Family visas for Spain: how to join a relative or partner
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Family visas for Spain: how to join a relative or partner

Emily Johnson
Emily Johnson June 4, 2026 4 min read 11

Family reunification visas allow non-EU citizens living legally in Spain to bring close family members to join them. Moving to Spain might be your dream come true, but not if you have to leave your loved ones behind. The good news is that they may be able to live with you while you work or study in the country.

Learn what you need to know about family visas in Spain, including eligibility requirements, application processes, and what documents you'll need to prepare.

For more guidance on living in Spain, visit expatslist.org or check out our expat resources.

Who can move to Spain to join their family?

Who does not need a family visa to move to Spain?

EU/EEA citizens and their family members do not need a visa to move to Spain, though they must register with local authorities. Swiss citizens also enjoy visa-free movement under bilateral agreements.

Who needs a family visa to join their family in Spain?

Non-EU citizens wishing to join family members who are legally residing in Spain will need to apply for a family reunification visa. This includes spouses, children, and dependent parents of Spanish residents.

Spain family reunification visa

Who can apply?

You can apply if you're a non-EU citizen with a spouse, partner, children under 18, or dependent parents who are legal residents in Spain. The sponsor must have lived legally in Spain for at least one year and demonstrate sufficient financial means and adequate housing.

If you are a Spanish citizen

Spanish citizens can sponsor family members through a simplified process. EU law provides additional protections and streamlined procedures for family reunification when the sponsor is an EU citizen.

Visa length

Initial family reunification visas are typically valid for one year, after which you can apply for residence permits that align with your sponsor's permit validity.

Visa entitlements

Family reunification visa holders can work in Spain without needing a separate work permit. They also have access to healthcare and education services on the same terms as Spanish residents.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted at the Spanish consulate in your country of residence. Required documents include proof of family relationship, sponsor's legal status in Spain, financial means, and adequate housing.

Visa costs

Application fees vary by consulate but typically range from €60-€80. Additional costs include document translations, apostille certifications, and potentially legal assistance.

visas Spain

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a family reunification visa for Spain?
The processing time typically ranges from 3-6 months, though it can vary depending on the Spanish consulate and the complexity of your application. Ensure all documents are complete and properly certified to avoid delays. Once approved, you have one month to enter Spain and three months to apply for your residence card.
What income requirements must sponsors meet for family reunification in Spain?
The sponsor must demonstrate monthly income equivalent to 150% of the IPREM (Public Income Indicator) for the first family member, plus an additional 50% for each additional family member. For 2025, this means approximately €1,000 per month for one person, €1,500 for two, and so on. Income can come from employment, pensions, or business activities.
Can unmarried partners apply for family reunification in Spain?
Yes, unmarried partners can apply if they can prove a duly accredited stable relationship analogous to marriage. This typically requires registration as a domestic partnership (pareja de hecho) either in Spain or your home country, or documentation proving cohabitation for at least one year. Requirements vary by region in Spain.
Can family members work in Spain on a family reunification visa?
Yes, family members granted residence through family reunification are automatically authorized to work in Spain without needing a separate work permit. This is one of the key benefits of the family reunification visa, allowing spouses and adult children to seek employment immediately upon arrival.
Written by:
Emily Johnson
Emily Johnson
United Kingdom From London, United Kingdom | Spain Living in Barcelona, Spain

Escaped London for Barcelona and discovered that "mañana" is more lifestyle than timeframe. Five years of learning Spanish, defending my accent, and accepting that dinner at 10pm is normal. I write about surviving Spanish bureaucracy with your sanity intact.

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