Family reunification allows a foreign national legally resident in Spain to bring their family to live with them. The person already living here (the sponsor) applies at the Immigration Office and, if it is granted, the family members apply for the visa at the consulate in their country. It is governed by Articles 16 to 19 of Organic Law 4/2000 and Articles 65 to 71 of the Immigration Regulations (Royal Decree 1155/2024).
In brief
- You can apply after one year of residence in Spain, if you have applied to reside for at least one more year.
- Family members: spouse or partner, minor or dependent children, people under your legal guardianship and dependent parents over 65.
- Financial means: 150% of the IPREM for a family of two and a further 50% for each additional member.
- You need suitable housing (with a report), health insurance and to have any children already in Spain enrolled at school.
- The Immigration Office decides within two months; if there is no reply, the application is deemed refused.
Which family members can join you
Under Article 66 of the Regulations:
- Your spouse aged over 18, if you are not separated in fact or in law. Never more than one spouse.
- Your unmarried partner aged over 18: registered in a public register of a European Union State or in a proven stable relationship with at least twelve months of living together (this period is not required if you have children together).
- Your children or those of your spouse or partner, under 18 when the application is made, or adults with a disability requiring support or who cannot provide for themselves because of their health. If they are the children of only one of you, you must prove parental authority or custody and the consent or authorisation for the move.
- Minors and people with disabilities whom you legally represent.
- First-degree ascendants, yours or your spouse’s or partner’s, who depend on you, are over 65 and have reasons justifying their residence in Spain. Exceptionally, on humanitarian grounds, also under 65.
- An adult child who will care for the sponsor, if the sponsor has a recognised degree of dependency.
When you can apply
The application can be filed when the sponsor has lived in Spain for at least one year and has applied for authorisation to reside for at least one more year (Article 68.1). Long-term residents can apply to bring their parents as soon as they apply for that residence. To bring ascendants, the sponsor must hold long-term residence (Article 18 of Organic Law 4/2000).
Requirements for the sponsor
Under Article 67 , the following are required:
- Financial means: regular income equivalent to 150% of the IPREM for a family unit of two and 50% of the IPREM for each additional member. The income of the spouse or partner and of other first-degree direct relatives living in Spain with the sponsor can be added. Social assistance and housing or study grants do not count. When reuniting minor children, the amount may be reduced in the best interests of the child.
- Suitable housing: proven with a report from the regional government or the city council, which must be issued within one month. If it does not arrive in time, it can be proven by other means. The report cannot be more than six months old.
- Health insurance for the sponsor and their family members.
- Having any children of compulsory school age who are already in Spain enrolled at school.
- Not posing a threat to public order, security or public health, and having paid the fee.
How the process works
- The sponsor files the application in person at the Immigration Office, on the official form, with their passport, proof of means, housing and insurance, and the passport and family relationship documents of each family member (Article 68.3).
- The Office must decide within a maximum of two months. If it does not reply, the application is deemed refused (Article 68.6). These applications are processed as a priority.
- If it is granted, the family member applies for the visa at the consulate and must enter Spain within a maximum of one month of obtaining it (Article 68.5).
- The family member’s authorisation lasts as long as the sponsor’s, with a minimum of one year (Article 68.9).
Independent residence
A reunited spouse or partner can obtain their own residence and work authorisation after one year of residence through family reunification if they have their own financial means or meet the requirements to work as an employee or self-employed. Also in the event of a break-up (with a relationship of three years and one year living together in Spain), gender-based violence or the death of the sponsor (Article 69).
How we help you
We check whether your income and housing meet the requirements before filing anything, prepare the complete file, follow the application through to the visa and, if it is refused, appeal. We meet in Barcelona or by video call, in Spanish, English, French, Catalan and Chinese. You can book your first consultation or see our service for family reunification.
Legislation
- Organic Law 4/2000, of 11 January, on the rights and freedoms of foreign nationals in Spain (Articles 16 to 19).
- Royal Decree 1155/2024, of 19 November, Immigration Regulations (Articles 65 to 71).
This article is for information only and is not a substitute for advice on your specific case.