EPIC Immigration & Residency
PARTNER VISA (Pareja de Hecho)
SPAIN
A flexible and efficient pathway for non-EU partners to obtain Spanish residency — without marriage.
"Pareja de Hecho" is Spain’s legally recognised civil partnership, enabling non-EU partners of Spanish/EU citizens to obtain residency with the same rights as married couples, without legally marrying.
It is one of the fastest, simplest and most cost-efficient family-reunification routes in Spain.
What Is "Pareja de Hecho"?
"Pareja de Hecho" recognises a stable, committed relationship between two partners. Eligible couples may apply if one partner is:
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A Spanish citizen, or
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An EU/EEA citizen, or
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A permanent resident / long-term resident in Spain
Once registered, the non-EU partner may obtain the EU Family Member Residence Card (Tarjeta de Familiar de Comunitario), which grants:
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Legal residency in Spain
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Full work authorisation
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Schengen travel freedom
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Access to healthcare, schooling, and social benefits
The card is issued for 1 year initially, then renewed for 2 + 2 years, after which the applicant may apply for Permanent Residency (5 years) and ultimately Spanish citizenship (10 years).
Eligibility Requirements
Although requirements vary by region, the core criteria generally include:
1. Relationship Requirements
You must show evidence of a genuine, ongoing partnership:
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Joint rental contract
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Shared address registration ( Most regions require 6–12 months of shared living)
2. Financial Requirement
The Spanish/EU partner must show consistent income via:
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Employment contract
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Payslips
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Bank statements
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Autónomo (self-employed) filings
3. Criminal Record
Non-EU applicants must provide:
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Criminal record certificate(s) for past 5 years
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Spanish criminal record query