Are you living in Spain and missing your loved ones back home? Perhaps you’ve moved here for work and are eager to bring your spouse and children to join you. Or maybe you’re newly married to someone living abroad and wondering how to navigate the immigration process to start your life together in Spain.

If you’re facing any of these situations, the family reunification visa Spain could be the solution. This visa allows legal residents to bring their immediate family members to Spain, reuniting you with your loved ones.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Spain family reunification visa, including requirements, processing times, costs, and how to book an appointment for Spain family reunification visa. Whether your spouse is living abroad or you’re reuniting with children or dependent parents, this guide has you covered.

Step 1: Check if you are eligible to the family reunification visa

Before diving into the application process, it’s essential to confirm if you and your family members meet the qualifications for the family reunification visa Spain.

Who can apply as a sponsor?

To sponsor your family members, you must:

Hold a valid residence permit in Spain for at least one year.
Have renewed your permit for a second year or hold a long-term residence permit.
Demonstrate sufficient financial means and adequate housing to support your family members.

Which family members qualify?

The following family members are eligible for reunification:

Spouse or legal partner: Must not be separated or married to someone else.
Children under 18: Includes biological or adopted children and those with disabilities.
Dependent parents: Over 65 years old and financially reliant on you.

If your spouse is living abroad, they must provide proof of marriage or legal partnership to join you under this visa.

Step 2: Gather the Required Documents

Once you confirm eligibility, the next step is to prepare the necessary documents for the application. Having these ready can prevent delays in the process.

For the Sponsor (You):

Valid residence permit.
Proof of financial means (e.g., bank statements, pay slips, tax returns).
Proof of adequate housing (e.g., rental contract or property deeds).
Health insurance covering all family members.

For the Family Member(s):

Birth or marriage certificates to prove family ties.
Passports (valid for at least six months).
Health certificate stating no contagious diseases.
Criminal record certificate (for family members over 18).

Important: All foreign documents must be translated into Spanish and legalized (apostilled) to be valid for the application.

Step 3: Submit the Reunification Application in Spain

As the sponsor, you’ll need to initiate the process by submitting the application to the Immigration Office (Oficina de Extranjería) in your area.

How to Apply:

Complete the Solicitud de Reagrupación Familiar form.
Submit the form and all supporting documents to your local Immigration Office.
Pay the application fee (usually €10–€20).

After submitting, you’ll receive a confirmation, and the office will process your application, which can take 1–3 months.

Step 4: Wait for Approval

Once the Immigration Office approves your application, you’ll receive an official notification. This approval allows your family member(s) to apply for their visa at the Spanish consulate in their home country.

Step 5: Book an Appointment at the Spanish Consulate

Your family members must book an appointment for Spain family reunification visa at the Spanish consulate in their home country.

Steps to Book an Appointment:

Visit the website of the Spanish consulate in their country.
Select the family reunification visa category.
Choose an available date and submit the required documents at the appointment.

Step 6: Attend the Visa Appointment

During the appointment, your family members will:

Submit their documents.
Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photos).
Pay the visa fee (usually €60–€80, depending on the country).

Once everything is processed, they’ll be issued a visa to enter Spain.

Step 7: Finalize the Process in Spain

After arriving in Spain, your family members must:

Apply for a Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE), or foreigner identity card, within 30 days.
Register their address at the local town hall (empadronamiento).