What Is the Family Reunion Visa for Spain?
The Family Reunification Visa (visado de reagrupación familiar) allows non-EU residents in Spain to legally bring close family members to live with them. This visa is designed to preserve family unity for foreign nationals already residing in Spain under a temporary residence permit (e.g., work visa, student visa, or non-lucrative visa).
📌 EU citizens do not need this visa; they follow a simpler process under EU free movement laws.
👥 Who Can You Bring to Spain?
Eligible family members under the Spanish Family Reunion Visa include:
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👫 Spouse or registered partner (not separated or divorced)
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👧 Minor children (including adopted children under 18)
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🧓 Dependent parents (if over 65 and financially reliant)
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👦 Children over 18 with disabilities
🔒 Proof of family relationship and dependency is mandatory.
📋 Family Reunification Visa Requirements
To qualify, the sponsoring resident in Spain must:
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✅ Hold legal residency for at least 1 year
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✅ Hold a residence permit renewed for a second year
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💶 Prove sufficient income (usually 150% of IPREM + 50% per family member)
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🏠 Provide proof of suitable accommodation
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📄 Submit certified marriage and birth certificates
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🔍 Provide a clean criminal record for the family member (from their home country)
📌 Income and housing standards must meet Spain’s immigration thresholds.
📝 Step-by-Step Application Process
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Submit the application to the local Foreigners’ Office (Oficina de Extranjería) in Spain
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Wait for approval (2–3 months)
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Family member applies for the visa at the Spanish consulate in their country
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On arrival in Spain, register at the town hall (empadronamiento)
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Apply for residency card (TIE) within 30 days
⏱️ Total time from submission to family arrival: typically 3–6 months
📍 Where to Apply
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Sponsor: In-person or online at Extranjería
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Family Member: At the Spanish Embassy or Consulate in their home country
🖇️ Original documents often require official translations and apostille legalization
🔁 Renewing the Family Residence Permit
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Initial family permits match the sponsor’s permit duration
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Renewable if the sponsor renews their own residency
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Family members can later apply for independent permits and work
💬 Real Case Example
Case: A non-lucrative visa holder from Argentina wanted to bring her 12-year-old daughter to Spain. We prepared all necessary translations, proof of housing and income, and submitted the family reunification request. The daughter was granted a visa within 10 weeks and arrived in Madrid with full residence rights.
🤝 Legal Help for Family Reunion Visas in Spain
At Borderless Lawyers, we help expats and residents navigate the family reunification process:
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✅ Document preparation & translation
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✅ Extranjería applications and appeals
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✅ Embassy & consulate coordination
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✅ Full legal representation if needed