Modelos

EX-19 Form Spain: EU Family Residence Card for Non-EU Family Members

EX-19 is Spain’s official application form for non-EU family members of qualifying EU, EEA or Swiss citizens who want to live in Spain for more than three months under the EU free-movement regime. It is used for the initial EU family residence card, permanent residence, renewal in qualifying situations, and certain cases where the non-EU family member keeps the right of residence independently.

The standard initial card is generally valid for five years, or for the expected period of residence of the EU citizen if that period is shorter.

EX-19 should not automatically be used simply because your family member is Spanish. Under Spain’s current system, relatives of Spanish citizens generally use the EX-24 route unless the Spanish citizen has exercised qualifying EU free-movement rights and the family is using the EU regime.

For the EU citizen’s own registration procedure, see our EX-18 EU Citizen Registration guide.

You can also compare EX-19 with all other Spanish immigration forms in our Spain Immigration Forms: EX-00 to EX-32 guide.

What Is Form EX-19?

EX-19 is the official application for the:

Tarjeta de Residencia de Familiar de Ciudadano de la Unión

or:

Residence Card of a Family Member of a Union Citizen

It applies principally to a family member who:

is not an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen;
accompanies or joins a qualifying EU, EEA or Swiss citizen in Spain;
intends to reside in Spain for more than three months;
satisfies the applicable family-relationship and residence requirements.

The legal framework is based primarily on Spain’s implementation of EU free-movement law.

EX-19 at a Glance

Question	Answer
Form	EX-19
Main purpose	Residence card for non-EU family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens
Initial residence	Yes
Permanent residence	Yes
Renewal	Yes, where required
Retained personal residence right	Yes, in qualifying cases
Standard application deadline	Within 3 months of entry into Spain
Application method	Personal application
Where filed	Oficina de Extranjería or corresponding police office
Initial card validity	Generally 5 years
Card issuance period	Within 3 months of application
Right to work	Generally yes, subject to specific dependency rules
Main fee	Modelo 790 Código 052
Permanent residence	Generally after 5 years of continuous legal residence

Who Is EX-19 For?

EX-19 is principally for a third-country national who is the qualifying family member of an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen exercising free-movement rights in Spain.

For example:

German citizen living and working in Spain + Canadian spouse

The German citizen normally registers through the EU citizen procedure.

The Canadian spouse can potentially apply for the EU family residence card using EX-19.

Another example:

French citizen living in Spain + dependent Brazilian parent

EX-19 may be appropriate if the dependency and other applicable requirements are demonstrated.

Who Does Not Normally Use EX-19?

EX-19 is not normally the correct application for:

an EU citizen applying for their own residence registration;
an ordinary non-EU worker;
a person applying through general family reunification;
a person applying for a standalone NIE;
a person simply requesting a TIE under another immigration route;
most family members of Spanish citizens who have not exercised qualifying EU free-movement rights.

The legal status of the sponsoring family member must be identified first.

EX-19 vs EX-18

These forms belong to the same EU-residence cluster but apply to different people.

EX-18	EX-19
EU, EEA or Swiss citizen	Non-EU family member
EU citizen residence registration	EU family residence card
Registration certificate	Physical residence card
Includes NIE	Card also contains NIE

For example:

Italian citizen → EX-18

Italian citizen’s Canadian spouse → EX-19

Read our EX-18 EU Citizen Registration guide for the sponsoring EU citizen’s procedure.

EX-19 vs EX-24 for Family Members of Spanish Citizens

This distinction is extremely important under the current Spanish immigration system.

A foreign national should not automatically use EX-19 simply because their:

spouse;
partner;
parent;
child;

is Spanish.

Spain now has a dedicated residence framework for qualifying foreign relatives of Spanish citizens.

The corresponding application normally uses EX-24.

EX-19 remains relevant to a Spanish citizen’s family in situations where the Spanish citizen has exercised qualifying EU free-movement rights and the family relationship falls under the EU regime.

A simplified distinction is:

EU/EEA/Swiss citizen exercising free movement → EX-19 for qualifying non-EU family

Spanish citizen under the dedicated Spanish-family regime → EX-24

If your family member is Spanish, read our EX-24 Family Members of Spanish Citizens guide before choosing the form.

Which Family Members Can Qualify for EX-19?

Several categories of family members can potentially qualify.

The exact requirements vary according to the relationship.

Spouse

A non-EU husband or wife can qualify where the marriage remains legally valid.

The marriage should not have been annulled, dissolved or legally terminated in a way that ends the qualifying family relationship.

A foreign marriage may need to be documented appropriately for use in Spain.

Registered Partner

A non-EU registered partner can potentially qualify where the couple has a legally recognized registered partnership.

The partnership should remain valid.

Marriage and registered-partner status are generally treated as mutually exclusive for this purpose.

Stable Unregistered Partner

An unmarried partner can also potentially qualify where a stable and durable relationship is sufficiently demonstrated.

As a general rule, the stable relationship can be established by showing at least one continuous year of marital-type cohabitation.

Where the couple has a child together, the one-year cohabitation period is not required in the same way, provided the stable relationship is properly demonstrated.

Evidence can include documents showing:

shared residence;
joint financial arrangements;
common children;
long-term relationship history;
other reliable evidence of a durable partnership.

Simply describing someone as a boyfriend or girlfriend is not sufficient.

Children Under 21

A direct descendant of the EU citizen can generally qualify when under 21 years of age.

This can also apply to a child of the EU citizen’s spouse or registered partner where the applicable family relationship remains valid.

Children Over 21

A child aged 21 or older can potentially qualify when they are genuinely dependent on the EU citizen.

Dependency must be real.

The authorities can examine whether the family member requires material support to meet essential needs.

Dependent Parents

A direct parent or other qualifying direct ascendant of the EU citizen, spouse or registered partner can potentially qualify where they are genuinely dependent.

Applicants should expect dependency to be examined carefully.

Evidence may include:

regular financial transfers;
income information;
pension information;
living costs;
medical circumstances where relevant;
evidence demonstrating why the parent requires material support.

Other Family Members

EU free-movement law also provides possible residence rights for certain extended family members who are not within the core spouse, child or parent categories.

This can include a family member who, in the country of origin:

was dependent on the EU citizen;
lived with the EU citizen;
requires the EU citizen’s personal care because of serious health or disability circumstances.

These cases require stronger evidence because the family relationship alone is not enough.

Living Together in the Country of Origin

For an extended family member relying on previous cohabitation, current administrative guidance generally considers 24 continuous months of cohabitation in the country of origin sufficient evidence of the relevant living-together requirement.

The applicant should provide credible documents establishing the shared household.

Parent of a Minor EU Citizen

The current EX-19 form also includes a category for the parent of a minor EU citizen.

These cases can involve specific EU-law residence principles and should be analyzed carefully according to:

custody;
actual care of the child;
dependence;
nationality;
family circumstances.

Do not assume that every parent of an EU child automatically qualifies without further analysis.

The EU Citizen Must Also Qualify for Residence

EX-19 does not depend solely on the family relationship.

The EU, EEA or Swiss citizen normally needs to satisfy the conditions for residence in Spain for more than three months.

The EU citizen can qualify through one of several bases.

EU Citizen Working as an Employee

The EU citizen can qualify by working as an employee in Spain.

Evidence can include:

employment contract;
employer certificate;
Social Security records;
other official employment information.

EU Citizen Working as Self-Employed

The EU citizen can also qualify through genuine self-employed activity.

Evidence can include:

autónomo registration;
Social Security records;
economic activity registration;
other documents establishing the activity.

Financially Self-Sufficient EU Citizen

A non-working EU citizen can qualify by demonstrating:

sufficient economic resources for themselves and the family;
appropriate healthcare coverage in Spain.

The financial assessment must take account of the personal and family circumstances rather than relying on one arbitrary fixed figure for every household.

EU Citizen Who Is a Student

An EU citizen studying in Spain can qualify where they have:

enrollment in a qualifying educational institution;
appropriate healthcare coverage;
sufficient resources.

However, the family-member rules connected with students can differ from those applying to workers or financially independent residents, so the precise relationship should be checked.

Do EX-19 Applicants Need Their Own Income?

Not necessarily.

The central financial analysis usually concerns whether the qualifying EU citizen satisfies the applicable residence conditions.

If the EU citizen is employed or self-employed, the residence basis is their worker status.

If the EU citizen is economically inactive, sufficient family resources and healthcare coverage become particularly important.

However, where the non-EU applicant qualifies specifically because they are a dependent family member, their individual financial situation can be directly relevant to proving that dependency.

What Does “Dependent” Mean?

Dependency is not simply a declaration that one relative receives occasional financial help.

A dependent family member is generally someone who needs material support from the EU citizen in order to meet their essential needs in the country of origin or previous residence.

Authorities can examine:

the family member’s income;
assets;
living costs;
regularity of financial transfers;
duration of support;
personal circumstances.

Dependency should normally exist before the family member joins the EU citizen in Spain.

Can a Dependent Family Member Work in Spain?

Most qualifying family members covered by the EU regime have broad access to:

employment;
self-employment;
services;
studies.

However, specific issues apply to certain family members whose qualifying status depends on continuing dependency.

In particular, dependent descendants over 21 and dependent ascendants require special care because employment demonstrating genuine economic independence can affect the basis on which they qualified.

Do not assume every dependent-relative case is identical to a spouse’s situation.

Can a Spouse Work With EX-19 Residence?

Yes.

A qualifying non-EU spouse under the EU family regime can generally work in Spain without obtaining a separate ordinary Spanish work permit.

The person can generally undertake:

employment;
self-employment;
professional activity;
studies;

subject to normal Spanish rules applicable to the activity.

Can a Registered or Stable Partner Work?

A qualifying partner covered by the EU family regime can similarly benefit from the rights attached to that status.

The residence card itself should not be confused with an employer-sponsored work permit.

The right derives from the EU-family residence framework.

Do You Need a Visa Before Coming to Spain?

This depends on the nationality of the non-EU family member.

Some nationalities can enter the Schengen Area visa-free for short stays.

Others require an entry visa.

Where a qualifying family member of an EU citizen requires a visa, EU free-movement rules provide a facilitated visa process.

The visa and EX-19 residence card are different stages.

The basic structure can be:

Qualifying EU family relationship → Entry visa if required → Travel to Spain → EX-19 → EU family residence card

When Must EX-19 Be Submitted?

The standard initial application must generally be submitted within:

three months from the date of entry into Spain.

Do not wait until the final days of the three-month period to start preparing.

Foreign civil-status documents may require:

apostille;
legalization;
sworn translation.

These steps can take time.

What Happens After You Submit EX-19?

When a properly submitted EX-19 application is received, the applicant is given a receipt confirming submission.

That receipt is important because it is sufficient to demonstrate the applicant’s legal situation while the residence-card procedure is pending until the card is delivered.

Keep the receipt carefully.

Where Is EX-19 Submitted?

The application is submitted personally at the:

Oficina de Extranjería in the province where the applicant intends to reside;
corresponding Policía Nacional office where that authority handles the procedure.

Local appointment arrangements can differ.

The legal procedure itself is national.

Can EX-19 Be Submitted Online?

The standard procedure requires the qualifying non-EU family member to submit the application personally.

Do not assume that Mercurio is used simply because many other Spanish immigration procedures are electronic.

Professional assistance can help prepare:

EX-19;
family evidence;
financial documents;
insurance evidence;
translations;
legalization.

But the official procedure requires personal filing by the entitled family member.

What Information Does EX-19 Ask For?

The current form contains several important sections.

Non-EU Applicant Details

The applicant section requests information such as:

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

The information should match the applicant’s passport and civil-status documents.

EU Citizen Details

EX-19 also requests information about the EU, EEA or Swiss family member on whom the application is based.

This can include:

identity information;
nationality;
NIE;
address;
contact information.

The EU citizen’s identity and Spanish residence situation need to be documented.

Representative Details

The form contains information for a representative where legally applicable.

This should not be confused with the general rule that the applicant personally presents the initial residence-card application.

Address for Notifications

Official notification information must also be provided.

Ensure:

the address is correct;
telephone information is current;
email is monitored;
official communications are not ignored.

Type of EX-19 Application

The current EX-19 covers more than the first residence card.

The form includes options for:

initial temporary residence;
permanent residence;
renewal of the card;
maintenance of the right of residence in the applicant’s own name.

This is why EX-19 should not be described only as a “first EU spouse card form.”

Initial Temporary Residence Categories on EX-19

The current form identifies family situations including:

spouse;
registered partner;
duly proven stable partner;
descendant under 21;
dependent descendant over 21;
dependent ascendant;
parent of a minor EU citizen;
other qualifying family members.

Select the category matching the actual legal basis of the application.

What Documents Are Required for EX-19?

The exact package depends on:

family relationship;
EU citizen’s residence basis;
dependency where applicable;
whether the application is initial, permanent or another EX-19 procedure.

The standard initial file commonly includes the following.

Completed EX-19

The form should be:

current;
fully completed;
signed by the applicant.

Information should be consistent across every supporting document.

Valid Passport

The non-EU applicant must provide a complete valid passport.

If the passport has expired, current guidance can permit the applicant to provide:

a copy of the expired passport;
evidence that renewal has been requested.

Proof of Family Relationship

The applicant must provide documents establishing the qualifying family relationship.

Depending on the case, this can include:

marriage certificate;
registered-partnership certificate;
birth certificate;
documents showing parent-child relationship;
evidence of stable partnership;
dependency documentation;
evidence of prior cohabitation;
medical or disability documentation.

EU Citizen’s Documentation

The EU citizen normally provides:

passport or national identity document;
EU registration certificate where applicable;
evidence establishing their qualifying residence basis.

The exact documents depend on whether the EU citizen is:

employed;
self-employed;
financially self-sufficient;
a student.

Documents for an Employed EU Citizen

Evidence can include:

employment certificate;
employer declaration;
registered employment contract;
Social Security documentation.

The authorities may be able to verify some employment information directly.

Documents for a Self-Employed EU Citizen

Evidence can include:

economic-activity registration;
Mercantile Registry information where relevant;
Social Security registration;
other official evidence of genuine self-employed activity.

Documents for a Financially Independent EU Citizen

The family may need to demonstrate:

appropriate public or private health insurance;
sufficient economic resources.

Financial resources can potentially be proved through different legally acceptable evidence.

The assessment should consider the family’s actual circumstances.

Documents for a Student EU Citizen

The file generally includes evidence concerning:

enrollment;
healthcare coverage;
sufficient family resources.

The precise family relationship also matters because the EU student-family rules can be narrower than the general worker-family rules.

Documents for an Unregistered Stable Partner

A stable-partner application should contain strong evidence of the durable relationship.

This can include:

historical padrón or equivalent foreign residence records;
joint leases;
joint bank records;
shared bills;
insurance;
tax records;
official correspondence;
birth certificate of a common child;
other credible evidence.

A relationship history based only on photographs and informal messages may be considerably weaker than documented cohabitation.

Documents for a Dependent Adult Child

For a descendant aged over 21 relying on dependency, prepare evidence establishing the actual economic dependency.

This can include:

money transfers;
bank statements;
income certificates;
unemployment or pension documentation;
living expenses;
other evidence showing the person needs support.

The family connection alone is insufficient once the relevant dependency requirement applies.

Documents for a Dependent Parent

A dependent parent should similarly prepare evidence of:

family relationship;
financial dependency;
support provided by the EU citizen;
income or pension situation;
relevant personal circumstances.

Dependency should be genuine rather than created artificially immediately before the residence application.

Documents for Other Family Members

An extended family member may need to demonstrate:

family relationship;
dependency in the country of origin;
previous cohabitation with the EU citizen;
serious health or disability circumstances making personal care by the EU citizen necessary.

Where relying on previous cohabitation, evidence covering a substantial continuous period is particularly important.

Apostille and Legalization

Foreign public documents may need to be prepared for official use in Spain.

Depending on the country and document, this can involve:

Hague Apostille;
consular legalization;
exemption under EU or international rules.

Do not assume that every EU-issued civil-status document needs the same authentication procedure.

EU public-document rules can simplify formalities for certain documents.

Sworn Translation

Documents not issued in Spanish or another language accepted for the procedure may require an official sworn translation.

Typical documents affected include:

marriage certificates;
birth certificates;
dependency documents;
court decisions;
foreign administrative records.

Prepare translations after confirming whether the original document needs an apostille or other authentication.

What Fee Is Used for EX-19?

The EU family-card procedure uses:

Modelo 790 Código 052

under the corresponding documentation category.

The fee must be paid before the residence card is issued.

Use the current official fee amount when completing the procedure rather than relying on an old amount copied from a previous application.

How Long Does EX-19 Take?

The EU family residence card must generally be issued within:

three months from submission of the application.

The application receipt protects the applicant’s documented legal situation while the card is pending.

How Long Is the Initial EX-19 Card Valid?

The standard EU family residence card is generally valid for:

five years from the date of issue

or:

the expected period of residence of the EU citizen

if that period is shorter than five years.

The five-year card should not be interpreted as completely independent from the underlying EU family residence conditions.

The qualifying circumstances must continue to exist unless the family member acquires an independent retained right or permanent residence.

What Happens If the EU Citizen Stops Working?

This does not automatically mean the family loses residence rights.

EU law allows worker status to continue in several circumstances, such as certain cases of:

temporary incapacity;
involuntary unemployment;
registration as a jobseeker;
qualifying vocational training.

The circumstances should be checked before assuming EX-19 residence has been lost.

What Happens If the EU Citizen Leaves Spain?

Departure of the EU citizen can affect the non-EU family member’s residence basis.

However, special protections can apply.

For example, children of the EU citizen and the parent who has actual custody can retain residence rights in certain circumstances when:

the children remain in Spain;
they are enrolled in education;
the conditions of the applicable EU rules are satisfied.

Each case requires individual analysis.

What Happens If the EU Citizen Dies?

Death does not automatically terminate the residence right of every non-EU family member.

A non-EU family member who was already residing in Spain as a family member before the EU citizen’s death can potentially retain residence rights.

The death must be communicated to the competent authorities.

Additional economic or residence conditions can become relevant when the family member continues residence in their own name.

What Happens After Divorce?

Divorce from an EU citizen does not automatically allow every non-EU former spouse to keep EX-19 residence.

However, the right can be retained in specified circumstances.

One important route applies where the marriage or registered partnership lasted at least:

three years before the divorce or cancellation procedure began

and:

at least one of those years was spent in Spain.

Other independent grounds can also apply.

Child Custody After Divorce

A non-EU former spouse or partner can potentially retain residence where they have been granted custody of the EU citizen’s children through:

agreement;
judicial decision.

The applicable evidence should be provided to the authorities.

Difficult Circumstances

Residence rights can also be protected where particularly difficult circumstances exist.

These can include qualifying situations involving:

gender-based violence;
sexual violence;
human trafficking.

The current EX-19 form provides for retained residence rights in protected circumstances.

Right of Access to a Child

A retained residence right can also arise where a court decision or agreement gives the non-EU former spouse or partner a right of access to a minor child residing in Spain and the applicable conditions are satisfied.

Maintenance of Residence in Your Own Name

The current EX-19 includes:

Mantenimiento a título personal del derecho de residencia

This is important.

It allows the applicant to identify that residence is no longer being claimed solely through the continuing family relationship but through a legally protected retained right.

The form lists situations including:

death of the EU citizen;
annulment or divorce;
cancellation of registered partnership;
gender-based violence;
sexual violence;
human trafficking;
custody or access to children;
other qualifying circumstances.

Do not simply continue using an old family card without notifying the authorities when the legal relationship fundamentally changes.

Does EX-19 Allow Permanent Residence?

Yes.

The current EX-19 also contains a Residencia Permanente option.

A non-EU family member of an EU citizen can generally obtain permanent residence after five years of continuous legal residence in Spain under the applicable EU framework.

Permanent residence is an important step because it is no longer subject to the ordinary conditions governing the first five years in the same way.

Is Permanent Residence Automatic After Five Years?

The right can arise when the legal conditions have been satisfied, but the person should apply for the permanent residence card of a family member of a Union citizen.

The immigration authorities verify:

legal residence history;
continuity;
family or retained-right circumstances;
other applicable conditions.

Do not confuse the expiry of an initial five-year card with automatic production of a permanent card.

Can Permanent Residence Be Obtained Before Five Years?

In certain specialized cases, yes.

EU law allows earlier permanent residence in particular circumstances involving the EU citizen’s:

retirement;
permanent incapacity;
cross-border work;
death during working life.

These cases have detailed residence and employment-history requirements.

Most EX-19 holders should plan around the normal five-year route unless a specific exception clearly applies.

How Can Absences Affect Permanent Residence?

Continuity of residence is important.

Certain temporary absences do not necessarily break continuity.

But extended absence can affect the calculation.

Once permanent residence has been acquired, the right can generally be lost after an absence from Spain lasting more than two consecutive years.

If permanent residence is an important objective, keep good records of:

travel;
residence;
family status;
employment;
address registration.

EX-19 Permanent Residence Documents

A permanent residence application can require documentation including:

current EX-19;
valid passport;
evidence of the qualifying permanent-residence situation;
current family or retained-right documentation where relevant;
applicable supporting documents;
government fee evidence.

The exact evidence depends on how permanent residence has been acquired.

EX-19 Renewal Before Permanent Residence

The current form also includes Renovación de Tarjeta.

Renewal may be necessary where the first card expires before the person has obtained the permanent residence card.

The underlying right must still exist.

Do not treat card renewal as creating a new family residence right where the legal basis has already disappeared.

EX-19 vs General Family Reunification

EX-19 should not be confused with the general Spanish family-reunification system.

EX-19	General Family Reunification
EU free-movement regime	General immigration regime
Non-EU relative of qualifying EU/EEA/Swiss citizen	Relative of qualifying non-EU resident
EU-family card	Temporary family-reunification residence
EX-19	EX-02 commonly applies

For the general non-EU family route, see our EX-02 Family Reunification guide.

EX-19 vs EX-17

EX-17 is the general application for the physical TIE in many immigration categories.

EX-19 is specifically the application for the EU-family residence card under the EU free-movement regime.

They are therefore not interchangeable.

EX-17	EX-19
General TIE procedure	EU-family residence-card procedure
Many non-EU immigration statuses	Specific EU-family regime
Underlying status already granted	EX-19 establishes the EU-family card application

EX-19 vs NIE

The NIE is only the foreigner identification number.

A person can have an NIE and still need EX-19.

For example:

Canadian spouse already has NIE from property purchase → later moves to Spain with German spouse → EX-19 still required for EU-family residence

The existing NIE remains the person’s identifier.

They do not need a new number simply because their immigration status changes.

Can You Travel While EX-19 Is Pending?

The application receipt proves the applicant’s legal situation in Spain while the card is pending.

International travel is a separate issue.

The ability to leave and return can depend on:

nationality;
visa requirement;
passport validity;
existing residence documentation;
whether the EU family right can be demonstrated at the border.

Do not automatically assume that the EX-19 filing receipt functions exactly like a finished residence card for airline boarding or travel through every Schengen route.

Check travel documentation before leaving Spain.

Can an EX-19 Holder Travel in the Schengen Area?

A valid EU family residence card can facilitate travel within the applicable European framework, but the holder should still travel with a valid passport.

Rules can vary depending on:

destination;
whether the EU citizen accompanies the family member;
nationality;
type of journey.

The residence card does not replace the passport.

Is Empadronamiento the Same as EX-19?

No.

Empadronamiento registers where you live with the local Ayuntamiento.

EX-19 concerns your EU-family residence rights.

Both can be important after moving to Spain, but they serve different purposes.

Read our Empadronamiento in Spain guide for the municipal registration process.

Common EX-19 Mistakes

Using EX-19 for Every Relative of a Spanish Citizen

Most family members of Spanish citizens now need to examine EX-24 first.

Using EX-19 for an EU Citizen

EU citizens normally register through EX-18.

Using EX-18 for the Non-EU Spouse

A non-EU family member normally uses EX-19.

Assuming Marriage Alone Is Enough

The EU citizen must also satisfy the applicable Spanish residence conditions.

Using a Weak Stable-Partner Application

Unregistered partners should document the durability of the relationship carefully.

Ignoring Dependency

Adult children, parents and certain extended family members must properly demonstrate dependency where it is part of their legal category.

Creating Dependency Immediately Before Applying

Dependency should be genuine and supported by credible historical evidence.

Assuming Every Extended Family Member Qualifies

Additional requirements apply.

Missing the Three-Month Application Deadline

Initial EX-19 should generally be submitted within three months of entry into Spain.

Using the Wrong Government Fee

The current procedure uses Modelo 790 Código 052 for the EU-family card.

Assuming the Card Is Issued Immediately

The card must generally be issued within three months of the application.

Assuming the Initial Card Always Lasts Exactly Five Years

It is generally five years or the EU citizen’s expected period of residence if shorter.

Assuming Every Dependent Relative Can Work Without Consequences

Employment can affect the continuing dependency basis for certain dependent adult descendants and ascendants.

Ignoring Divorce or Death

Changes to the family relationship should be analyzed immediately because a retained personal residence right may need to be established.

Assuming Divorce Automatically Ends Residence

Protected retained-right situations exist.

Assuming Five Years Automatically Produces a Permanent Card

A permanent residence application still needs to be completed.

Confusing EX-19 With EX-17

EX-19 specifically belongs to the EU family residence regime.

EX-19 Initial Application Checklist

Before submitting an initial application, confirm that:

the sponsoring person is a qualifying EU, EEA or Swiss citizen;
EX-19 is the correct route;
if the sponsor is Spanish, EX-19 rather than EX-24 is genuinely applicable;
the EU citizen satisfies the conditions for residence in Spain;
the family relationship qualifies;
dependency is properly documented where required;
stable-partner evidence is sufficient where applicable;
extended-family evidence is prepared where applicable;
EX-19 is fully completed;
passport documentation is valid;
EU citizen identification is available;
EU registration documentation is available where applicable;
employment evidence is ready if the EU citizen works;
self-employment evidence is ready where applicable;
financial resources are documented where required;
health insurance is documented where required;
family certificates are prepared;
apostille or legalization is completed where required;
sworn translations are prepared where required;
the application is being made within three months of entry;
Modelo 790 Código 052 has been prepared;
copies of the full application are retained.

Frequently Asked Questions About EX-19

What is EX-19 in Spain?

EX-19 is the Spanish form used by qualifying non-EU family members of EU, EEA and Swiss citizens to apply for the EU family residence card.

Is EX-19 for EU citizens?

No.

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens normally use EX-18 for their own residence registration.

Is EX-19 for a non-EU spouse?

Yes, where the spouse is joining or accompanying a qualifying EU, EEA or Swiss citizen and the residence requirements are satisfied.

Is EX-19 used for family members of Spanish citizens?

Only in qualifying circumstances where the Spanish citizen falls under the EU free-movement regime.

Otherwise, the dedicated Spanish-family procedure generally uses EX-24.

Can an unmarried partner use EX-19?

Potentially yes.

A stable and duly proven durable relationship can qualify.

How long must an unmarried couple have lived together?

A stable relationship is generally recognized where at least one continuous year of marital-type cohabitation is demonstrated.

Where the couple has a common child, the one-year requirement is not applied in the same way if the stable relationship is otherwise properly demonstrated.

Can children use EX-19?

Yes.

Direct descendants under 21 can generally qualify, while older descendants normally need to demonstrate dependency.

Can parents use EX-19?

Yes, potentially, where the applicable dependency requirements are satisfied.

Can other relatives use EX-19?

Potentially.

Extended family members can qualify in specified dependency, cohabitation, health or disability circumstances.

How long should previous cohabitation be for an extended family member?

Current guidance generally recognizes 24 continuous months of cohabitation in the country of origin as evidence of the relevant living-together requirement.

Does the EU citizen need a job?

Not necessarily.

The EU citizen can qualify through employment, self-employment, sufficient resources plus healthcare, or qualifying study.

How much money does the EU citizen need?

There is no single fixed amount applied identically to every family.

Sufficient-resource cases are assessed according to personal and family circumstances under the EU residence rules.

Can the EX-19 holder work?

Most qualifying family members have broad access to employment and self-employment.

Special dependency issues apply to certain dependent adult descendants and ascendants.

Does a spouse need a separate Spanish work permit?

Generally no when the spouse has the right of residence under the EU-family regime.

When must EX-19 be submitted?

Normally within three months of entering Spain.

Where is EX-19 submitted?

Personally at the competent Oficina de Extranjería or corresponding police office.

Can EX-19 be submitted through Mercurio?

The standard procedure is a personal application.

What happens while the application is pending?

The applicant receives proof of submission that demonstrates their legal situation until the residence card is delivered.

How long does the card take?

The residence card must generally be issued within three months of submission.

How long is the first EX-19 card valid?

Normally five years from issuance or the expected period of residence of the EU citizen if that period is shorter.

What fee is used?

The current procedure uses Modelo 790 Código 052 under the applicable EU-family-card category.

What happens if the EU citizen dies?

The non-EU family member can retain residence in qualifying circumstances and should notify the competent authorities.

What happens if we divorce?

Residence can be retained in specified situations, including certain cases involving the duration of the marriage, child custody, protected difficult circumstances or rights of access to a child.

What is the three-year marriage rule?

One retained-right route can apply where the marriage or registered partnership lasted at least three years before the relevant divorce or cancellation proceedings began, including at least one year in Spain.

Can victims of violence retain residence?

Qualifying protected circumstances can support maintenance of residence in the person’s own name.

Is EX-19 used for permanent residence?

Yes.

The current form contains a permanent residence option.

When can I normally obtain permanent residence?

Generally after five years of continuous legal residence in Spain under the applicable EU framework.

Can permanent residence be obtained earlier?

Specific exceptions exist, particularly in certain cases connected with the EU citizen’s employment, retirement, incapacity or death.

Can permanent residence be lost?

It can generally be lost after an absence from Spain of more than two consecutive years.

Is EX-19 the same as a TIE?

EX-19 concerns the specific EU-family residence-card procedure. It should not be confused with the general EX-17 TIE application used in many other immigration routes.

Need Help With EX-19 and EU Family Residence?

The correct process depends on both the family relationship and the EU citizen’s legal position in Spain.

A typical route is:

EU citizen moves to Spain → EU citizen qualifies for residence → EU citizen registers through EX-18 → Non-EU family member proves qualifying relationship → EX-19 → EU family residence card → Permanent residence when eligible

If the sponsoring family member is an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, see our EX-18 EU Citizen Registration guide.

If the sponsoring family member is Spanish, check our EX-24 Family Members of Spanish Citizens guide before using EX-19.

For general non-EU family reunification, see our EX-02 Family Reunification guide.

You can compare all Spanish immigration forms in our Spain Immigration Forms guide.

For assistance identifying the correct family residence procedure and preparing Spanish immigration documentation, contact Newcomer.es.