Modelos

EX-24 Form Spain: Residence for Family Members of Spanish Citizens

EX-24 is Spain’s official form for the new temporary residence authorization for qualifying non-EU family members of Spanish citizens. The permit can normally be granted for up to five years and allows the holder to live and work anywhere in Spain as an employee or self-employed person.

The dedicated EX-24 regime was introduced under Spain’s current Immigration Regulation, Royal Decree 1155/2024, and has become the main family-residence route for many foreign relatives of Spanish nationals.

A major 2026 reform also expanded the categories of relatives who can apply from inside Spain and strengthened provisional residence and work rights while qualifying in-country applications are being processed.

EX-24 can cover:

spouses;
registered partners;
proven stable unmarried partners;
children under 26;
certain children aged 26 or older who are dependent;
children requiring support because of disability;
certain dependent parents;
parents or guardians of Spanish minors;
one qualifying family caregiver up to the second degree;
children whose parent is or was Spanish by origin;
certain other dependent family members.

If you are comparing Spanish immigration forms, see our Spain Immigration Forms: EX-00 to EX-32 guide.

What Is Form EX-24?

The official procedure is:

Autorización de residencia temporal de familiares de personas con nacionalidad española

In English:

Temporary Residence Authorization for Family Members of Spanish Citizens

EX-24 is the application form used for this residence authorization.

The current framework is principally contained in Articles 93 to 99 of Spain’s Immigration Regulation.

Unlike the older system, family members of Spanish citizens now have a dedicated residence category rather than being automatically directed to the EU-family regime or arraigo familiar.

EX-24 at a Glance

Question	Answer
Form	EX-24
Main purpose	Residence for qualifying non-EU family members of Spanish citizens
Standard maximum validity	5 years
Employment permitted	Yes
Self-employment permitted	Yes
Geographic work restriction	No
Sector restriction	No
Some applications possible from Spain	Yes
Applications possible when relative is abroad	Yes
Electronic filing	Available through Mercurio where applicable
Residence application fee	Free
Official decision period	2 months
Administrative silence	Negative
TIE required after approval	Yes
Main current framework	RD 1155/2024, including 2026 amendments

Who Is EX-24 For?

EX-24 is generally intended for a foreign national who:

is not an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen;
has one of the qualifying family relationships with a Spanish citizen;
satisfies the conditions for that family category;
intends to accompany, join or reunite with the Spanish citizen in Spain.

The family relationship can generally have been created regardless of where or when it was established, provided it continues to exist and the other legal requirements are met.

This is important.

There is no general rule saying a marriage or qualifying partnership must have existed before a particular historic cutoff date.

Is EX-24 Only for Spouses?

No.

EX-24 covers a much broader group of relatives.

Spain’s current framework contains nine principal family categories.

Spouse of a Spanish Citizen

A foreign spouse aged over 18 can qualify when:

the marriage remains legally valid;
there has been no annulment or divorce ending the relationship;
the marriage is genuine;
the marriage was not entered into fraudulently to obtain immigration status.

Only one spouse can qualify under this category.

Where the Spanish citizen has been married previously, documentation concerning the dissolution of earlier marriages may be required.

In subsequent marriages, the authorities can also examine whether previous family obligations concerning matters such as:

housing;
spousal support;
dependent children;

were properly determined.

Registered Partner of a Spanish Citizen

A foreign registered partner aged over 18 can also qualify.

The partnership must be registered in an appropriate public registry established for that purpose in:

an EU Member State;
an EEA country;
Switzerland.

The registration must remain valid and must not have been created fraudulently.

Marriage, registered partnership and stable unregistered partnership are treated as separate and incompatible family categories.

Stable Unmarried Partner

Marriage or formal partnership registration is not always necessary.

A foreign national over 18 can potentially qualify as the Spanish citizen’s stable partner where the relationship is properly proven.

A stable partnership is considered sufficiently demonstrated where the couple can prove a relationship comparable to marriage involving at least:

12 continuous months of cohabitation

inside or outside Spain.

What If the Couple Has a Child Together?

The 12-month previous-cohabitation requirement is not required where the couple has common descendants, provided the relationship continues.

Applicants still need credible evidence that the relationship is genuine and continuing.

Evidence for a Stable Partnership

Useful evidence can include:

historical padrón certificates;
joint leases;
shared property;
joint bank records;
shared household bills;
insurance documentation;
official correspondence;
tax records;
birth certificates of common children;
other documents demonstrating genuine cohabitation and a continuing relationship.

A stable-partner application should be built around documented facts rather than only photographs or informal messages.

Children Under 26

One of the most important features of the current Spanish-family regime is the age threshold for children.

EX-24 can cover:

children of the Spanish citizen;
children of the Spanish citizen’s spouse;
children of the registered partner;
children of the stable partner;

when they are under 26 years old, subject to the applicable conditions.

This is broader than many older family-residence guides that still refer to an age threshold of 21.

Conditions for Children Under 26

The child must generally:

live or intend to live with the qualifying family;
not be married;
not have established their own independent family unit.

Where the child belongs to the Spanish citizen’s spouse or partner, that spouse or partner must also reside or intend to reside in Spain.

Children Aged 26 or Older

A child aged 26 or older can still potentially qualify where they:

are dependent on the Spanish citizen; or
have a disability for which they require support in exercising their legal capacity.

Dependency needs to be properly documented where it forms the basis for eligibility.

What If an Adult Child Is Married?

Where a child has married or formed their own family unit, the ordinary child category may no longer apply.

However, the family may potentially need to examine the separate category for other dependent family members where all relevant members of that family unit are genuinely dependent on the Spanish citizen.

This requires stronger evidence.

Adopted Children

Adopted children can qualify when the adoption is legally capable of producing effects in Spain.

Foreign adoption decisions may need to satisfy Spanish and international recognition rules.

The existence of a foreign adoption certificate alone should not automatically be assumed to settle every recognition issue.

Stepchildren Under 18

Special rules apply to minor children of a spouse or partner.

Where the foreign parent does not have exclusive parental authority or custody, consent from the other holder of custody rights may be required.

The consent should normally be given before:

a public authority; or
an authorized public official or notary.

An exception applies in certain situations where the child was born in Spain and has remained in Spain continuously since birth.

Parents and Other First-Degree Ascendants

A Spanish citizen can potentially sponsor their:

mother;
father;

as well as qualifying first-degree ascendants of their spouse, registered partner or stable partner.

This route is not automatic merely because the applicant is a parent.

The parent or qualifying ascendant generally needs to establish one of two grounds.

Dependent Parent Without Family Support in the Country of Origin

The applicant can qualify where they:

are genuinely dependent on the Spanish citizen or relevant family member; and
lack adequate family support in the country of origin.

Humanitarian Reasons

A qualifying first-degree ascendant can also potentially apply where relevant humanitarian circumstances exist.

The circumstances need to be documented.

What Does “Dependent” Mean?

Dependency generally means more than occasional financial help.

The authorities can examine whether the foreign relative genuinely requires material support to meet essential needs.

Evidence can include:

regular bank transfers;
money-transfer records;
income certificates;
pension documentation;
unemployment evidence;
living expenses;
housing costs;
medical circumstances;
evidence concerning family support in the country of origin.

The evidence should establish a real pattern of dependency rather than a few transfers made immediately before the immigration application.

Parent or Guardian of a Spanish Minor

EX-24 also covers a:

father;
mother;
legal guardian;

of a minor who is a Spanish citizen.

The applicant must generally:

have the Spanish minor in their care and live with them; or
be up to date with their obligations toward the child.

The parental or guardianship relationship must have been established in accordance with Spanish law.

This category is particularly important because parents of Spanish minors should no longer automatically be directed to the old concept of arraigo familiar.

EX-24 and Arraigo Familiar

The current EX-24 framework has changed the role previously played by arraigo familiar for many relatives of Spanish citizens.

A parent, spouse or other qualifying relative of a Spanish national should now normally examine EX-24 first.

Current EX-10 arraigo familiar has a different and considerably narrower legal scope.

For the exceptional-circumstances system, see our EX-10 Arraigo Spain guide.

Family Caregiver for a Dependent Spanish Citizen

A special EX-24 category exists for one family member up to the second degree who provides or will provide care to a Spanish citizen with an officially recognized degree of dependency.

The Spanish citizen must have a recognized degree of dependency under Spain’s dependency legislation.

The applicant must be the family member who performs or will perform the necessary care.

This route is not a general caregiver visa for unrelated workers.

It is specifically a family-residence category.

Which Relatives Are Within the Second Degree?

Depending on the family line, relatives up to the second degree can include relationships such as:

parents;
children;
grandparents;
grandchildren;
siblings.

The actual relationship and caregiving circumstances must be documented.

Only one qualifying family member can access this specific caregiver category for the dependent Spanish citizen.

Children Whose Parent Is or Was Spanish by Origin

EX-24 contains a particularly important category for:

sons and daughters whose father or mother is or was Spanish by origin.

This category has special treatment.

Unlike most other EX-24 family categories, the rule does not depend in the same way on accompanying, joining or reuniting with the Spanish citizen in Spain.

Applicants who have a parent who is or was Spanish by origin should therefore assess this category separately.

Other Dependent Family Members

EX-24 can also cover other relatives who are not included in the specific categories above.

To qualify, they must provide convincing evidence that they are dependent on the Spanish citizen.

These applications can require evidence concerning:

family relationship;
dependency;
cohabitation;
health circumstances;
disability;
other relevant personal circumstances.

This is a flexible category, but it is not automatic.

The applicant must prove why the specific family and dependency situation falls within the residence framework.

Can Several Family Members Apply?

Yes.

Where several relatives qualify, applications can be submitted:

at the same time;
successively.

This can be useful for families relocating to Spain in stages.

Each applicant must nevertheless satisfy the requirements of their own legal category.

General EX-24 Requirements

Although evidence varies by family category, the current framework includes several general conditions.

The foreign applicant must generally:

be a non-EU, non-EEA and non-Swiss national;
have the qualifying family relationship with the Spanish citizen;
satisfy the specific conditions of that family category;
not represent a serious threat to public order, public security or public health;
satisfy applicable criminal-record requirements;
not be prohibited from entering relevant territory;
not be within an applicable voluntary-return no-return period;
satisfy applicable health requirements.

The family relationship must continue to exist.

Is a Fixed Minimum Income Required?

EX-24 should not be confused with ordinary general family reunification.

There is no single universal formula on the standard EX-24 checklist equivalent to the ordinary general-regime family reunification income calculation.

However, dependency must be proved where the particular family category requires dependency.

For example, finances are central when applying for:

a dependent parent;
a dependent adult child;
another dependent family member.

The question in those cases is not simply whether the Spanish citizen reaches an arbitrary salary figure.

The evidence must establish the legally required dependency.

Does the Spanish Citizen Need a Job?

There is no general rule requiring every Spanish sponsor to be employed.

Eligibility is based primarily on the qualifying family relationship and the requirements of the relevant category.

Employment and financial evidence can nevertheless become important where the application depends on proving actual financial support or dependency.

Criminal Records

Criminal-record issues require careful treatment under the current regime.

Spanish authorities can obtain information from:

police;
courts;
the Central Criminal Records Register.

Foreign criminal-record documentation can also be required depending on how and where the application is made.

Where the application is submitted from outside Spain, applicants should expect to prepare criminal-record certificates covering the relevant countries of residence during the previous five years.

For applications legally submitted from within Spain, the documentation requirements differ.

Certain family categories are also subject to express criminal-record conditions under the Immigration Regulation.

A previous conviction does not necessarily produce an automatic refusal in every case; public-order decisions must comply with the applicable proportionality rules.

Medical Certificate

Where the foreign applicant applies through the route from abroad, medical documentation can form part of the applicable visa/residence requirements.

For qualifying EX-24 applications submitted while the foreign family member is already in Spain, the Ministry’s current guidance states that the applicant does not need to provide the medical certificate concerning diseases with serious public-health repercussions.

Does the Spanish Citizen Need to Sign a Declaration?

For an EX-24 application involving a spouse or partner, the Spanish citizen is generally required to provide a declaration confirming that another spouse or partner is not living with them in Spain.

This reflects the rule that competing marital or partnership relationships cannot be used simultaneously for this residence category.

Documents Commonly Required for EX-24

The exact documents depend on the family category, but a typical application can include:

completed EX-24;
Spanish citizen’s DNI or valid passport;
foreign applicant’s complete valid passport or travel document;
documents proving the family relationship;
dependency evidence where required;
stable-partnership evidence where applicable;
custody or parental-consent documentation where applicable;
caregiving and dependency recognition documents where applicable;
criminal-record documentation where required;
medical documentation where required;
responsible declaration by the Spanish spouse or partner where applicable;
translations;
apostille or legalization where required.

Do not use one generic checklist for every EX-24 case.

A spouse application and a dependent-parent application require very different evidence.

Completing Form EX-24

The current EX-24 form is divided into several sections.

Foreign Applicant Details

The first section asks for information including:

passport;
NIE if already assigned;
surnames;
first name;
sex;
date of birth;
place of birth;
country of birth;
nationality;
marital status;
parents’ names;
Spanish address;
telephone;
email.

The details should match the applicant’s identity documents.

Spanish Citizen Details

The second section contains information concerning the Spanish citizen who provides the family basis for the residence application.

This can include:

passport or DNI;
surnames;
name;
date of birth;
Spanish address;
relationship to the foreign applicant.

Check that the relationship selected corresponds with the evidence submitted.

Representative Details

EX-24 includes a section for a representative where representation is legally used.

Depending on the filing route, the Spanish citizen can also act through an authorized representative.

Notification Details

The form contains a section for official communications and notifications.

Electronic notification through DEHú can be selected where the necessary electronic identification is available.

Monitor notifications carefully.

Failure to answer an immigration requerimiento within the specified deadline can cause the application to be treated as abandoned or can lead to refusal.

Our Digital Certificate in Spain guide explains the electronic identification system used for many Spanish administrative procedures.

Which Family Category Should You Select?

EX-24 requires you to identify the actual family basis.

Do not simply choose the category that appears easiest.

The legal category determines the evidence required.

For example:

Spouse → marriage

Stable partner → durable relationship/cohabitation

Child under 26 → parent-child relationship + family conditions

Parent → dependency/lack of support or humanitarian basis

Parent of Spanish minor → parental care or compliance with obligations

Caregiver → family relationship + recognized dependency

Other relative → dependency and additional family evidence

A legally correct classification is more important than simply completing the form.

Can EX-24 Be Applied for From Outside Spain?

Yes.

There are several possible procedural situations.

Spanish Citizen in Spain, Foreign Family Member Abroad

Where:

the Spanish citizen is in Spain;
the foreign family member is in their country of origin or another country of lawful presence;
the family intends to establish genuine residence in Spain;

the Spanish citizen can apply for the residence authorization in Spain.

The Spanish citizen can act:

personally;
through an authorized representative.

The application is presented to the competent Oficina de Extranjería.

If approved, the foreign family member must then normally apply for the corresponding residence visa.

How Long Does the Foreign Family Member Have to Apply for the Visa?

Where the Spanish citizen obtained the residence authorization while the foreign relative remained abroad, the foreign family member must normally apply for the corresponding visa within:

one month from notification of the residence approval.

The visa application is made through the competent Spanish consular office.

What If Both the Spanish Citizen and Foreign Relative Are Abroad?

Where both family members are outside Spain and intend to move and establish genuine residence in Spain, the foreign family member can submit the relevant visa application through the competent Spanish consular office.

In this route, the visa application also triggers the corresponding residence-authorization procedure.

The consular office communicates with the competent Spanish immigration authority concerning the residence decision.

Can EX-24 Be Applied for From Inside Spain?

Yes, for many qualifying family categories.

This became especially important after Spain amended the Immigration Regulation in April 2026.

Where both the Spanish citizen and foreign family member are already in Spain, the following categories can currently apply from within Spain:

spouse;
registered partner;
stable unmarried partner;
qualifying children;
qualifying first-degree ascendants;
parent or guardian of a Spanish minor;
qualifying family caregiver up to the second degree;
child whose father or mother is or was Spanish by origin.

This expansion is an important 2026 change.

Which EX-24 Category Is Not Included in the General In-Spain Filing Rule?

The broad category for other dependent family members is not included in the same Article 97.1(c) in-country filing list.

Applicants relying on this category should therefore identify the correct procedural route carefully rather than assuming every EX-24 application can be started from inside Spain.

Important 2026 Change for Adult Children and Parents

The April 2026 reform specifically expanded the in-Spain procedure so that qualifying:

adult children;
first-degree ascendants;

can apply from within Spain when both the foreign family member and Spanish citizen are already in the country.

Older guides may still state that these relatives must leave Spain or apply only from abroad.

That information may now be outdated.

Provisional Residence While EX-24 Is Pending

The 2026 reform also strengthened protection for qualifying applications legally submitted from inside Spain.

Once an eligible in-Spain EX-24 application has been admitted for processing, the applicant is provisionally authorized to remain in Spain while the procedure is pending.

This provisional authorization continues until the EX-24 procedure is decided.

Can You Work While an In-Spain EX-24 Application Is Pending?

Yes, in qualifying cases.

Under the current 2026 rules, once an eligible in-country EX-24 application under the relevant Article 97 procedure is admitted for processing, an applicant who is of working age is provisionally authorized to work:

as an employee;
as self-employed;
anywhere in Spain;
in any occupation;
in any sector.

The communication confirming the start of processing should state that the applicant is provisionally authorized to work.

This is one of the most important practical changes to EX-24 in 2026.

What Happens to Provisional Work Rights After Approval?

Where the final EX-24 authorization is granted, its effects in the qualifying in-Spain procedure are retroactive to the date the application was submitted.

If the application is refused, the provisional work authorization automatically ceases.

A person working as an employee should inform their employer after notification of a refusal.

Can All EX-24 Applicants Work After Final Approval?

Yes, provided they are above the minimum legal working age.

A person granted EX-24 residence can work:

as an employee;
as self-employed;
anywhere in Spain;
in any occupation;
in any economic sector.

No additional immigration work permit is required.

Can a Dependent Relative Work After Approval?

Yes.

This is another important feature of the current regime.

A family member who originally qualified because they were financially dependent can continue holding the EX-24 authorization even if they later work in Spain during its validity.

Starting employment or self-employment does not automatically cancel the authorization merely because the original application required proof of dependency.

The person may also have the option of later obtaining independent residence where the applicable legal requirements are met.

Does Spain Check the National Employment Situation?

No.

EX-24 is not based on Spain’s national employment-situation test.

The foreign family member does not need:

an employer to sponsor the residence;
an occupation on a shortage list;
proof that a Spanish worker could not fill the job.

The work right comes from the family residence authorization.

Is EX-24 Free?

The residence-authorization procedure itself is free.

This is an important distinction.

There can still be costs connected with:

translations;
apostilles;
legalization;
certificates;
professional assistance;
consular documentation;
the later physical TIE procedure.

But there is no ordinary residence-application government fee for the EX-24 authorization itself.

Can EX-24 Be Filed Electronically?

Yes, where the procedural circumstances permit it.

EX-24 can be submitted electronically through Mercurio.

A properly authorized representative can also file electronically in qualifying cases.

Electronic submission can make it easier to:

obtain a registration receipt;
monitor the file;
answer requests for additional documentation;
keep a complete digital record.

How Long Does EX-24 Take?

The official decision period is:

two months

from the relevant filing or receipt date established by the procedure.

If the administration does not issue a decision within the statutory period, the application is generally treated as refused through:

negative administrative silence.

The actual processing time can vary depending on:

province;
document completeness;
police checks;
family evidence;
dependency evidence;
requests for additional documents.

What Happens If Documents Are Missing?

The Oficina de Extranjería can issue a requerimiento asking the applicant to correct or supplement the file.

Under the current procedure, the correction period specified by the immigration office cannot exceed 15 days.

Applicants should respond carefully and within the stated deadline.

Common problems include:

missing civil-status documents;
inadequate proof of dependency;
missing apostille;
missing sworn translation;
unclear stable-partner evidence;
custody problems;
expired passport;
inconsistencies between forms and certificates.

What Happens After EX-24 Is Approved in Spain?

If the foreign applicant is already in Spain and receives approval, they must normally request the physical:

Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero — TIE

within:

one month from notification of approval.

The TIE procedure is completed personally with the competent Policía Nacional office.

For the physical card process, see our EX-17 TIE Form guide and TIE Card Spain guide.

What Happens After Approval When the Applicant Is Abroad?

Where the applicant is outside Spain, the process generally involves:

EX-24 residence approval → residence visa → entry into Spain → TIE

After entering Spain, the foreign family member normally needs to request the TIE within:

one month from entry.

How Long Is EX-24 Residence Valid?

Where the foreign family member is already in Spain when the authorization is granted, EX-24 residence is normally valid for:

five years from the date of approval

or for the expected period of residence in Spain of the Spanish family member where that period is shorter.

Where the foreign family member is abroad, the authorization becomes effective from the date of entry into Spain and normally lasts for the corresponding five-year period or shorter applicable period.

Can EX-24 Be Renewed?

Yes, where an EX-24 authorization was issued for less than the maximum five-year period.

If the necessary family conditions continue, it can normally be renewed for:

five years; or
the expected residence period of the Spanish family member if shorter.

The renewal should normally be filed:

during the two months before expiry

or:

during the three months after expiry.

Late filing can potentially expose the applicant to an administrative sanction.

Does Filing the Renewal Extend the Existing Permit?

Yes.

When a renewal application is submitted within the permitted renewal period, the validity of the previous authorization is extended until the renewal procedure is decided.

What Happens After Five Years?

A person who has completed five years of qualifying legal residence in Spain should also examine whether they qualify for long-term residence rather than assuming another temporary EX-24 is always the correct next step.

The appropriate route depends on the person’s residence history and circumstances at that time.

What If the Family Relationship Changes?

EX-24 residence depends on the underlying legal conditions continuing to exist unless the foreign family member acquires a protected independent residence right.

Relevant changes can include:

death of the Spanish citizen;
divorce;
annulment;
end of a registered partnership;
end of a stable relationship;
Spanish citizen leaving Spain;
custody changes;
family violence;
other major changes in family circumstances.

Do not ignore these events.

Spanish immigration law contains mechanisms allowing residence to continue independently in certain cases.

Obligation to Report Changes

The Spanish citizen or foreign family member must report relevant changes involving matters such as:

address;
nationality;
marital status;
registered-partner status;
stable-partner status.

Current rules generally require these changes to be communicated within:

two months from the change.

Independent Residence After Death of the Spanish Citizen

Death of the Spanish family member does not automatically cancel every EX-24 permit.

Where the applicable requirements are met, the foreign holder may be able to maintain residence and obtain an independent residence position.

The death must be communicated to the competent immigration office within the applicable period.

Residence After Divorce or Separation

Divorce or termination of a family relationship can affect EX-24 residence.

Certain applicants can obtain independent residence when specific legal conditions are satisfied.

Examples can involve:

sufficient duration of marriage or partnership;
custody of Spanish children;
rights of access to a minor child;
protected personal circumstances.

The rules are detailed and not every EX-24 family category has identical independent-residence rights.

The Three-Year Marriage or Partnership Rule

One important independent-residence route can apply where the marriage or qualifying partnership lasted at least:

three years before the relevant termination process began

with at least:

one year spent in Spain.

Additional procedural deadlines apply.

Do not assume that reaching three years automatically converts the permit into independent residence.

An appropriate application still needs to be made.

Residence After Domestic or Sexual Violence

Spain’s current family-residence framework contains important protections for foreign family members affected by circumstances including:

gender-based violence;
sexual violence;
violent conduct within the family;
human trafficking;
certain serious family-related offences.

Qualifying evidence can allow the foreign national to maintain residence independently rather than remaining dependent on the abusive family relationship.

What If the Spanish Citizen Leaves Spain?

Departure of the Spanish citizen can affect the family residence basis.

However, specific protections exist in situations involving children.

For example, residence can continue in certain circumstances for:

children of the Spanish citizen who remain in Spain and are enrolled in education;
the parent who has effective custody of those children.

These situations require individual legal analysis.

Can EX-24 Residence Be Lost?

Yes.

The authorization remains conditional on the holder continuing to satisfy the legal basis for residence unless an independent right applies.

Problems can arise if:

the family relationship was fraudulent;
genuine family life does not exist or stops existing;
competing spouse or partner relationships are discovered;
serious public-order grounds arise;
required conditions cease and no independent residence right exists.

A physical TIE does not protect a status that has legally ceased to exist.

Foreign Marriage Certificates

Foreign marriage certificates can normally be used when properly prepared for Spain.

Depending on the issuing country and the circumstances, this may involve:

Hague Apostille;
consular legalization;
sworn translation;
proof of registration or recognition where required.

Do not assume that every foreign marriage must first be celebrated again in Spain.

The important question is whether the relationship can be validly established for the Spanish immigration procedure.

Foreign Birth Certificates

Birth certificates are important for applications involving:

children;
parents;
Spanish minors;
children of Spanish citizens by origin;
extended family relationships.

The certificate should clearly establish the required family link.

Foreign public documents may require apostille or legalization and sworn translation.

Translation and Legalization

Foreign documents generally need to be:

translated into Spanish or an accepted co-official language by an authorized translator where required;
legalized or apostilled where required.

Exceptions can exist under:

EU rules;
international conventions;
bilateral agreements.

For assistance with foreign documents, see our Translation Services in Spain and Documents Needed in Spain guide.

EX-24 vs EX-19

EX-24 and EX-19 are different family regimes.

EX-24	EX-19
Family member of a Spanish citizen	Family member of qualifying EU/EEA/Swiss citizen
Spanish national family regime	EU free-movement family regime
RD 1155/2024	EU free-movement framework
Up to 5-year residence	EU family residence card
EX-24	EX-19

A Spanish citizen is also an EU citizen, but Spain now has a dedicated national family-residence framework.

In specialized cases involving Spanish citizens who have exercised EU free-movement rights in another Member State, EU-law rules may still need to be considered.

For the ordinary EU-family route, see our EX-19 EU Family Residence Card guide.

EX-24 vs EX-02 Family Reunification

EX-02 generally belongs to the ordinary family-reunification regime for relatives of qualifying non-EU residents in Spain.

EX-24 belongs to the dedicated regime for relatives of Spanish citizens.

EX-24	EX-02
Sponsor is Spanish	Sponsor is generally a qualifying foreign resident
Spanish-family residence regime	General family reunification
Different eligible relatives	Different family categories and financial rules
EX-24	EX-02

If the sponsor is a foreign resident rather than a Spanish citizen, see our EX-02 Family Reunification guide.

EX-24 vs EX-10 Arraigo Familiar

These routes should no longer be confused.

EX-24

Main dedicated residence route for qualifying foreign relatives of Spanish citizens.

EX-10 Arraigo Familiar

A much narrower exceptional-circumstances route under the current arraigo framework.

Older online articles that automatically tell every parent of a Spanish child to apply for arraigo familiar can now be seriously outdated.

EX-24 vs EX-17

EX-24 and EX-17 are different stages.

EX-24

Determines the underlying residence authorization.

EX-17

Used in the physical TIE documentation process after the residence authorization has been granted.

The normal sequence is:

EX-24 → Residence approval → EX-17 / fingerprints → TIE

Common EX-24 Mistakes

Using Old Arraigo Familiar Information

The dedicated EX-24 regime is now the primary route for many relatives of Spanish citizens.

Using EX-19 Automatically Because the Sponsor Is Spanish

Spanish citizens now have their own dedicated family-residence regime, although specialized EU free-movement situations can still exist.

Thinking EX-24 Is Only for Spouses

It covers nine broad family categories.

Using the Old Age-21 Rule for Children

The current standard child category includes qualifying children under 26.

Assuming Every Child Over 18 Must Apply From Abroad

The April 2026 reform expanded the in-country filing rules, including qualifying adult children.

Assuming Parents Must Always Apply From Abroad

Qualifying first-degree ascendants can now fall within the in-Spain application rule where the current conditions are satisfied.

Thinking Marriage Must Have Existed Before Moving to Spain

The family relationship can generally be created regardless of place or time, provided it continues and the applicant meets the relevant conditions.

Assuming Any Girlfriend or Boyfriend Qualifies

Stable partners must properly prove the relationship.

Ignoring the 12-Month Cohabitation Rule

A stable unregistered couple normally needs 12 continuous months of marital-type cohabitation unless they have common children.

Assuming Every Parent Automatically Qualifies

Parents and other ascendants must generally prove dependency plus lack of family support in origin, or humanitarian reasons.

Making a Few Money Transfers Immediately Before Applying

Dependency should be genuine and convincingly documented.

Thinking Other Relatives Can Automatically Apply From Inside Spain

The broad “other dependent family member” category is not included in the same general in-country filing rule.

Paying an EX-24 Residence Fee

The residence procedure itself is free.

Forgetting the Later TIE Fee and Card Procedure

The physical card is a separate documentation stage.

Missing the One-Month TIE Deadline

After approval or entry, the TIE should normally be requested within one month.

Thinking the Permit Restricts Employment

The final authorization permits employee and self-employed work throughout Spain without occupational or geographic restriction.

Not Knowing About Provisional Work Rights

Qualifying in-country applicants admitted for processing can now have provisional residence and broad work rights while the application is pending.

Using Outdated Pre-April-2026 Guidance

The rules on in-Spain applications and provisional employment were amended in 2026.

Ignoring a Requerimiento

Requests for additional documents must be answered within the deadline.

Forgetting to Report Family Changes

Divorce, death, changes of address and other relevant events can affect immigration status and must be handled properly.

EX-24 Application Checklist

Before submitting EX-24, confirm that:

EX-24 is the correct family route;
the sponsoring person is a Spanish citizen;
the foreign applicant is not an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen;
the exact Article 94 family category has been identified;
the family relationship continues to exist;
the applicant qualifies for an in-Spain application or the appropriate abroad route has been identified;
EX-24 is completed correctly;
the Spanish citizen’s valid DNI or passport is available;
the foreign applicant’s complete passport or travel document is valid;
the marriage or partnership evidence is ready where applicable;
12-month cohabitation evidence is ready for a stable partner where required;
birth certificates are ready for children or parents;
dependency is thoroughly documented where required;
family-support evidence is prepared for dependent ascendants;
custody and parental consent are prepared where necessary;
the Spanish minor’s documentation is prepared for parent/guardian applications;
recognized dependency and caregiving evidence is ready for caregiver cases;
evidence of Spanish-by-origin parentage is ready where applicable;
criminal-record documentation is prepared where required;
medical documentation is prepared where required;
foreign public documents have been apostilled or legalized where necessary;
sworn translations are complete;
the Spanish spouse/partner declaration is prepared where required;
Mercurio or the appropriate filing method has been identified;
official notifications will be monitored;
copies of the complete submission are saved.

Frequently Asked Questions About EX-24

What is EX-24 in Spain?

EX-24 is the official application for temporary residence for qualifying non-EU family members of Spanish citizens.

When was the dedicated EX-24 regime introduced?

It was created under Spain’s new Immigration Regulation, Royal Decree 1155/2024, which entered into force in May 2025.

Was EX-24 changed again in 2026?

Yes.

Royal Decree 316/2026 expanded the family categories that can submit qualifying applications from inside Spain and strengthened provisional residence and work rights while those applications are pending.

How long is EX-24 valid?

Normally up to five years.

If the Spanish family member’s expected period of residence in Spain is shorter, the authorization can be granted for the shorter period.

Can an EX-24 holder work?

Yes.

The final permit allows work as an employee or self-employed person throughout Spain and in any occupation or sector.

Can I work while EX-24 is pending?

For qualifying applications legally submitted from within Spain under the current in-country procedure, provisional work rights begin once the application has been admitted for processing.

Is provisional work restricted to one employer?

No.

The current provisional authorization can cover employee and self-employed activity throughout Spain and in any occupation or sector.

Can a spouse of a Spanish citizen apply?

Yes.

Can an unmarried partner apply?

Yes, where a stable relationship is properly proven.

How long must an unmarried couple have lived together?

Normally at least 12 continuous months.

What if we have a child together?

The previous 12-month cohabitation period is not required in the same way when the couple has common descendants and the relationship continues.

Can a registered partner apply?

Yes, where the partnership satisfies the current registration requirements and remains valid.

What age can children qualify up to?

The ordinary child category covers qualifying children under 26 years old.

Can a child over 26 qualify?

Potentially, where the child is dependent or has a disability requiring support for the exercise of legal capacity.

Can a married adult child qualify?

The ordinary child category can be unavailable where the child has formed their own family unit. The broader dependent-family category may need to be examined instead.

Can a Spanish citizen bring their parents?

Potentially.

Qualifying first-degree ascendants generally need to prove dependency and lack of family support in their country of origin, or qualifying humanitarian reasons.

Can my spouse’s parents qualify?

Potentially, under the same first-degree ascendant framework where the required conditions are met and the relevant relationship continues.

Can a parent of a Spanish child use EX-24?

Yes.

A father, mother or guardian of a Spanish minor can qualify where the applicable care, cohabitation or parental-obligation requirements are met.

Should a parent of a Spanish child use arraigo familiar instead?

EX-24 should normally be examined first under the current dedicated Spanish-family regime.

Can a sibling qualify?

Potentially.

A sibling may be relevant under the special family-caregiver category or the broader dependent-family category, depending on the circumstances.

Can a grandparent qualify?

Potentially, depending on the exact legal category and facts. The caregiver category can cover one family member up to the second degree, while other dependent-relative rules may also require consideration.

Can a caregiver use EX-24?

A single qualifying relative up to the second degree can potentially qualify where they provide or will provide care to a Spanish citizen with an officially recognized degree of dependency.

What about children of people who were Spanish by origin?

A son or daughter whose father or mother is or was Spanish by origin has a specific EX-24 category.

Do all EX-24 relatives need to live with the Spanish citizen?

Cohabitation and genuine family life are important throughout the framework, although the exact requirements vary by category. The children of people who are or were Spanish by origin have special treatment.

Can several relatives apply together?

Yes.

Applications can be submitted together or successively.

Can EX-24 be filed from Spain?

Yes, for the categories currently included in the in-country filing rule.

Can adult children now apply from Spain?

Yes, qualifying children are included after the April 2026 amendment.

Can qualifying parents now apply from Spain?

Yes, qualifying first-degree ascendants were also added to the in-country route in April 2026.

Can every other dependent relative apply from Spain?

Do not assume so. The broad category for other dependent family members is not included in the same Article 97.1(c) in-country list.

Can the Spanish citizen apply while the family member is abroad?

Yes.

Where the Spanish citizen is in Spain and the foreign relative is abroad, the Spanish citizen can apply through the competent immigration office and, after approval, the foreign relative normally applies for the residence visa.

How long does the relative have to apply for the visa after approval?

Normally one month from notification of the favorable residence decision.

What if both people are abroad?

The foreign family member can use the corresponding consular procedure when both intend to establish genuine residence in Spain.

Can EX-24 be filed through Mercurio?

Yes, where applicable.

How long does EX-24 take?

The official decision period is two months.

What happens if there is no answer after two months?

Administrative silence is generally negative.

Is there an EX-24 application fee?

The residence-authorization procedure itself is free.

Do I need a TIE after approval?

Yes, where the applicable card obligation exists. The foreign family member normally requests the TIE personally within one month after approval or entry, depending on the procedural route.

Is EX-24 the same as EX-19?

No.

EX-24 is the dedicated Spanish-citizen family regime. EX-19 belongs to the EU-family regime.

Is EX-24 the same as family reunification?

It is a family residence procedure, but it is different from ordinary general-regime family reunification through EX-02.

Is EX-24 the same as arraigo familiar?

No.

Do I need private health insurance?

There is no single rule requiring every EX-24 applicant to purchase a private policy. Health requirements depend on the procedural circumstances and the applicant’s situation.

Do I need a criminal-record certificate?

It depends on the category and filing route. Applicants applying from abroad should generally expect foreign criminal-record documentation to form part of the process.

Does EX-24 lead to permanent residence?

Time spent legally resident under EX-24 can be relevant toward long-term residence when the applicable conditions are met.

What happens after divorce?

Certain foreign family members can retain residence independently where the legal conditions are satisfied.

What happens if the Spanish citizen dies?

Residence does not necessarily disappear automatically. Independent residence protections can apply.

Do I have to report changes?

Yes.

Relevant changes concerning address, nationality, civil status and partnership circumstances must be reported within the applicable deadlines.

Need Help Choosing the Correct Spanish Family Residence Route?

The correct route depends on who the sponsor is, the exact family relationship and where both people are located when the application begins.

A typical EX-24 route can look like:

Spanish citizen → Qualifying foreign family member → Correct Article 94 category → EX-24 → Residence approval → TIE → Long-term residence when eligible

Where both family members are already in Spain and the category qualifies:

Spanish citizen + foreign relative in Spain → EX-24 → Admission for processing → Provisional residence/work where applicable → Decision → TIE

Where the foreign relative is abroad:

Spanish citizen in Spain → EX-24 → Approval → Family residence visa → Entry into Spain → TIE

Before filing, compare the surrounding family routes:

For assistance identifying the correct family category, checking documents and preparing the residence procedure, contact Newcomer.es.