Family reunification in Spain: requirements and steps

• General family reunification applies to non-EU foreign residents in Spain.
• The sponsor must usually have lived legally in Spain for at least 1 year and be authorized for another year.
• Eligible relatives include spouse, partner, children, legally represented persons and, in some cases, parents.
• Financial means, adequate housing, healthcare and family relationship must be proven.
• After approval, the family member requests the visa and later the TIE in Spain.

What family reunification is

Family reunification is a temporary residence authorization that allows a foreign legal resident in Spain to bring certain family members to live with them.

It is used to maintain family unity when the sponsor already has legal residence in Spain and meets the requirements set by the Immigration Office.

When this procedure applies

The general regime applies when the sponsor is a non-EU foreign national with legal residence in Spain. It should not be confused with procedures for family members of Spanish nationals or EU citizens.

The correct route depends on who the sponsor is, what relationship exists and where the family member is located.

Who applies

The application is filed in Spain by the sponsor, not by the family member abroad. Generally, the sponsor must have legal residence, have resided legally for at least 1 year, have authorization for at least one more year, have sufficient financial means, adequate housing and healthcare coverage.

To reunite parents or parents-in-law, a long-term or EU long-term residence authorization is usually required.

Eligible family members

The main eligible family members are:

• Spouse over 18, if there is no legal or factual separation.
• Partner in a relationship similar to marriage, if proven.
• Children of the sponsor or spouse/partner under 18.
• Adult children with disabilities or who cannot provide for their own needs because of health.
• Minors or persons legally represented by the sponsor.
• First-degree ascendants, such as parents or parents-in-law, in specific cases.

Main requirements

The sponsor must prove sufficient, stable and regular income. As a general reference, for the sponsor and one family member the amount is 150% of IPREM, plus 50% of IPREM for each additional family member.

Adequate housing is usually proven through a housing suitability report issued by the competent regional or local authority. Healthcare coverage must also be shown through Social Security or valid private insurance.

Documents

Documents usually include form EX-02, passport, residence card, proof of income, housing suitability report, healthcare documents, fee payment, family member passport, criminal record certificate where required, medical certificate where applicable and certificates proving the family relationship.

Foreign documents usually need apostille or legalization and valid translation where necessary.

After approval

If approved, the family member must request a family reunification visa at the relevant Spanish consulate. After entering Spain, they must request the TIE within the corresponding period.

Spouses, partners and working-age children may work in Spain employed or self-employed without requesting an additional work authorization.

The authorization must be renewed before expiry. It can usually be filed during the 60 days before expiry or the 90 days after, although late filing may create problems or a sanction.

• Filing without properly proving financial means, adequate housing or the family relationship.
• Not apostilling, legalizing or translating foreign documents when required.