EX-19 Form: Residence Card Application for Family Members of EU Citizens
A practical guide to applying for the EU family member card in Spain correctly and without administrative mistakes.
The EX-19 form is the essential official form for non-EU family members of citizens of an EU Member State (or of the European Economic Area and Switzerland) living in Spain, when they will accompany or join them for more than three months. Filling in this form correctly and knowing the requirements of the so-called EU family card is vital to obtain the initial 5-year residence authorisation.
What is the EX-19 form for?
The official EX-19 form formally governs the application for the residence card for family members of EU citizens. This document proves the legal status in Spain of the foreign family member, allowing them to live and work on equal terms from day one under Royal Decree 240/2007.
Key Points: Family Members and Requirements
📌 Who can apply?
Spouses or registered partners, children under 21 or older dependent children, dependent parents and other specific cases provided for by EU rules.
🔄 Requirements for the EU Citizen
The EU citizen must be legally resident in Spain and either working (employed or self-employed) or have sufficient financial means and health insurance.
Steps to fill in the form correctly
- Applicant details: Enter your personal information (name, surnames, passport) exactly as it appears on your official identity documents.
- EU citizen details: State the identification details of your EU family member (name, DNI/NIE and EU registration certificate).
- Address for notifications: Give a valid postal address in Spain and tick the relevant boxes if you choose electronic communication.
- Type of application: Mark clearly with a cross whether it is an initial temporary residence card (5 years), permanent card, renewal or change of details.
Mandatory documents to submit
Together with the EX-19 form duly completed and signed, you will usually need to provide a file that includes:
- Full passport: Copy of all pages and the applicant’s valid original.
- Family relationship: Apostilled or legalised official certificates proving the relationship (marriage, birth or registered partnership).
- Proof regarding the EU citizen: DNI or EU citizen registration certificate, with proof of employment or financial means and health insurance if applicable.
- Fee form: Proof of payment of the fee for the official form.
Recommended deadlines and legal validity
A critical regulatory point when using the EX-19 form is to strictly meet the established deadlines. The application must be submitted within the three-month period following the date of entry into Spain. Once approved, the initial physical card for family members of EU citizens is valid for five years, giving full right to work, both employed and self-employed, from the first day of the procedure.