U.S. Spouse of an EU Citizen

@Adrian1259

Hey Adrian, your wife has the right to be with you in any EU country as long as you are too as a family member of an EU citizen. In Spain, the authorities require that she request the Resident card as a Family Member of an EU citizen. But Firts, you have to register yourself at the Registro of EU citizens (the resident card calls CRUE).

@Adrian1259

The Belgian Resident's card only grants her visa-free visits to Spain for up to 90 days in 180. Which is Schengen-standard, and no better than her USA passport affords. On the other hand, having been in similar position, I can say that any TCN (Third Country National as the EU calls non-EU citizens) having a Residence Permit for an EU country will see substantially reduced aggravation from immigration officials! If this 90 days is sufficient (for beachy holidays, for example) then you could go in/out of Spain for years without any formal registration.

As noted elsewhere, officially, a family permit entitles her to travel WITH you, or to MEET you. Totally independent travel is not allowed (but can be gamed, given the meet option).

If you want to stay longer, then you would need to complete the immigration formalities in Spain: EU Citizen Registration for you, followed by Family Reunification for her.

If you want to buy a holiday property in Spain, then you need your NIEs. You can get these separately (without being residents), or you can get them as part of the residence process mentioned.

@gwynj Thank you so much for this. I am most grateful for such a comprehensive reply to my query. Un cordial saludo.