Living in Spain but separated from your family? Spanish immigration law allows legal residents and some visa holders to bring their relatives to live with them through the family reunification visa.
This article explains who qualifies, what documents are required, and how a lawyer can help reunite your family legally in Spain.
🇪🇸 What Is the Family Reunification Visa?
The “reagrupación familiar” (family reunification visa) lets non-EU residents of Spain bring immediate family members to join them.
✅ Grants residency for family members
✅ Includes access to public healthcare & education
✅ Some relatives may also receive work authorization
It is a regulated immigration process, with clear eligibility rules and documentation requirements.
👤 Who Can Apply?
You can apply for family reunification in Spain if:
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You are a non-EU citizen
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You hold a residence permit (e.g., work, student, or arraigo)
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You have lived legally in Spain for at least 1 year
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You hold or are renewing a residence permit valid for 1+ more years
💡 Some visas allow immediate reunification (e.g., Highly Qualified Worker, Blue Card, researchers).
👪 Who Can You Bring?
Eligible family members include:
✅ Spouse or Registered Partner
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Must be legally married or in a registered civil partnership
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Must not be separated or divorced
✅ Minor Children
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Under 18 years old, or
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Over 18 with a disability
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Biological or adopted children
✅ Children of Your Spouse/Partner
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If you have full custody or authorization from the other parent
✅ Dependent Parents
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Must be over 65 years old
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Must show financial and medical dependence
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Younger parents may be accepted in humanitarian cases
📋 Documents You Need
You’ll need to submit documents proving your relationship and your ability to support your relatives. These include:
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Valid passport of both parties
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Your residence permit (or renewal receipt)
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Proof of stable housing in Spain
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Proof of financial means (bank statements, employment contract, tax returns)
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Family relationship documents (birth or marriage certificates)
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Medical insurance (if applicable)
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For dependent parents: evidence of dependency and humanitarian need
📌 All documents from abroad must be translated to Spanish and apostilled.
💶 Income Requirements
You must prove you earn enough to support your relatives:
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For 1 family member: 150% of IPREM (approx. €1,134/month)
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For each additional member: +50% of IPREM (~€378/month)
These figures are approximate and subject to change. A lawyer can assess your exact threshold.
🧑⚖️ Why Work with a Lawyer?
The Spanish immigration office (Extranjería) carefully reviews:
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Your family ties
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Your income and housing
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The authenticity of documents
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Timing and validity of your residence permit
Common reasons for rejection include:
❌ Incomplete paperwork
❌ Insufficient income
❌ Housing not meeting legal standards
❌ Invalid or unrecognized documents
❌ Mistakes during consular visa phase
A family reunification lawyer helps you:
✅ Prepare a complete, compliant application
✅ Translate and apostille documents correctly
✅ Draft proof of dependency or partnership
✅ Handle communications with Extranjería and Spanish consulates
📍 Where to Apply
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You apply at the Extranjería office in your Spanish province.
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Once approved, your family member applies for a visa at the Spanish consulate in their home country.
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After entering Spain, they must apply for a TIE card (residency ID).
📅 How Long Does It Take?
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Approval from Extranjería: ~2–3 months
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Visa issuance from consulate: ~1–2 months
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TIE card appointment: Within 30 days of arrival
The process can take 3–6 months in total, depending on your case and consulate workload.
🏠 What Happens After Approval?
Once your family joins you:
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They receive a residence permit (usually valid for 1 year)
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They can renew their residency with you
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Some family members (e.g., spouse) may work legally in Spain
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Children may attend public school and healthcare
After 5 years, they can apply for long-term residency and later, citizenship.
👨⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Can Help
We have reunited dozens of families across Spain. Our legal team can:
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Review your income and housing for eligibility
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Translate and legalize all family documents
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Communicate with Extranjería and consulates
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Guide you through every step until your loved ones arrive
📞 Whether you’re applying from Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga, or Valencia — we’re ready to help.
💬 Don’t Let Distance Keep You Apart
Spanish law supports family reunification — but the process can be frustrating without guidance. Let us handle the legal details so you can focus on being together again.