How can I bring a family member to Spain?
Before getting to know and to analyze some of the different requirements, advices, examples and tips about how to bring a family member to Spain, first we need to clarify the following points:
- You will need to have enough incomes and/or savings to bring a family member to Spain,
- You can only bring your wife, husband or children,
- If you want to bring a extended family member (mother, father, brother…) you need to prove this person has been living at the expenses of you or must be over 65 years old,
- There are two different types of reunification visa: “Visado de reagrupación familiar en régimen general” (if you are a non-EU citizen) and “Visado de reagrupación familiar con ciudadano comunitario” (if you are Spanish or an EU citizen),
- You cannot bring a family member to Spain with a tourist visa in order to get a residence permit,
- Each Spanish embassy is different,
- It is free (there are no public charges for this kind of visa).
Which family members can be reunited?
- The spouse (only one), not separated de facto or de jure, and provided that the marriage has not been entered into fraudulently,
- The person who is in a relationship with the applicant, similar to that of marriage (recorded in a public registry or proven by the applicant),
- Dependants:
– The resident’s unmarried children o those of the spouse or partner, including adopted children.
– Direct descendants over 18 with disabilities
– Children or other persons over 18 with disabilities whom the resident is legal guardian o representative - Parents of the resident, or those of the spouse or partner, over 65. Exceptionally on humanitarian ground a residence permit might be granted for parents under 65.
The different visas to bring a family member to Spain
As specified above, there are 2 different types of reunification visa: “Visado de reagrupación familiar en régimen general” (if you are a non-EU citizen) and “Visado de reagrupación familiar con ciudadano comunitario” (if you are Spanish or an EU citizen),
1. Visado de reagrupación familiar en régimen general
Foreigners who have been living legally in Spain for a year and have obtained authorisation to stay at least one more year. To reunite ascendants, the foreigner must be a longterm resident in the country. Those who can also reunite their family, without previous legal residence, include: holders of an EU long-term residence permit in another Member State of the European Union, holders of an EU blue card, or beneficiaries of the special regime for researchers.
2. Visado de reagrupación familiar con ciudadano comunitario
If you are an EU citizen moving to Spain to live, work or study, EU rules make it easier for your family to join you. Your spouse, children and grandchildren can join you, even if they are not EU nationals.
If you are a worker
If you are working in another EU country, as an employee, self-employed or on a posting, your non-EU spouse, dependent children and grandchildren can stay there with you without having to meet any other conditions.
If you are a pensioner
If you are a pensioner living in another EU country, your non-EU spouse, children and grandchildren can stay there with you if you have for yourself and your whole family:
- sufficient income to live without needing income support
- comprehensive health insurance in that country
If you are a student
If you are a student living in another EU country, your spouse, dependent children and grandchildren can stay there with you if you:
- are enrolled in an approved educational establishment
- have sufficient income to support your whole family without needing income support
- have comprehensive health insurance for your whole family in that country
Residence card
Your non-EU spouse, children and grandchildren must apply for a residence document with the authorities in the host country (often the town hall or local police station) within 3 months of arriving.
Find out how to get a residence card for your non-EU family members.
Equal treatment
During their stay in your new country, your non-EU spouse, children and grandchildren should be treated as nationals, notably regarding access to employment, pay and benefits facilitating access to work and enrolment in schools.
What procedures do my family have to follow?
Within 2 months, of the application for reunification being granted, the family member must apply in person, notwithstanding exceptions, for a visa at the corresponding Spanish diplomatic mission or consulate, accompanied by the following documents:
• A standard passport or travel document, valid in Spain and with a minimum validity period of 4 months.
• A criminal record certificate, or equivalent, covering the previous 5 years, if the family member joining the resident is over the age of criminal responsibility.
• Original documentation proving family ties and relationships, the existence of a de facto union and, when applicable, age and legal dependency.
• A medical certificate stating that they do not suffer from any disease which could have a severe impact on public health in accordance with International Health Regulations.
While the visa is being processed, the applicant may be required to appear in person and, if necessary, to attend an interview.
If the family member to be reunited is already in Spain illegally, the visa application will not be processed.
If the visa is granted, once it has been collected in person, except in the case of minors, the applicant must enter Spain within the visa’s validity period (not exceeding 3 months), and request (in person, except in the case of minors) within a period of one month, a Foreigner’s Identification Card (TIE).
What are the effects and duration of temporary residence permits granted for family reunification?
• When the foreign resident applying for family reunification has a temporary residence permit, it is valid until the date stated on the same.
• When the foreign resident applying for family reunification has a long-term residence permit or EU long-term residence permit, until the validity date of their Foreigner’s Identification Card (TIE).
In the case of a spouse, partner, or children, when they reach employment age the temporary residence permit.
IN SUMMARY
If you are living legally in Spain and have enough incomes/savings to support your family members, you should not encounter any issue in order to get a visa for them.
Waleed
January 17, 2022 @ 4:25 pm
Hello Sir , i got Spanish passport recently , i have one wife and 4 children there in Pakistan . One of my daughter is married she 25 years. Then i have a son he is 24 years old he is an engineer but not has a job . Then another boy of 22 years ,he is a university student in Lahore Pakistan and the last one a girl she is almost 19 years old .
My question is can i bring my wife and three children here in Spain? I have Spanish Passport .
Javier Rodríguez
January 24, 2022 @ 4:06 pm
Hello,
You cannot reunificate any children over 18 years old, I am afraid, unless you carefully prove they depend on you to survive. And, depending on which Spanish Consulate you apply at, this may become a very difficult thing.
Kind Regards,
Javier R.
Royce Lyn
October 22, 2021 @ 11:53 am
Hello
I’m Lyn.. I would like to ask what is the requirement to get my husband residence card here in Spain..?
My husband is living in Italy right now.. he has a Italian Residence Card.. But I live in Spain and I have a Spanish Residence card..
we want to settle down in Spain.. So what is the requirements so that He will get a Residence Card here in Spain..??
What is the procedure of the process??
THANKS You..
Javier Rodríguez
October 26, 2021 @ 3:26 pm
Hello Lyn,
I would need to know your both citizenships, but I believe you are both British citizens. In that case, it would be a standard family reunification under Brexit agreement. We can assist you with this if you want regardless of your location around Spain.
Thank you,
Javier R.
Ali
May 19, 2019 @ 5:32 pm
Hello,
I want to invite my brother for 1 week from Iran and I am a student in the 3ed year, can I?
Regards
Javier Rodríguez
May 20, 2019 @ 2:57 pm
Hello Ali,
Actually you can invite him through an invitation letter for tourist proposes only, unfortunately.
Regards
Maria Aragen Carilimdiliman Nepomuceno
November 27, 2020 @ 10:55 am
Hi,
Good day. I have kids in Philippines I want to bring them in Palma de Mallorca. But since I have a very busy job Im not able to go home. My question is,
1. Is it possible that my sister will be the there guardian while travalling from there until here in Mallorca?
2. If YES, what are the requirements?
Thank you so much. And your response is highly appreciated.
Javier Rodríguez
December 15, 2020 @ 1:19 pm
Hello,
Answering your questions:
1. It depends on the Spanish Embassy in Manila, since they are a bit strict and because they may suspect your sister may stay instead of going back to Philippines once your children are here, so it is difficult to know;
2. She would need to apply for a tourist visa and, if she stays at your home, an invitation letter, between other things.
I hope it helps.
Samsuddin
May 19, 2019 @ 4:12 am
Good day
I am currently living in Spain.. i am 21 years old I hold 5 years resident card (comunetario) my father is a Spanish Citizenship,, I applied for Spanish citizenship by option,, if I marry with my girlfriend can I apply spouse visa for her by comunitario card… please reply me..
Thanks
Javier Rodríguez
May 20, 2019 @ 3:00 pm
Hello,
Yes of course you can apply for both visa and residence permit under a family reunification (EU) if you marry her and even in advance if you can prove your similar relationship for the last years.
Regards.
Ruth lynn talavera
April 15, 2019 @ 3:36 am
Hi I am a spanish/ filipino and I would like to ask if its possible to petition my sister ,30 yrs old single. What are the requirements we need to prepare. Thanks.
Javier Rodríguez
April 15, 2019 @ 6:20 pm
Hello Ruth,
Unfortunately you cannot reunificate a family member over 18 years old unless you can prove he/she depends on you after sending him/her money for the last 12 months at least. If that’s the case, please feel free to contact us.
Rangel
January 21, 2019 @ 3:47 pm
Good day
Im currently living here in Spain.. I hold a 5 years resident card (comunetario)because my mother acquired Spanish Citizenship after living here for 20 years. I already living here for approximately 6 months.. and I wish to return to Philippines and plan to stay there for a long period of time. I’m already 26 years old .. but I’m having doubt if ever I will go back to my own country and live there for more than a year I can’t go back here in Spain. My question is , how many months or years should I stay to my own country so that I can still go back here in Spain.. hope you can help me with this matter.. thank you
Javier Rodríguez
January 21, 2019 @ 6:03 pm
Hello Rangel,
You should not be out of Spain for more than 6 months continuously or in a period of 1 year.
Ali
October 5, 2021 @ 2:57 pm
Hi GOOD AFTERNOON :
I AM ALI LIVING IN SPAIN BARCELONA SINCE 6 A 7 YEAR.
I’M LEGAL AND WANT TO INVITE MY YOUNGER BROTHER HERE THAT TOTALLY DEPENDS ON ME .
HOW CAN I DO IT.
I’M WAITING FOR YOUR REPLY.
THANKS A LOT..
Javier Rodríguez
October 7, 2021 @ 4:37 pm
Hello Rangel,
As soon as you legally live in Spain and have enough resources to support your brother, you will need to justify and prove your brother really depends on you, which it is not an easy thing, I must say.
Regards,
Javier R.
JOHN KENNETH SAUR
January 15, 2019 @ 1:32 am
GOOD EVENING,
Hi, Mr. Rodriguez,
I have a resedence card in Madrid spain. And im currently staying here with my uncle in his appartment.
I just want to ask if there is possibility for my girlfriend to join me here. By the way we are planning to. Get married of course before that.
Is there any possibility for her to. Stay with me? And what card do the gobernment will. Give her if that happens.
Thankyou
Hoping for your reply sir ?
Javier Rodríguez
January 16, 2019 @ 2:32 pm
Hello John,
I would need to know your citizenship, but I believe you are a non-EU citizen. I would also need to know which kind of card you have at the moment, but once you get married, you should be able to reunificate her.
Kind Regards
Monica Rodriguez
December 16, 2018 @ 8:59 am
My mum and her partner have been together for 15 years not yet married. We are Spanish Citizens but live in Australia, he is Australian. Can they live together in Spain without getting married? Would he get his residency? What about his 22 year old daughter? Can she get residency? Would she need to go with them or can she go first so she can start university studies? Thank you.
Javier Rodríguez
December 17, 2018 @ 4:50 pm
Hello Monica,
In order to apply for a residence permit or visa as a family member of an EU citizen living in Spain (including Spanish people), it is not mandatory to be married but having had an analogous relationship for several years. The poblem is to prove this similar relationship.
About the daughter, unless she is studying, it will be difficult, since it would be necessary to prove that the daughter is supported by her mother, since she is over 18 years old.
Don
November 12, 2018 @ 4:40 am
Hi i am from phillipines…my mother been staying for more than 30 years in Spain..recently i asked them if it possible for me to go with her I am 41 and married..so is there any chance for me to go and work for Spain if ever thank you..
Javier Rodríguez
November 12, 2018 @ 3:01 pm
Hello,
Actually it is quite difficult to reunificate a family member who is not your husband, wife or child and is over 18 years old. This is your case, I believe. If your mother can prove you depent on her, it may be possible. A way to prove this is having been sending you money for at least the last 12 months, something like the 50% of the average salary in Phillipines. The point is that you are married, and that makes the situation even more difficult, I am afraid.
Sarika
October 29, 2018 @ 7:06 pm
Hello sir
I m from India…. My husband come in Spain from last 10 years for buisness purpose…. He come Spain through buisness visa…. He don’t have resident card… Now I want to go with him… .How can I get long term visa for one year or six months….. I have applied for visa but it issued only for one month….. But my husband work in Spain for six month…… So I just want to know how can I get long term visa….. I will be very thankful if you help me…. Please reply as soon as possible…..
Javier Rodríguez
November 8, 2018 @ 2:55 pm
Hello Sarika,
You could come with him since you are his wife. If you want send us an email and we will assist you to apply for this visa in India.
Thank you,
Javier Rodríguez
Sai
October 28, 2018 @ 1:44 am
Hi my father is in Spain with Spanish permanent resident am presently in Africa he applied he submit all his necessary document along with my passport in Spain there but almost a year he don’t hear nothing from them concerning eather is approve or not can i know more detail about it why it get too late for any approval
Javier Rodríguez
October 29, 2018 @ 12:16 pm
Hello,
It may be an administrative silence which is the same as a rejection. But in my opinion, it is weird. Are you sure you do not mean a Spanish citizenship application instead? If so, it would be normal since they are taking more than 12 months to response.
Jackie Soady
October 26, 2018 @ 1:48 am
Good day Javier
I am an EU citizen currently living in New Zealand. I have recently retired. My partner and I wish to move to Spain . My partner is a NZ citizen who wants to continue working once we move to Spain.
1. Will we need to get married in order to qualify for reunification of a family member?
2. Are we able to emigrate to Spain together or do I need to be living in Spain before we can apply for him to join me?
Thanks in advance for your advice.
Jackie
Javier Rodríguez
October 27, 2018 @ 6:14 pm
Hello Jackie,
Answering your questions:
1. Yes, you do, unless you can prove you have been living together for 24 months, the least.
2. Both ways are possible. You can apply rather for a family reunification visa in Wellington or for the equivalent residence permit once you are in Spain
I hope it helps.
Regards,
Javier
Rafael
October 25, 2018 @ 1:44 am
Hello Javier,
I’m a Spanish national married to non EU national. I’m gathering all the relevant documents to submit at immigration office by next week. So I have to ask you a few questions:
– Can you let me know the papers required to submit at the immigration office.
– We don’t have medical certificate, can we make one in Spain or do we need a document from immigration for that
– Currently my spouse is on the schengen visa which only allows him to stay 90 days. Will he be able to stay once the application process has started?
Look forward to hearing from you soon – Rafa
Javier Rodríguez
October 25, 2018 @ 1:36 pm
Hello Rafael,
If you need further assistance to apply for a family reunification residence permit or any other relocation issues, please send us an email to [email protected]
Thank you,
Javier
allan
October 24, 2018 @ 4:11 pm
hi there!!!
i am from philippines currently residing in spain with tarjeta comunitario. i would like to bring my brother here to reunite with me. he is dependent with me for 3 years. the first time he applied for a familia reagrupacion familiar was rejected because of the paper remittance showed that my wife was also associated. i would like to ask for your. is there any other alternative way to make sure that my brother can secure a visa and be reunited with me.
Javier Rodríguez
October 25, 2018 @ 12:37 pm
Hello Allan,
As you may know, in order to reunificate a family member who is neither your wife, husband, son or daughter, you need to prove such a “dependance”. And to do this, you need to prove you have been sending him/her at least the 50% of the IPREM (public income index) of his country, in this case, Philippines, for one year. Besides, you need to wait for one year after getting your card for the first time.
Was this the case?
allan
October 26, 2018 @ 11:55 am
ive been living here in spain for almost 5 years. my brother is married and have two children. ive been sending him money for almost 5 years now. my question is. can i bring him here in spain. if so. what would be the necessary documents for him to be sure that he wont be rejected again. thank you in advance.
Javier Rodríguez
October 27, 2018 @ 6:19 pm
Hello Allan,
Where are you from?
At any event, the foreigner’s office or Spanish Consulate will require you to have been sending him the 50% of the IPREM (public income index) of his country for the last 12 months at least. This requirement is something difficult to find but we know from our experience.
Whether that is your case, we would be glad to assist you to apply for the visa or residence permit. Feel free to send us an email.
Thank you,
Javier
ahmeet kassim
October 4, 2018 @ 7:23 pm
Hello Javier,
My Wife and l got married a couple months ago and she is looking for a job in Germany. I want to go there to be with her. She has no job at the moment. And we want to make a family reunification. For this how much money do we need legally for a year.
Javier Rodríguez
October 5, 2018 @ 2:08 pm
Hello Ahmeet,
We only work on Spain, so I only know the Spanish immigration laws I am afraid.
Sorry for that.
Regards,
Javier
June
September 14, 2018 @ 10:01 am
Good Day,
Our son works and lives in Mallorca, and has permanent residency. We are his South African parents and he would like us to move over and live with him to help him raise his child and be involved grandparents.
He would be able to support us when our funds come to and end as we will not have enough money to be able to exist there indefinitely.
Apparently he has to prove he has supported us first for a year. This is not the case, as we get by without financial assistance in South Africa at the moment, but would have to have once we are there .
We could pay our own medical insurance cover for many years, and would live with him, so he will cover food expenses and we would not have any other living expenses. My husband is 79 and I am 63, so we know health cover for him will be costly.
Are there any other options open to us.
With current conditions in our country can we not be considered as asylum seekers?
Javier Rodríguez
September 14, 2018 @ 1:50 pm
Hello June,
Honestly he must support you for at least 12 months, as you said. And this support is basically sending you money (the 50% IPREM of South Africa every month).
Muhamed dukureh
July 10, 2020 @ 3:04 pm
Hello I’m in Gambia my mother and my father in more than 20 years I apply Visa in Senegal 2014 there are rejected me I don’t know why?
Javier Rodríguez
July 14, 2020 @ 5:04 pm
Hello Muhamed,
I am sorry but how can I know the reason instead? :/ The Spanish Consulate should have provided you a formal rejection where you can read the reasons.
Loukmaan
December 24, 2018 @ 1:23 am
Hi Javier Rodríguez My name is Loukmaan Vardienim a South African currently working in spain as an musician been doing seasonal work in.BARCELONA 2 seasons ,Mallorca 2 summer season ,and now currently working in fuerteventura Las palmas on a 3 years working contract.I have residency for 1 year and apparently I can renew it again closer to expired date. I want my wife and 7 month daughter to come and live with me as I dont want my daughter to grow up.without me and I want to give her the best I possibly can how do I go about it or how can you help me getting them to come.live with me in spain.
Javier Rodríguez
December 28, 2018 @ 2:48 pm
Hello June,
Apparently your wife and daughter could apply for a family reunification visa- Feel free to contact us for further information if you want.
Kind Regards.
Lisa rose harrison
January 26, 2022 @ 8:33 pm
Good day,
I am a British citizen but have permanent residency in Spain. I want to bring my South African husband here on a reunification visa. Due to Brexit and covid we have been faced with a lot of obstacles. I didn’t work a lot last year but I have a year working contract starting last December 21. So If ‘immigration’ look to my past and not the future it may look grim. I also live with my parents and daughter. We have done the housing report. I make enough money now to support him but not if they check my last 4 salaries, it’s not enough. Do you think I have a chance of an approved Visa at this moment in time? Or should I wait another year when I’ve accumulated more financial security?
Thank you so much
Lisa
Javier Rodríguez
January 27, 2022 @ 6:20 pm
Hello Lisa,
In my opinion, rather than the financial security, the main issue comes from Brexit and the Withdrawal Agreement, since you have lost your right to reunificate a family member as an EU citizen. Anyway, if you are working at the moment (in Spain), I would not worry about the economic requirements.
Kind Regards,
Javier R.