Renewing and travelling with the EU family card

Terms used

• TIE — The TIE is the foreigner identity card issued to non-EU residents, and it includes the NIE.
• modelo 790 código 012 — The modelo 790 código 012 is the fee form used to pay for foreigner documents such as the NIE certificate.

How long the card lasts

The card is valid for 5 years from issue. It is issued for a shorter period if the EU citizen expects to stay in Spain for less time.

When and how to renew

Ask for renewal during the 60-day window before the card expires. Apply in person at the Oficina de Extranjería or the police station (Comisaría de Policía) in your province, and book an appointment (cita previa) first. You need form EX-19, the renewal fee (€16 with modelo 790 código 052 plus €20 with modelo 790 código 012), your passport, your current card and proof that the EU citizen still meets the conditions. If you miss the window, you can still ask for renewal up to 90 days after expiry, with a penalty.

While the renewal is pending, you hold a resguardo; travel inside Schengen with your passport, the expired card and the resguardo.

Travelling with the card

With a valid card and your passport, you do not need an entry visa to enter Spain or to travel to other Schengen countries. Carry both every time. Other Schengen countries apply their own limits on how long you stay. The entry visa for someone who does not yet hold the card is covered on the family card page.

Time away from Spain

Absences of up to 6 months a year in total do not break your continuity of residence. One longer absence of up to 12 months in a row is also fine for important reasons: pregnancy, illness, study or a posting abroad. Compulsory military service does not break your residence either. Keep a record of the days you spend outside Spain each year.

If the EU citizen leaves, dies or your relationship ends

• Divorce or end of a registered partnership: you keep your right if the marriage or partnership lasted at least 3 years, with at least 1 year of it in Spain, or if you have custody of the EU citizen's child, or if you suffered domestic violence. You then prove that you work, are self-employed or have enough money and health insurance.
• The EU citizen dies: you keep your right if you lived in Spain with them for at least 1 year before the death, and then prove work or means as above.
• The EU citizen leaves Spain: the card ends, because your right came from theirs. To stay, you need a permit of your own.

After 5 years

After 5 years of legal residence you can apply for a permanent residence card. It is valid for ten years and can be renewed. Once you hold it, you lose permanent residence only after more than 2 years away from Spain in a row.

Family card renewal and permanent residence dates

For a family card that expires on 15 Mar 2027, the steps fall on these dates: