Proving your family relationship

It is for anyone considering, planning or carrying out a move to Spain. After reading, you will know what proof each relationship needs and how to fill the gaps.

Start with "What proof of relationship you need for each family member". It explains what a family file must establish and how offices weigh civil documents against proof of a shared life. From there, go to the page that matches your situation: proving you are a child's legal parent, getting around documents you cannot obtain, proving a relative depends on you financially, or showing that you and your partner share a life.

Key rules

• Reply window: When an office asks for more proof, you normally have 10 working days to reply, and the notice itself states the exact deadline.
• Appeal deadlines: After a refusal you can file an optional recurso de reposición within one month, or go to court within two months of notification.
• Unmarried father: An unmarried father proves parentage with a birth certificate naming him, a formal recognition before the civil registry, a notary or a court, or a court judgment; cohabitation or a private paper is not enough.
• Regime: Family of foreign residents and family of EU or Spanish citizens follow different rules, so identify yours first.
• Civil documents: Where a legal link exists, the civil certificate carries the main weight.
• Birth certificate: A civil registry birth certificate naming you is the standard proof of legal parentage.

Documents you may need

Identity and residence

• Spouse of a resident — What proof of relationship you need for each family member

Other documents

• Spouse of an EU citizen or of a Spaniard — What proof of relationship you need for each family member
• Parent of the sponsor — What proof of relationship you need for each family member
• Form of the certificate — What proof of relationship you need for each family member
• How recent — What proof of relationship you need for each family member
• Originals and copies — What proof of relationship you need for each family member
• Documents not in Spanish — What proof of relationship you need for each family member
• Birth certificate naming you as the parent — Proving you are a child's legal parent
• Proof that you cannot get the official documents — When you cannot get documents from your home country

Each article lists the other documents it asks for, where you need them.

Proving your family relationship: questions that cross several articles

Is a marriage certificate enough to prove my spouse relationship?

A marriage certificate is the core proof in both routes, but the extra papers differ. A resident sponsor also needs a sworn statement of no other spouse, and proof that any earlier marriage ended. The family member of an EU or Spanish citizen mainly adds passports and proof the sponsor lives in Spain. Read "What proof of relationship you need for each family member" next.

Do foreign civil documents need legalising and translating?

Yes, a foreign marriage or birth certificate normally needs an apostille or legalisation and a translation into Spanish. This applies to spouse, child and parent files alike. If you cannot get the original, read "When you cannot get documents from your home country".

What extra proof do I need if only one parent applies for a child?

Add proof of sole custody or the other parent's consent to the child's birth certificate. For an adopted child, add the adoption resolution. Read "Proving you are a child's legal parent" for parentage, and "What proof of relationship you need for each family member" for age limits.

How do I prove a partnership that is not registered?

You must show a stable, lasting relationship, for example with a certificate of cohabitation, joint tenancy or accounts, or children together. The office then treats you as an extended family member. A registered partnership is proven by its registration certificate. Read "Showing that you and your partner share a life" next.

What do I need to prove for a parent who depends on me?

You need the birth certificate naming the parent, plus proof of financial dependency such as money transfers and no income of their own. Under the general regime the parent must also be over 65 with exceptional reasons, and you must be a long-term resident. Read "Proving a relative depends on you financially".

Will I have to take a DNA test to prove kinship?

No, a DNA test is not routine. An office or consulate may ask for one only when documents are missing, doubtful or inconsistent and the link cannot be proven another way. See Proving you are a child's legal parent.