👨👩👧 What Is the Family Reunification Visa in Spain?
The Reagrupación Familiar is a Spanish national visa that allows non-EU residents to bring their close relatives (spouse, children, or parents) to live with them in Spain.
It applies to foreigners who already hold:
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Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)
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Work Visa (Cuenta Ajena or Propia)
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Student Visa (limited family options)
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Entrepreneur or self-employment residence
✅ Who Can You Bring?
| Family Member | Allowed? | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| 👩❤️👨 Spouse or civil partner | ✅ | Must be legally married or registered PdH |
| 👶 Minor children | ✅ | Under 18 or disabled adult dependents |
| 👵 Dependent parents | ✅ | Only if sponsor is long-term resident and proves full dependency |
🧾 Requirements to Qualify as the Sponsor
You must:
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Have lived in Spain legally for at least 1 year
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Hold a residence permit renewable for at least 1 more year
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Prove sufficient financial means (based on IPREM)
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Provide a housing adequacy certificate (certificado de vivienda adecuada)
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Be empadronado (registered) at your address
💶 Income Requirements (IPREM-Based)
The IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples) is the benchmark Spain uses to calculate income thresholds.
| Family Member | IPREM Multiplier | Approx. Income Needed |
|---|---|---|
| First family member | 150% of IPREM | ~€12,600/year |
| Each additional | +50% per person | ~€4,200/year |
📌 Figures update annually. Confirm with the latest IPREM.
🏠 What Is the Housing Adequacy Certificate?
This document proves your home meets minimum space and living standards. It’s issued by your local Ayuntamiento (Town Hall).
Each city has its own:
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Application form
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Required documents (lease/title, utilities, layout)
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Processing time (typically 10–30 days)
➡️ Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia have specific rules — check with your local authority.
🗂️ Required Documents for Application
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport (you and family member) | Original + copy |
| Residence permit (TIE) | Your valid Spanish residency card |
| Marriage or birth certificates | Apostilled + sworn translated |
| Housing certificate | From your city hall |
| Proof of income | Tax return, job contract, bank statements |
| Health insurance | For all parties |
📝 Step-by-Step Process
🔹 Step 1: File application from inside Spain
You (the sponsor) start the process at the local Extranjería office.
🔹 Step 2: Receive approval (resolución favorable)
Wait for notification — may take 1–3 months.
🔹 Step 3: Family member applies for visa abroad
Your spouse/child/parent applies at the Spanish consulate in their country with your approval letter.
🔹 Step 4: Enter Spain & apply for TIE
Upon arrival, your relative must:
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Register with empadronamiento
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Apply for their residence card (TIE)
⏱️ Timeline
| Step | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Extranjería decision | 1–3 months |
| Consulate visa | 4–8 weeks |
| Arrival + TIE | 4–6 weeks |
📌 The process often takes 3–6 months total from start to finish.
💼 Can Family Members Work in Spain?
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Spouse: ✅ Yes — once they receive the TIE
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Children 16+: ✅ Can apply for work permit if eligible
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Parents: ❌ Not eligible to work under this visa
⚠️ Common Pitfalls to Avoid
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Submitting documents without apostille or translation
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Insufficient income or savings (especially with multiple dependents)
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Outdated housing certificate
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Applying too early (must wait until 1+ year legal residency)
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Not booking timely consulate appointments for family members
➡️ See Article 9 for a complete breakdown of mistakes
🧑⚖️ Let Borderless Lawyers Handle It for You
We guide clients through the full family reunification process, including:
✅ Confirming eligibility and IPREM thresholds
✅ Preparing housing and income documentation
✅ Legalizing and translating marriage/birth certificates
✅ Filing your Extranjería application
✅ Coordinating with consulates abroad