Family visas for Spain: how to join a relative or partner
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a family reunification visa for Spain?
What income requirements must sponsors meet for family reunification in Spain?
Can unmarried partners apply for family reunification in Spain?
Can family members work in Spain on a family reunification visa?
From London, United Kingdom
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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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