Family Reunification Visa
Everything You Need to Know to Live in Spain
What is the Family Reunification Visa in Spain
The Family Reunification Visa allows foreigners, who are not nationals of any EU member state, legally residing in Spain to bring their closest family members to live with them in the country. This process promotes family unity and is regulated by Spanish immigration laws.
Who Can Benefit from the Family Reunification Visa?
Eligible Family Members for the Family Reunification Visa
Spouse or registered partner
As long as there is no other marriage or registered partnership in Spain.
Children of the sponsor and their spouse or partner
Including adopted children, minors under 18 years old, or adults with disabilities who are financially dependent on the reunifier.
Parents (ascendants) of the sponsor or their spouse/partner
If they are over 65 years old, financially dependent on the sponsor, and there are justified reasons for them to reside in Spain.
Family Reunification Visa
Important Note Before Moving
Before starting the process, carefully plan your timeline because once the family reunification authorization is granted, the family member must apply for the visa at the Spanish consulate within two months. Failure to do so will result in the expiration of the authorization, requiring a new application.
What are the process
Family Reunification Visa Application Process
1. Application for family reunification authorization
The resident in Spain must submit the application to the Immigration Office in their place of residence, along with the required documentation.
This can be done in person by appointment or online through the Mercurio platform, provided the applicant has a digital certificate.
2. Processing and approval
The immigration authorities have a legal timeframe of 45 days to issue a decision.
3. Visa application
Once the authorization is granted, the family member must apply for the visa at the Spanish consulate in their country of origin within two months.
4. Entry into Spain
Once the visa is approved, the family member must enter Spain within three months.
5. Obtaining a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE):
Within one month of arrival, the family member must apply for the TIE at the Immigration Office or Police Station.
6. Renewal
The residence permit granted through family reunification is temporary and valid for 1 year. It must be renewed before it expires.
What are the requirements
To apply for a Family Reunification Visa, both the sponsor (resident in Spain) and the family member being reunited must meet specific requirements.
Sponsor's Requirements (Resident in Spain)
Not a citizen of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland
This process only applies to non-EU citizens. If the sponsor is a citizen of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, their family members must apply under the regime for EU family members, which has different requirements.
Legal residence in Spain
The reunifier must have legally resided in Spain for at least one year and hold a valid residence permit for at least one additional year. The validity of the reunified family member’s authorization will extend until the same expiration date as the reunifier’s permit at the time the family member enters Spain. In other words, if at the date of the application, the reunifier’s residence permit expires in three years, the permits for the reunified family members will expire on the same date.
Sufficient financial means
Must demonstrate stable and sufficient income to support the reunited family members. The minimum required depends on the IPREM (Public Income Indicator) and the number of family members.
IPREM 2025:
-Monthly IPREM: €600.00
-Annual IPREM (12 payments): €7,200.00
-Annual IPREM (14 payments): €8,400.00
For family units including two members (the reunifier and the reunified), a monthly amount of 150% of the IPREM is required. For each additional member, 50% of the IPREM must be added.
This amount may be reduced when it concerns minors and dependents, so it will be considered sufficient—even if the previous amount is not reached—when there is a stable source of income equal to or greater than the minimum interprofessional salary.
Adequate housing
Must provide a housing suitability report confirming that the accommodation meets the necessary living conditions for the reunited family members.
Health insurance
Must have public or private health coverage for the family members being reunited.
No criminal record
The reunifier must not have a criminal record in Spain or in previous countries of residence. (Usually, this is not requested for the family members.)
If reuniting parents, the sponsor must:
Family Member’s Requirements
Valid passport
Must hold a valid passport or travel document.
Proof of family relationship
Must provide official documents proving the family relationship (e.g., marriage or birth certificates).
The documents must be apostilled or legalized and accompanied by a sworn translation.
Criminal record certificate
If over 18, must provide a certificate showing no criminal record in the last five years in countries where they have resided..
The documents must be apostilled or legalized and accompanied by a sworn translation.
Visa application within the deadline
Once the reunification authorization is approved, the family member must apply for the visa at the Spanish consulate in their home country within two months.
Forms and Fees for Family Reunification in Spain
Forms and Fees for the Residence Authorization
Forms and Fees for the Visa Application
Forms and Fees for the Foreigner Identity Card (TIE)
Important Notes
Make It Easy with Us!
At Fuster & Associates, we take care of all the paperwork so you can reunite with your loved ones in Spain without complications. Let our experts guide you step by step, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free process.
📍 Specialists in Family Reunification Visa in Spain – Experts in Costa Blanca, Alicante, Murcia, and San Juan de los Terreros, Pulpí.
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FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions about Family Reunification in Spain
With strategically located offices and a highly experienced team, we guarantee complete support.
Expect a prompt response from our dedicated team, ready to assist you.
Can I reunite with my unmarried partner if we are not officially registered?
Yes, but you must provide evidence of a stable and lasting relationship, such as proof of cohabitation, joint bank accounts, or shared children.
How long does the family reunification process take?
The process can take between 4 and 12 months, depending on factors such as obtaining necessary documents and the workload of immigration authorities.
Can my reunited family members work in Spain?
Yes, family members who are of working age can work in Spain without the need for an additional work authorization.
What happens if my financial situation changes after obtaining the reunification authorization
It is essential to maintain the required financial means throughout your family members’ stay in Spain. Significant financial changes could lead to the revocation of their residence permits.
Can I reunite with my siblings or cousins?
The standard family reunification process only applies to spouses, partners, children, and parents. Other relatives, such as siblings or cousins, may be eligible under exceptional circumstances or humanitarian grounds, but each case is assessed individually.