👵 Can You Bring Elderly Parents to Live in Spain?
Yes — but only under specific conditions, and the rules are stricter than for spouses or children.
Spain allows reunification with elderly parents (ascendientes) if you are:
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A non-EU resident in Spain with long-term status
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Or an EU/Spanish citizen living in Spain with sufficient means
📌 The process depends on your legal status and the dependency of your parents.
🔍 Two Paths for Bringing Parents to Spain
Sponsor’s Status | Path |
---|---|
EU or Spanish citizen | EU Family Member Card (Tarjeta de Familiar de Ciudadano de la UE) |
Non-EU resident (NLV, work visa) | Reagrupación Familiar for Ascendientes |
🧓 Eligibility Criteria for Elderly Parents
✅ General Requirements (All cases):
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Parents must be financially dependent on you
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You must prove you’ve supported them for at least 12 months
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They must be over a certain age (usually 65+; sometimes 60+ if ill or widowed)
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You must have adequate income and housing in Spain
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You must be living legally in Spain
💶 Income Requirements (IPREM-Based)
Family Member | IPREM Requirement | Approx. Annual Income |
---|---|---|
1 Parent | +150% IPREM | ~€12,600/year extra |
2 Parents | +300% IPREM | ~€25,200/year extra |
📌 These amounts are in addition to your own baseline requirement.
📄 Proof of Financial Dependency
This is the most critical part of the process.
Accepted Proofs | Must Show |
---|---|
Bank transfers | At least 12 consecutive months of regular support from you to their bank account |
Medical expenses paid | By you, directly from Spain |
Utility or rent bills | Covered by you |
Signed affidavit of dependency | Not always enough without bank proof |
➡️ Occasional gifts or late transfers will be rejected.
🗂️ Required Documents
Document | Notes |
---|---|
Parent’s passport | Valid 6+ months |
Your Spanish residency card or DNI | Prove legal stay |
Birth certificate | Show parent-child relationship (apostilled + translated) |
Proof of dependency | 12+ months of support documentation |
Housing adequacy certificate | From your city hall |
Private or public health insurance | For both parties |
Empadronamiento | Proof of shared address once arrived |
📍 Special Conditions for EU Citizens Sponsoring Parents
EU nationals can apply for the EU Family Member Card for their non-EU parents. You must show:
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You’re exercising residence rights in Spain (e.g. working or self-sufficient)
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Your parent is dependent and will live with you
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Private health insurance may be required
📌 This path is usually easier than the non-EU route, but proof of dependency is still mandatory.
📝 Application Process Overview
🔹 If You Are a Non-EU Resident:
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Wait until you’ve lived in Spain for at least 1 year
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Apply for reunification of ascendants at Extranjería
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Wait for resolución favorable (1–3 months)
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Parent applies at Spanish consulate abroad
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After arrival in Spain, register empadronamiento and apply for TIE
🔹 If You Are an EU/Spanish Citizen:
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Gather required documents
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Apply in Spain for the EU Family Card at Extranjería
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Provide financial dependency evidence
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If parent is in Spain (e.g. on tourist visa), they may adjust status
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Receive residence permit and TIE
⏱️ Timelines
Step | Timeframe |
---|---|
Extranjería approval | 1–3 months |
Consulate visa (if applicable) | 4–6 weeks |
TIE process | 4–8 weeks |
⚠️ Common Pitfalls to Avoid
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No proof of 12+ months support → most common rejection
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Attempting reunification before 1 year of residence (non-EU route)
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No apostille or sworn translation on foreign documents
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Failing to show adequate income and housing
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Not having insurance that meets requirements for older dependents
➡️ See Article 9: Common Mistakes in Family Visa Applications
👩⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Helps
Bringing elderly parents can be the most technical reunification process. We provide:
✅ Review of your eligibility
✅ Help collecting dependency proof
✅ Translations, apostilles & legalization
✅ Application filings and follow-up
✅ Support with TIE & empadronamiento after arrival