Moving to Spain with a Partner but Not Married? (Pareja de Hecho Guide 2026)

One of the most common questions we get at JURO Spain is: “I got the Digital Nomad Visa, but can my boyfriend/girlfriend come with me?”

The answer is Yes, but “Love” is not a legal document in Spain.

If you are not married, you cannot simply list them as a “spouse.” Instead, you must prove you are a Stable Couple (Pareja de Hecho).

In 2026, the rules for proving this are strict. This guide explains how to bring your unmarried partner to Spain without getting rejected.

Table of contents

• What is “Pareja de Hecho”?
• Route 1: Proving it from Home (The Hard Way)
• Route 2: The “Tourist Switch” Strategy (The Easy Way)
• The “Public Deed” Requirement
• Documents You Need
• FAQs

What is “Pareja de Hecho”?

Pareja de Hecho (Civil Partnership) is a legal status in Spain that grants unmarried couples almost the same residency rights as married couples.

Once registered, your partner becomes eligible to apply for their residency as a Dependent on your Digital Nomad Visa or Non-Lucrative Visa.

Route 1: Proving it from Home (The Hard Way)

If you want to apply for the visa together from your home country (e.g., at the Spanish Consulate in London or NYC), you must prove your relationship is “comparable to marriage.”

This is difficult. Consulates typically require:

1. Proof of Cohabitation: 12+ months of joint rental contracts or bank accounts.
2. Certificate of Civil Status: Proving you are both single.
3. Registration: A certificate showing you are registered as a partnership in your home country/state.

> The Risk: If the consulate officer feels your proof isn’t strong enough, they will approve YOU and deny YOUR PARTNER.

Route 2: The “Tourist Switch” Strategy (The Easy Way)

This is the strategy used by 90% of our clients.

1. Enter Spain: The main applicant enters on their visa. The partner enters as a Tourist (90 days).
2. The Notary: We book an appointment with a Spanish Notary. You both attend and sign a “Manifestation of Stable Couple” deed.
3. The Registration: We register this deed with the Andalusian (or relevant region) Registry of Couples.
4. The Application: Once registered (takes 2-4 weeks), we submit your partner’s residency application from inside Spain.

> Why this works: The Spanish Notary deed is legally binding. Immigration cannot argue with it.

The “Public Deed” Requirement

You cannot just write a letter saying “we are together.” It must be a Public Deed (Escritura Pública).

To sign this, you need:

• Two Passports.
• Certificates of Marital Status: Issued by your home country (sworn translated into Spanish) stating you are currently SINGLE. This proves you aren’t secretly married to someone else!
• Empadronamiento: Proof you are living together at the same address in Spain.

Documents You Need

Start gathering these before you fly:

1. Birth Certificates: (Apostilled & Translated).
2. Certificate of No Marriage / Single Status: (Apostilled & Translated).
3. Joint Bank Statements: Previous 6-12 months (shows financial unity).
4. Photos/History: Sometimes helpful, but legal docs matter more.

FAQs

Does my partner get permission to work? Yes. As a dependent on a Digital Nomad Visa, once their residency is approved, they have full work rights in Spain (either for a company or as a freelancer).

How long does the registration take? It varies by region.

• Madrid: Fast (but strict).
• Andalusia (Malaga): Can take 1-3 months. We often recommend the Notary route as it is instant for the “Deed,” even if the “Registration” takes longer.

Can we do this on a Tourist Visa? Yes, but you are racing the 90-day clock. You must enter, find an apartment, get the Empadronamiento, sign the Notary deed, and submit the application before your 90 days are up.

Don’t leave your partner behind.

The Pareja de Hecho process is time-sensitive. We can book your Notary appointment and review your documents before you arrive.

Book a Couples Consultation