Spain residence for spouses of Spanish citizens: live and work in Spain together.
If you're a U.S. citizen married to a Spanish citizen, you can apply for family residence at your Spanish consulate before you move, or in Spain once you've both arrived. Once approved, you can work in Spain without a separate permit. Start with the checklist.
- Apply from the U.S. or in Spain
- Right to work, no separate permit
- Generally granted for 5 years
Free PDF: Spanish Spouse Residence Document Checklist
- Form EX-24 and consulate filing
- Marriage and background documents
- Arrival, TIE card and work rights
PDF · No email required
*Related consular or service charges may still apply. This route is only for spouses of Spanish citizens. Spouses of other EU citizens follow a different procedure.
Who the Spanish spouse route is for
This route has its own rules, separate from the EU spouse route. Proof of income and private health insurance aren't standard requirements.
A good fit if you…
- Are a U.S. citizen married to a Spanish citizen
- Are relocating to Spain together to set up your home
- Can document your marriage, and any previous marriages
- Have a clean criminal record for the last 5 years
- Want to work in Spain once you arrive
Consider another route if you…
- Are married to a citizen of another EU country EU Spouse Residence
- Are retiring or living off savings, without a Spanish spouse Non-Lucrative Visa
- Work remotely for a U.S. employer or clients Digital Nomad Visa
- Are coming to study for more than 90 days Student Visa
Two ways to apply
Both use Form EX-24. The difference is whether you file before you move or after you've both arrived in Spain.
What you'll need for your Spanish spouse residence application
Tick items off as you go. The full PDF explains what each document needs to show and how your consulate or local office handles it.
Application, forms & identity
Marriage & background
Arrival & your residence card
Timing matters. FBI records, apostilles, civil-status records and translations can take weeks. Confirm validity periods before ordering, and never detach an apostille from its document. Need documents translated? See our official sworn translation services.
Not standard requirements for this route
Unlike the Non-Lucrative Visa, the spouse of a Spanish citizen doesn't normally need to show private health insurance or proof of income to get residence.
- No private health insurance required as standard
- No minimum income required as standard
- If the authority asks for either in writing, follow that request
Once you're working in Spain and paying into Social Security, you'll generally be covered by the public system. If you'd like cover for the time before that, GuiriGuru can help you compare private policies.
Good to know
- NIE, residence and TIE aren't the sameThe NIE is an ID number. Residence is your legal right to live and work in Spain. The TIE is the physical card that proves residency.
- Visa-free entry isn't residenceYou can enter Spain visa-free for a short stay, but you still need the residence authorization to live there.
- Leaving before the consulate decides?Get professional advice on whether to continue the consular filing or apply in Spain instead.
- Married to another EU citizen?Different rules apply. See the EU spouse route.
Get the complete Spanish Spouse Residence checklist
The free 3-page PDF covers the application route and forms, marriage and background documents, and arriving in Spain through to your TIE card and work rights. Keep it on your phone while you gather your paperwork.
Not the right fit? Explore the other visa routes
Important: This page and checklist are for general information only and are not legal advice. Requirements change and can differ by consular district and personal circumstances. Always confirm the current list with your assigned Spanish consulate, or book a consultation with a licensed Spanish immigration lawyer through GuiriGuru.