Your spouse's death does not make you lose your residence automatically: all three regimes have rules for keeping it.
Routes to consider
If your spouse was Spanish, you keep the residence if you already lived with them in Spain; if they were a citizen of another EU country, if you lived in Spain at least one year before the death; and if your residence was through reunification, you can obtain independent residence with no minimum time. Report the death and apply for your own permit without waiting for the renewal. Family reunification
A point to check carefully
Collect cohabitation and separation dates and documents about children and custody. Do not assume separation automatically ends the permit or that it can be retained without formalities.
Documents to get started
- Full passport and current authorisation, if any.
- Birth, marriage or partnership certificates and the relative’s documents.
- Evidence of cohabitation, dependency, custody or funds where relevant.
- Timeline of entries, departures, applications and notifications.
How we proceed
- Assessment: confirm the route and competent authority.
- Preparation: collect and review evidence specific to your case.
- Filing: check forms, fees and representation.
- Follow-up: monitor notices and explain the decision and next formalities.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start?
Before your relative travels or before their stay ends: depending on the regime, the application can be filed from Spain or requires a visa.