EX-19
EX-19 is the official application form for the Tarjeta de Residencia de Familiar de Ciudadano de la Unión, the residence card for non EU family members of EU citizens living in Spain. If you are an EU citizen and your spouse, partner, child, or dependent parent is from a non EU country, EX-19 is the form they use to obtain their residence card. This card gives them the legal right to live and work in Spain based on their family relationship with you.
Who qualifies
The following non EU family members of EU citizens can apply via EX-19:
Your spouse (legally married). A marriage certificate is required, apostilled and translated into Spanish if issued abroad.
Your registered partner, if the partnership is registered in a country whose legislation treats it as equivalent to marriage. The registration document must be apostilled and translated.
Your direct descendants (children, grandchildren) under 21 years of age, or over 21 if they are financially dependent on you.
Your direct ascendants (parents, grandparents) who are financially dependent on you.
The key requirement across all categories is demonstrating the genuine family relationship and, where applicable, financial dependency. The Oficina de Extranjería may request additional evidence such as bank transfers, proof of shared household, or declarations of dependency.
How it differs from EX-17
EX-17 is for non EU citizens who have their own independent residence permit (work visa, student visa, Digital Nomad Visa, etc.). EX-19 is for non EU citizens who derive their right to reside in Spain from their family relationship with an EU citizen. The practical difference matters: EX-19 applicants have the right to work in Spain without a separate work permit, their application is processed under EU freedom of movement rules (which are generally faster and more favourable), and their residence card is typically issued for five years.
Documents you need alongside EX-19
The standard set includes: the completed EX-19 form, the passport of the non EU family member (original plus full copy), three recent passport photographs (white background), the paid Modelo 790 code 012 fee receipt, proof of the EU citizen's registration in Spain (the green card obtained via EX-18), proof of the family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, or registered partnership document, all apostilled and translated), the empadronamiento of both parties showing the same address, and proof that the EU citizen meets the residency conditions (employment, self employment, sufficient resources, or student status).
Where and how to submit
You submit EX-19 at the Oficina de Extranjería with a cita previa. The process follows the same two appointment structure as EX-17: one to submit the application and take fingerprints, and a second to collect the physical card. Processing times vary by province but typically range from four to twelve weeks.
An important timing note
The EU citizen must be registered first (via EX-18) before the non EU family member can apply via EX-19. The Oficina de Extranjería will ask for the EU citizen's Certificado de Registro (green card) as part of the EX-19 application. If the EU citizen has not yet registered, the EX-19 application will be rejected or delayed. Plan the sequence accordingly: empadronamiento for both, then EX-18 for the EU citizen, then EX-19 for the family member.
