💍 Can You Bring Your Non-EU Spouse to Spain?
Yes. Whether you’re an EU citizen (including Spanish nationals) or a non-EU resident in Spain, you can legally bring your spouse to live with you — but the process differs depending on your legal status.
🇪🇺 If You Are a Spanish or EU Citizen
Apply under the EU Family Member Residency route — the simplest, fastest, and most flexible option.
🧾 Main Requirements:
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Proof of marriage certificate (apostilled + translated)
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Proof of financial means or employment in Spain
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Empadronamiento (census registration of both spouses)
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Passport of both parties
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Proof of cohabitation or intention to live together in Spain
➡️ More in Article 4: Tarjeta de Familiar de Ciudadano de la UE
🌍 If You Are a Non-EU Resident in Spain
Use the Family Reunification Visa (Reagrupación Familiar) under Spanish national law.
This applies if you’re in Spain with:
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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 reunification)
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Self-employed or entrepreneur permit
🧾 Key Requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| ✅ Legal stay | You must have lived in Spain for at least 1 year and hold a valid residence permit renewable for 1+ more years. |
| 💶 Income threshold | Show at least 150% IPREM (~€12,600/year) for a spouse; more if bringing children. |
| 🏠 Housing adequacy certificate | Issued by your local ayuntamiento (city hall), proving your home is big enough. |
| 📄 Marriage certificate | Apostilled/legalized + translated into Spanish. |
| 🏥 Health insurance | For both parties — public (if you work) or private. |
➡️ More in Article 5: Family Reunification for Non-EU Residents
🗂️ Step-by-Step Process – Spanish Spouse Visa
🔹 If applying from abroad (consulate process):
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Book appointment at Spanish consulate in spouse’s country
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Submit visa application with all documents
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Wait for decision (usually 1–3 months)
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Once approved, spouse receives residency visa to enter Spain
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Within 30 days of arrival: register at local town hall and apply for TIE card
🔹 If spouse is already in Spain (as tourist or Schengen):
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May apply directly for EU Family Member Card (if sponsor is EU national)
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Must avoid overstaying Schengen stay (90 days max)
⚠️ Reagrupación Familiar (non-EU route) must be started by the sponsor in Spain, then approved before spouse can apply at consulate abroad.
🏛️ Which Documents Do You Need?
| Document | Applies To | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport (sponsor & spouse) | All | Must be valid 6+ months |
| Marriage certificate | All | Apostilled + Spanish sworn translation |
| Housing certificate | Non-EU route | Get from local ayuntamiento |
| Proof of income or work | All | Contract, payslips, tax returns, or savings |
| Health insurance | All | Must cover entire stay, no gaps |
| Empadronamiento | EU route | Must register at same address together |
📅 How Long Does It Take?
| Step | EU Route | Non-EU Route |
|---|---|---|
| Application | ~4–6 weeks | 1–3 months |
| TIE card | 4–8 weeks | 4–8 weeks |
| Total | ~2 months | 2–4 months |
👨⚖️ Can My Spouse Work in Spain?
| Path | Work Rights |
|---|---|
| EU family member card | ✅ Yes — free access to job market |
| Non-EU reunification | ✅ Yes — once residence card (TIE) is issued |
| Tourist or visitor stay | ❌ No — must convert to proper residence |
🧑⚖️ Need Help with Your Spouse’s Application?
At Borderless Lawyers, we guide you through every step:
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Determine which path fits your situation
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Ensure all documents are legalized, translated, and certified
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Handle consulate coordination and local extranjería
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Assist with housing, income proof, and TIE registration