The Spanish Family Reunification Visa
The Spanish Family Reunification Visa (Visado de Reagrupación Familiar) allows non-EU residents in Spain to bring close family members to live with them legally. It’s designed to help families stay together while maintaining residence status under Spain’s immigration law (Ley Orgánica 4/2000 and Real Decreto 557/2011).
This visa provides the right for eligible relatives — such as a spouse, children, or dependent parents — to join a legal resident in Spain and share the same home, healthcare, and social benefits.
Who can apply for Family Reunification in Spain?
The right to apply belongs to a non-EU resident who has lived legally in Spain for at least one year and holds a valid residence permit. This person is known as the sponsor (reagrupante). Eligible family members (reagrupados) include:
- Spouse or registered partner (proof of legal marriage or civil partnership required).
- Children under 18, or over 18 if financially dependent and disabled.
- Parents of the sponsor or spouse, if over 65 and financially dependent.
- In certain cases, adult children or relatives for humanitarian or exceptional reasons.
Spanish and EU citizens use a different process called EU Family Residence Card, so this visa applies specifically to non-EU residents in Spain.
What are the main eligibility requirements?
To qualify for the Family Reunification Visa, both the sponsor and family member(s) must meet several conditions:
For the sponsor (the resident in Spain):
- Must have lived legally in Spain for at least one year and obtained permission to renew residence for a second year.
- Must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support family members — typically equal to 150% of the IPREM for one dependent (about €1,050/month in 2025), plus 50% of the IPREM (~€350/month) for each additional dependent.
- Must provide adequate housing that meets Spanish standards (certificate of suitability from the local council).
- Must have comprehensive health insurance covering all family members.
For the family members (those joining):
- Must provide proof of family relationship (marriage, birth, or adoption certificates).
- Must present medical and police certificates.
- Must have valid passports and legalized translations of all documents.
What are the key benefits of the Family Reunification Visa?
Spain’s Family Reunification Visa provides significant advantages for non-EU residents who wish to live together as a family:
✅ Legal residence for family members in Spain, initially valid for one year and renewable alongside the sponsor’s permit.
✅ Access to public healthcare, education, and social services.
✅ Right to work for spouses and adult children once residence is granted.
✅ Pathway to permanent residency and citizenship after five years of continuous residence.
✅ Freedom to travel within the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
✅ Family unity and stability, allowing loved ones to live together under one legal framework.
How to apply for the Family Reunification Visa
The process involves two stages — first within Spain, then at the consulate in the family member’s country:
Stage 1 — Application by the sponsor in Spain
1. The sponsor submits a family reunification request (Solicitud de Autorización de Residencia por Reagrupación Familiar) at the local immigration office (Oficina de Extranjería).
2. Provide required documents: residence permit, financial proof, housing certificate, relationship evidence, and health insurance.
3. Wait for approval, typically within 45 days.
4. Receive a favorable resolution letter, which must be sent to the family member abroad.
Stage 2 — Visa application by the family member abroad
1. The family member books an appointment at the Spanish Consulate in their country of residence.
2. Present the approval letter, original documents, and legalized copies.
3. Once approved, the Family Reunification Visa is stamped in the passport.
4. Travel to Spain within the visa’s validity period (usually 90 days).
5. Within one month of arrival, apply for the TIE residence card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero).
In Summary
The Spanish Family Reunification Visa provides a clear, legal route for non-EU residents to bring their loved ones to Spain. It supports family unity while offering access to residence rights, work opportunities, and eventual permanent settlement.
If you’re planning to reunite with family in Spain, it’s advisable to consult a Spanish immigration specialist to help you prepare documents, translations, and the formal application at both the Spanish immigration office and consulate.
Want to assess your eligibility for Spain's Family Reunification Visa? Book a call.