What is pareja de hecho?
Did you know that you can secure your residence in Spain by registering a civil partnership (pareja de hecho), but you are not entirely sure how it actually works? Here we explain it to you step by step, in a clear and straightforward manner.
Many foreign nationals in Barcelona choose to register their relationship as a pareja de hecho. This is a legal institution that recognises the stable cohabitation of two people and grants certain rights that are very similar to those of marriage.
What is most important for many is that a citizen of a non-EU country (for example, UK, USA, Canada, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Russia, Ukraine, Colombia, Argentina,…) can obtain the right of residence in Spain if their partner is an EU citizen or a Spanish national. For this reason, the pareja de hecho has become one of the most common routes to regularise residence and to begin a stable life in Spain.
How to formalise a pareja de hecho in Spain?
In Barcelona, a pareja de hecho can be registered in two ways:
Before a notary – by executing a notarial deed which is then entered into the Register of Stable Partnerships (Registro de Parejas Estables).
Before the Civil Registry – by submitting the application and supporting documentation to the competent office.
Our professional recommendation is to proceed before a notary, as the process is faster and the requirements are generally less stringent, albeit more costly than the Civil Registry procedure.
Documentation required for a pareja de hecho
The documentation required depends on whether the registration is carried out before the Civil Registry or a notary:
If before the Civil Registry, it usually includes:
- DNI/NIE or passports of both partners.
- Historical joint registration certificate (certificado de empadronamiento histórico).
- Certificates of civil status (confirming that neither is married nor in another registered partnership).
- In some cases: birth certificates.
- Proof of at least two years of cohabitation, unless there are children in common.
If before a notary, the requirements may vary:
- Some notaries only require passports and joint registration.
- Others demand proof of single status and even two witnesses to confirm the authenticity of the relationship.
- Certain notaries insist on a minimum period of cohabitation (2, 4 or 6 months), whilst others accept a joint registration of merely one day.
It is therefore crucial to contact the specific notary or Civil Registry in advance and verify the applicable requirements in your particular case.
In our practice, the most flexible option we have encountered is where only a passport and a joint registration certificate are required.
What is the cost of registering a Pareja de hecho
Before a notary, fees typically range between €150 and €250, depending on the notarial office.
Before the Civil Registry, the process is practically free of charge, although slower and with stricter requirements.
Residence through a pareja de hecho
If you are a non-EU national and your partner is a Spanish or EU citizen, registering a pareja de hecho entitles you to apply for a five-year residence card, which also confers the right to work in Spain.
Important legal amendment from May 2025:
In the case of a pareja de hecho with a Spanish citizen, it is no longer necessary to wait for the final resolution in order to begin employment. With the simple receipt proving submission of the residence application, you may lawfully commence work. In contrast, where the partner is an EU citizen other than Spanish, it remains necessary to await the formal approval of the residence application.If the partnership ends within the first three years, the Spanish administration requires that your residence be modified to another basis (for example, through employment, self-employment or arraigo).
If the partnership ends after three years, it may in some circumstances be possible to retain the residence permit, provided that the relationship can be shown to have been genuine and stable.
How long does the process take to obtain residency in Spain through Pareja de hecho?
The process of obtaining residence through a pareja de hecho generally takes between three and eight months, depending on the province. Submitting a complete and well-prepared application significantly increases the likelihood of a quicker resolution.
Immigration officers particularly value clear and well-organised applications. For that reason, the applications we prepare – with structured presentation and supporting legal explanations – stand a greater chance of being resolved without unnecessary delays or requests for additional documentation.
Verification and controls of the authenticity of the partnership
⚠️ Warning:
Simulating a pareja de hecho solely for the purpose of obtaining residence in Spain can lead to severe consequences: annulment of the residence permit already granted, an obligation to leave Spain within 15 days, and fines ranging from €501 to €10,000.
Interview – pareja de hecho
Even couples with genuine and lasting relationships often wonder whether they will be called for an interview or subjected to checks. The reality is that there is no general rule: such controls are uncommon but may be carried out at any time.
In our practice, we have assisted clients who underwent a home visit or a police interview before fingerprinting. Although rare, these measures fall within the legitimate powers of the authorities.
It should also be noted that notaries do not conduct formal interviews when notarising a pareja de hecho, although they may ask one or two informal questions (for example, when the couple met or how long they have been together). If the notary suspects that the relationship is not authentic, additional documentation may be requested (such as joint bills, photographs or witnesses).
For all of these reasons, we strongly advise against entering into a pareja de hecho solely for residence purposes, as this constitutes a breach of the law with potentially serious consequences. However, if the relationship is genuine and stable, there is no reason for concern: even if an interview or verification is required, you will not encounter any issues.
Registration of a pareja de hecho
If you are considering registering a pareja de hecho, prepare all the required documentation in advance and make sure you meet the requirements. This will help you avoid unpleasant surprises and significantly speed up the process.
We can assist you in preparing the complete application and documentation, securing the most suitable appointment, identifying the notary that best fits your circumstances, and subsequently applying for your residence permit, enabling you to live and work legally in Spain.
Contact us today – we are here to ensure that the process is as smooth and straightforward as possible.
P.S. Follow us on our Instagram profile and stay up to date with all the latest news and insights on immigration law that can help you easily regulate your status!
