👶 Can You Bring Your Child to Spain?
Yes — both EU citizens and non-EU residents living legally in Spain can bring their children from abroad under Spain’s family reunification laws.
👨👩👧 Who Qualifies as a Dependent Child?
✅ Spain allows you to bring:
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Biological children under 18
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Adopted children (legally recognized by Spanish or international law)
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Disabled children of any age, if they are economically and physically dependent on the parent
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Children of your spouse or partner, as long as you have legal custody or joint guardianship
📍 Which Process Applies?
| Your Legal Status in Spain | Process |
|---|---|
| EU citizen or Spanish national | Apply via EU Family Member Card (Tarjeta de Familiar de Ciudadano de la UE) |
| Non-EU resident (e.g. NLV, work visa) | Apply under Reagrupación Familiar (Family Reunification visa) |
🧾 Key Requirements to Bring a Child to Spain
| Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|
| Legal residence in Spain | You must hold a valid residency permit |
| Proof of relationship | Birth certificate (apostilled + translated) |
| Sole or shared custody | If parents are separated, the applying parent must prove legal custody or notarized consent from the other parent |
| Housing adequacy | Must provide a housing certificate (certificado de vivienda adecuada) |
| Sufficient income | Based on IPREM thresholds (50% per child) |
| Health insurance | Public or private coverage accepted |
🏠 IPREM Income Threshold for Children
| Number of Children | Additional IPREM Required | Approx. Income (Annual) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 child | +50% IPREM | ~€4,200 extra/year |
| 2 children | +100% IPREM | ~€8,400 extra/year |
| … | +50% per child | Add ~€4,200 per child/year |
✅ IPREM figures update annually — check latest.
📂 Required Documents (Typical)
| Document | Required For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Child’s passport | All | Must be valid for 6+ months |
| Birth certificate | All | Must be apostilled/legalized + sworn translated into Spanish |
| Custody documents | If divorced/separated | Prove legal custody or get other parent’s consent |
| Sponsor’s TIE/residence card | All | Valid Spanish permit |
| Housing certificate | All | Issued by Ayuntamiento |
| Income proof | All | Tax returns, job contract, bank statements |
| Empadronamiento | All | For household in Spain |
📝 Application Process
🔹 If You Are a Non-EU Resident (Reagrupación Familiar):
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File application at Extranjería in Spain
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Receive resolución favorable (approval letter)
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Child applies at the Spanish consulate in their home country
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After approval, they receive a visa to enter Spain
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Within 30 days of arrival:
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Register empadronamiento
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Apply for residency card (TIE)
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🔹 If You Are an EU Citizen or Spanish National:
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Apply directly for the EU Family Member Card
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No need for prior approval — your child applies for the residence card in Spain
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Must prove economic capacity and family relationship
🎓 Can My Child Attend School?
✅ Yes — all children in Spain, regardless of visa type, have the right to free public education or access to private/international schools.
➡️ After arrival:
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Register child at local Ayuntamiento
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Enroll in school via your local educational authority
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Show vaccination record + ID
⏱️ Timelines
| Stage | Approx. Time |
|---|---|
| Extranjería approval | 1–3 months |
| Consulate visa | 4–6 weeks |
| TIE appointment | 4–8 weeks |
| School enrollment | Typically immediate once empadronado |
⚠️ Common Pitfalls to Avoid
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Missing apostille or translation of child’s birth certificate
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Forgetting custody consent from other parent (if divorced)
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Submitting outdated housing certificate
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Misunderstanding school enrollment requirements
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Booking the wrong visa appointment type at the consulate
➡️ See Article 9: Application Mistakes to Avoid
👩⚖️ Borderless Lawyers Can Help
We assist with:
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Verifying eligibility and legal custody
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Preparing housing and income documentation
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Legalizing and translating foreign documents
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School registration guidance
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Submitting Extranjería applications and TIE steps