Spouse, registered partner or unregistered partner: how each is treated

Key rules

• Unregistered partner: You are not equal to a spouse or registered partner and have no automatic right to join your partner.
• Facilitated entry: The only route is discretionary facilitated entry, based on proof of a durable relationship.
• Proof: Keep records that show a lasting shared life, such as shared address, bills and travel.
• Registering: Marriage or registration gives you an official certificate and a stronger position.

The treatment of unregistered partners, the evidence accepted and any minimum period are not settled here, so confirm them with Extranjería or a Spanish consulate before you apply.

The short answer

An unregistered partner is not treated like a spouse or a registered partner. Unregistered couples can claim only discretionary facilitated entry, based on proof of a durable relationship. "Discretionary" means the authorities decide case by case. You have no automatic right to join your partner.

Spouses and registered partners are in a stronger position. Their relationship is proven by an official certificate, and they are treated as family members in EU-style regimes. If you are unmarried and unregistered, you start from a weaker position.

What "facilitated entry" means for you

Facilitated entry means the authorities may make it easier for you to come and live in Spain with your partner. It is not a right. You must show that your relationship is real and lasting, and the decision is theirs.

Whether an unregistered partner in a durable relationship can get residence as a family member of an EU or Spanish citizen depends on this discretionary route. Ask the immigration office (Extranjería) or a Spanish consulate before you plan around it.

Residents from outside the EU

It is not settled here whether unregistered partners are covered by the family reunification route for non-EU residents. Do not assume they are.

Proving a durable relationship

The evidence accepted, and any minimum period of relationship or living together, is not fixed here. Ask the office that will decide your case what it wants to see. Start collecting proof now. Useful examples are:

• Documents showing a shared address.
• A joint lease, bills or bank account.
• Travel records and photos together over time.
• Messages and letters.
• Statements from people who know you as a couple.

If you want a stronger position

Marrying or registering your partnership gives you an official document that proves the relationship. Rules for registering differ by region, so check with the regional or town registry where you will live. If you cannot register, the discretionary route above is your option.