Step-by-Step Guide to Family Reunification

Family reunification allows foreign residents in Spain to bring their family members to live with them legally. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, from eligibility requirements to final approval.

Who Can Apply for Family Reunification?

To sponsor family members, you must:

• Have legal residence in Spain for at least one year
• Demonstrate sufficient financial means to support your family
• Have adequate housing that meets health and safety standards
• Not have a criminal record in Spain

Eligible Family Members

You can typically bring:

• Spouse or registered partner
• Children under 18 (or over 18 if disabled)
• Dependent parents (in certain circumstances)
• Other dependent relatives (with proof of dependency)

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Collect all necessary documents for both the sponsor and family members:

• Valid passports for all family members
• Sponsor's residency permit and NIE
• Proof of financial means (bank statements, employment contract)
• Housing documentation (property deed, rental contract)
• Marriage certificate (for spouse)
• Birth certificates (for children)
• Criminal record certificates
• Medical certificates
• Health insurance coverage

Step 2: Submit Application

The sponsor submits the family reunification application to Spanish immigration authorities. This can be done:

• In person at the immigration office
• Online through the electronic registry
• By mail with certified delivery

Step 3: Application Review

Spanish authorities will review your application, which typically takes 3-6 months. During this time, they may:

• Request additional documentation
• Schedule interviews
• Verify housing conditions
• Conduct background checks

Step 4: Visa Application

Once approved, family members must apply for entry visas at Spanish consulates in their countries of residence. They will need:

• Approval letter from Spanish authorities
• Valid passport
• Visa application form
• Medical certificate
• Criminal record certificate
• Passport-sized photographs

Step 5: Arrival in Spain

After receiving visas, family members can travel to Spain. Within 30 days of arrival, they must:

• Complete residency registration (empadronamiento)
• Apply for their residency cards (TIE)
• Register with social security if they will work

Financial Requirements

The sponsor must demonstrate sufficient income:

• First family member: 100% of IPREM (approximately €600/month)
• Each additional family member: 50% of IPREM (approximately €300/month)

These amounts are in addition to the sponsor's own financial requirements.

Housing Requirements

Your accommodation must:

• Have sufficient space for all family members
• Meet health and safety standards
• Have a habitability certificate (certificado de habitabilidad)
• Be your primary residence

Timeline

The entire process typically takes:

• Application processing: 3-6 months
• Visa application: 1-3 months
• Residency card issuance: 1-2 months after arrival

Total timeline: 5-11 months from initial application to final residency cards.

Common Challenges

• Insufficient financial documentation: Ensure clear proof of income
• Housing issues: Obtain habitability certificate early
• Document translation: Plan ahead for translation and legalization
• Processing delays: Submit complete applications to avoid delays

Rights of Family Members

Once in Spain, family members have the right to:

• Live and study in Spain
• Work without needing a separate work permit
• Access public healthcare
• Travel within the Schengen Area
• Apply for permanent residency after 5 years

Tips for Success

• Start gathering documents early
• Ensure all documents are properly translated and legalized
• Maintain clear communication with authorities
• Keep copies of all submitted documents
• Consider working with experienced immigration professionals

Need Professional Help?

Family reunification can be a complex process. Our team at EUROINVERSIA GESTION 2000 SL has extensive experience helping families reunite in Spain. We handle everything from document preparation to final approval.