Family Reunification Visa in Spain

Who it is for

This service is for people from outside the EU who want to join a family member living legally in the country, and get the right to live there too. The family member may be an EU citizen or a non-EU citizen with legal residence. It may interest British citizens after Brexit if either partner can get an Irish or other EU passport through a parent or grandparent born in an EU country.

Who can qualify

• Husband, wife or registered partner. Unmarried partners may also qualify if they can prove they lived together in a stable way before the family member settled in the country.
• Children, including adopted children, under 18, or older if a disability means they cannot support themselves.
• Parents of the family member or of their partner, if over 65, dependent on them and with good reasons to live in the country. In special cases, younger parents may be allowed on humanitarian grounds.

How it works

The family member already living in the country starts the application at a visa centre or at the foreigners' office or police station that deals with immigration. Documents usually include:

• A visa application form, a valid passport and a recent photo.
• The first family reunification permit issued by the Spanish authorities.
• The family member's residence card.
• A criminal record certificate, if needed, and a medical certificate.
• Proof of the family link, such as marriage or birth certificates.

Fees depend on your country of origin, usually between $50 and $150. It usually takes around 2 to 3 months to get a decision.

What it can bring

• The right to live and work in the country without a separate work visa.
• In some cases, keeping the right to stay after divorce or separation.
• A possible route to permanent residence later.

What the service includes

• Checking whether you qualify.
• Help with the application form and gathering documents.
• Help getting the permits and papers needed from the authorities.
• Dealing with the visa centre or immigration office for you.
• Support if problems come up, and regular updates on progress.
• Explaining your rights and duties as a family member.
• Later help with renewals and with applying for permanent residence when you can.