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Spain is a rewarding place to live, and many people want to invite their loved ones to join them. Non-EU citizens who are legally residing in Spain are permitted to bring close family members into the country with the Family Reunification Visa. Because Spanish law permits long-term residents to live with their spouse, dependent parents, or children, it is an essential route for preserving family unity. Based on official information from the Spanish government, this guide offers a thorough summary of the family reunification visa in Spain and its process.
This Blog Includes:
- What is the Family Reunification Visa in Spain?
- Who is Eligible for a Family Reunification Visa in Spain?
- Eligibility Criteria for Sponsor
- Family Reunification Visa in Spain Application Process
- Family Reunification Visa in Spain Processing Time
- Where to Get Official Information on Family Reunification Visa in Spain
- FAQs
What is the Family Reunification Visa in Spain?
The Family Reunification Visa in Spain allows non-EU citizens who are legally residing in the country to bring a specific family member from abroad to live with them. This visa is specifically designed for foreign nationals who have been living in Spain with a valid residence permit and want to reunite with their immediate family members. This process involves two stages: first is obtaining a family reunification authorisation in Spain, and second, the relative applying for a long-term (Type D) visa at the Spanish consulate in their home country
Family members of people from the European Union, the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland are not eligible for the family reunification visa. Family members from such nations can already travel freely to Spain under the free movement regulations of the EU and EEA.
Also Read: How to Get the Spain Work Visa Application Form
Who is Eligible for a Family Reunification Visa in Spain?
Family reunification visa in Spain is only available to non-EU nationals who are residing in Spain legally. In addition to having a valid residence permit for another year. The sponsor ( the individual residing in Spain) must have been there for at least a year. With this visa, the following family members can typically be brought to Spain:
- Spouse or registered partner: Legal recognition of the marriage or partnership is required. Couples who are into polygamous marriage are not accepted.
- Children: This includes children under the age of 18 who are biological or adopted, as well as adult children who are financially dependent or disabled.
- Parents and parents-in-law: They can be reunited only if they are financially dependent on the sponsor and there are no other family members to support them in their home country.
- Other dependents: If substantial proof of dependency is presented, other dependent relatives may be added in extraordinary circumstances.
The term dependent family members has been slightly expanded by recent immigration reforms in 2025, giving parents greater freedom in reunifying adult children who are still financially dependent on their sponsor but are either students or unemployed.
Eligibility Criteria for Sponsor
The sponsor needs to fulfil the number of requirements in order to bring a family member to Spain. In addition to providing stable income and appropriate housing, they must have a valid residence card. The Spanish government income is calculated using an economic threshold known as IPREM (Indicador Publico de Renta de Efectos Multiples). As a sponsor, you must show:
- The income is equivalent to 150% of IPREM for themselves and 50% of IPEM for each family member.
- Evidence of housing that meets Spain’s minimal requirements.
- The sponsor and their family member they reunite with must have valid health insurance.
- Must have a clean record and no criminal record.
Also Read: All About Spain Digital Nomad Visa in 2025-26
Family Reunification Visa in Spain Application Process
In order to ensure compliance with Spanish immigration regulations, there are several essential steps involved in applying for a family reunification visa. Verifying eligibility and obtaining necessary paperwork are the first steps in the procedure. Applications are turned in at visa offices overseas or at the Spanish Embassy or Consulate. Family members must apply for a TIE and register locally when they arrive in Spain. The probability of approval increases with careful completion of each step.
- Must check the sponsor’s eligibility or have a valid residence or citizenship
- Collect all the necessary documents that are mandatory to submit during the application process for the Family Reunification Visa in Spain.
- Submit your application with the help of the Spanish embassy/consulate or VFS Global, BLS International.
- Must schedule your appointment within 30 days via the Ministry.
Documents Required
To apply for a Family Reunification Visa in Spain, applicants need to prepare a complete set of documents. While specific requirements may vary slightly by consulate, the general list includes:
Valid Passport of the sponsor and applicant
- Copy of the resident permit of the sponsor
- Proof of financial
- Proof of housing
- Birth or marriage certification
- Hetha insurance covering Spain
- Police clearance certificate from the applicant’s home country
- Medical certificate confirming the applicant is free of infectious diseases.
Family Reunification Visa in Spain Processing Time
The processing time for a family reunification visa in Spain is typically around 1-3 months to approve a visa, while 20-45 days pass before a TIE is issued. Up to four months may be added during peak seasons. Proper planning and applying on time can prevent you from delaying your process.
- 1-2 months or up to 4 months during the peak time for visa decision.
- 20-45 days after application in Spain for TIE issuance.
This is the expert advice to start preparing documents as early as possible, as obtaining legal-sized translations and appointments at the consulate can take additional time.
Where to Get Official Information on Family Reunification Visa in Spain
The most reliable and updated information on family reunification visas can be found on official Spanish government portals such as:
- Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration
- Spanish Consulate Website
- BOE (Boletín Oficial del Estado)
Also Read: Spain Student Visa Rejection Reasons 2025
The Family Reunification Visa in Spain is an important opportunity for residents to bring their loved ones to live together legally. While the process involves detailed documentation and can take time, understanding the official requirements and preparing in advance makes it smoother. Meeting financial, housing, and documentation criteria is key to approval. Once the visa is granted, family members can enjoy residence rights, access to healthcare, and in many cases, the ability to work in Spain.
FAQs
The applicant’s parents, either their mother or father, as well as their spouse or partner, as long as they are under the applicant’s care, older than 65, and have valid reasons for requiring them to live in Spain.
For employees looking to reunite with their families in Germany, a denial of a family reunion visa can be a significant setback. If your employee’s spouse, kids, or other dependents are unable to accompany them, this circumstance may cause them worry.
Depending on the category, family-based immigration processing times can vary significantly: Immediate Relatives, usually completed in six to twelve months. Visas for family preferences: can take years because of backlogs in visas. Siblings of U.S. citizens, for example, sometimes have to wait over ten years.
This was all about the Family Reunification Visa in Spain. If you want to know more about Spain and their visa policy connect with our expert at Leverage Edu.
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