Understanding Non-EU Spouse Visas For Spain

Spain offers a Non-EU Spouse Visa, designed for individuals who are in a relationship with non-EU nationals residing in Spain and wish to reunite with them while gaining legal residency in the country. This visa is also valid in Spain’s overseas territories such as Ceuta, Melilla, and the Canary Islands.

The Non-EU Spouse Visa provides the opportunity to live and work in Spain for one year. To qualify, your partner must not be a citizen of any European Union country. If you are a family member of someone living in Spain, different routes apply, which are explained on relevant immigration pages.

Qualifying for the Non-EU Spouse Visa

Eligibility criteria

• Relationship Status: You must be a spouse, civil partner, or in a stable cohabiting relationship with the non-EU resident living in Spain.
• Duration of Residence: Your partner must have at least one year remaining on their residence permit.
• Proof of a Genuine Relationship: Evidence must show your relationship is real and not a marriage of convenience. Acceptable proof includes joint bank accounts, shared rental agreements, utility bills under both names, or census records.

Please note that reunification applies to only one person per application.

Exclusions from the Non-EU Spouse Visa

Who cannot apply

• EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens
• Other family members (children, parents) of the non-EU national
• Spouses or partners of British nationals (post-Brexit) — these applicants must use a different visa route

Understanding Different Relationship Statuses

Married or civil partners

You are considered a spouse if legally married without divorce or legal separation. A civil partner is recognised if your relationship is formally registered.

Common-law partners

If you have lived together without marrying, you may qualify as a common-law partner. You must show cohabitation before your partner moved to Spain. Some regions allow registration as “Pareja de Hecho” after 12 months of cohabitation, although requirements vary by region.

Application Timeline for the Non-EU Spouse Visa

The process can take several months and may include additional interviews. Allow at least six months from start to finish.

Application Process for the Non-EU Spouse Visa

The process is more complex than most visa types, involving separate tasks for each partner: the partner in Spain handles immigration paperwork inside Spain, while the applicant submits their documents abroad.

• In-person appointments: Required at the consulate or immigration office.
• Timelines: Know each stage’s expected duration before advancing.
• Legalisation: All documents must be apostilled or legalised and may require official Spanish translations.
• Additional requests: The consulate may ask for extra evidence or an interview.

Responsibilities of the Partner in Spain

Documents required from the partner

The partner in Spain must request the Initial Family Reunification Visa through their local immigration office.

They must provide:

• Passport
• Proof of adequate housing
• Proof of employment or financial stability
• Proof of the relationship
• Evidence they are not in another registered relationship

The immigration office typically responds within two months.

Applying for the Non-EU Spouse Visa

Documents required from the applicant

• Valid Passport: Minimum four months’ validity (one year recommended) with two blank pages.
• National Visa Application Form: Completed and signed.
• Recent Photograph: Passport-style photo with a white background.
• Residence Card (NIE/TIE): Copy of your partner’s Spanish residence card.
• Relationship Documentation: Marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate, or proof of at least one year of cohabitation.
• Criminal Record Check: Covering the last five years (apostilled).
• Medical Certificate: Proving you do not have diseases listed under 2005 WHO regulations.
• Proof of Residence: Documents confirming residence in the consular district.

For NIE guidance, see How to Get Your Spanish NIE Number.

Cost of the Non-EU Spouse Visa

Costs vary depending on nationality:

• Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, United Kingdom: variable
• USA: $140 USD
• Other nationalities: $80 USD
• Nigeria: $17.40 USD
• Albania, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Macedonia, Moldova, Belarus, Serbia & Montenegro & Ukraine: £30.15 GBP

Post-Application Process

Tracking and waiting times

After submitting the application, you receive a tracking code. Processing normally takes around two months. Your passport remains with the consulate during this time, meaning international travel is not possible.

Approval of the Non-EU Spouse Visa

If approved, you will receive instructions on collecting your visa and passport. Afterward, you must obtain your Foreigner Identity Number (NIE) either in Spain or at the consulate.

Rejection of the Non-EU Spouse Visa

Appeal options

If refused, you will receive written reasons for the rejection. You may submit an appeal within one month. Appeals can be complex, so legal advice is recommended.

Conclusion

The Non-EU Spouse Visa is one of Spain’s most document-heavy immigration routes, requiring evidence from both partners and strict adherence to timelines. By preparing relationship proof, apostilled documents, and financial evidence early, applicants can significantly reduce delays and improve approval chances.

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