for?

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This residence permit recognizes that some families in Spain include both EU citizens and non-EU relatives.
When the family relationship is so close that separation would be unreasonable, Spanish immigration law provides this special residence authorization.

It is meant to ensure that parents or family caregivers of EU citizens can stay in Spain legally to care for or depend on their family member.

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👪 2. Who can apply?

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The permit can be granted in two very specific cases:

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A. Parents or legal guardians of an EU/EEA/Swiss minor

You may apply if:

• You live in Spain;

• The child is a citizen of another EU/EEA/Swiss country (for example, Italian, French, Portuguese, etc.);

• The child is in your care, and you either live with them or meet your parental responsibilities.

 

💡 Example:
A Bolivian mother lives in Valencia with her 7-year-old daughter, who holds Portuguese nationality.
She looks after her every day and provides financial support.
Because of this, she can apply for the Family-Tie Residence Permit to regularise her stay in Spain.

 

B. Family members supporting an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen with a disability

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You may apply if:

• You are a family member who provides daily assistance to an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen with a disability;

• That person requires help to exercise their legal capacity;

• You live with them in Spain and they depend on your support.

 

💡 Example:
A Peruvian brother lives in Madrid with his sister, a German citizen who has a recognised disability and needs help in daily life.
He takes care of her full time.
He can apply for this residence permit under the “support to a person with disability” category.

 

📝 3. Main requirements

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• 🚫 Not be citizens of the EU, EEA or Switzerland.
  → This authorization is for third-country nationals only.

• -    Be living in Spain when applying.

• 🕊️ Not have an active asylum or international protection request.

• 🧾 Have no criminal record in Spain or in any country of residence in the last five years.

• 🛑 Not represent a risk to public order, national security or public health.

• 👨‍👩‍👧 Prove the family relationship (birth, guardianship or disability certificates).

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📝 Important: All documents issued abroad must be officially translated into Spanish by a sworn translator and legalised or apostilled, unless exempt by an international treaty.

 

📆 4. Duration and rights

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Once granted, the Family-Tie Residence Permit is usually valid for one year.

 

During this period, you are entitled to:

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• Live legally in Spain.

• Work in Spain (either employed or self-employed).

• Access healthcare and social services as a legal resident.

• Later renew or modify your permit to another residence type.

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📋 5. Documents:

 

• Full copy of passport or travel document.

• Birth certificate of the EU/EEA/Swiss child, or document proving guardianship or legal support.

• Proof of cohabitation or financial support, such as empadronamiento certificate, invoices, or bank transfers.

• Criminal record certificates from Spain and your country of origin.

• Identification of the EU/EEA/Swiss citizen (passport or ID card)

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🧾 6. How the application process works with MSM Legal Consulting

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At MSM Legal Consulting, we manage the entire process for you — from assessing your eligibility to obtaining your residence card (TIE).

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Steps: 

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1. 🔍 Case evaluation – We confirm that your situation qualifies under the law.

2. 📁 Document checklist – We provide a clear list of documents you need to send.

3. 🧐 Document review – We verify translations, apostilles, and completeness.

4. 💻 Application submission – We submit your file online through the Mercurio platform or in person at the relevant Oficina de Extranjería.

5. 📬 Follow-up – We track your case with immigration authorities and manage any additional requests.

6. 🪪 TIE appointment – Once approved, we help you schedule and complete the application for your Foreigner’s Identity Card.

Our goal is to make sure every file is complete, compliant, and efficiently processed, avoiding rejections or delays.

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💡7. Example of a typical case

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A Peruvian father has a young daughter who is a French citizen. He lives with her in Barcelona and takes care of her every day.
 

He does not have legal residence, but because of his direct responsibility for his EU child, he qualifies for the Family-Tie Residence Permit.

 

Our firm reviewed his documents, translated and legalised the necessary certificates, submitted the application and obtained approval in less than three months.

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He now holds a one-year residence and work permit in Spain and is preparing for renewal.​

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⚠️8. Common mistakes & practical tips

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🚫 Submitting documents without translation or apostille.
🚫 Failing to prove that you live with or support the EU citizen.
🚫 Providing outdated criminal record certificates.

💡 Tip: Start gathering your documents early — legalization and translation can take several weeks.

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📞 9. Contact us

 

If you believe you may qualify for the Family-Tie Residence Permit, or if you need help confirming your eligibility and preparing the application, our team can guide you through every step.

 

You can contact us directly for more information or to start your application review:

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📞 Phone: +34 935 591 969
📱 WhatsApp: +34 602 821 666
📧 Email: info@msmlegalconsulting.es

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We will carefully review your documents and advise you on the best way to proceed according to your personal circumstances and the latest immigration regulations.