Family Reunification in Spain: Unite Your Family Legally
If you are a legal resident in Spain, you have the right to bring your loved ones. Discover the requirements, deadlines, and the step-by-step procedure to obtain residence authorization for family reunification in 2026.
Updated
2026 Regulation
Procedures Managed in Collaboration with
What is Family Reunification?
Family reunification is an immigration procedure that allows non-EU foreign citizens, with legal residence in Spain, to request the entry and residence of their immediate family members. This right is fundamental to guarantee family unity and social integration in the country.
Unlike family members of European Union citizens (who are governed by the community regime), general family reunification applies to those who possess a temporary residence or permanent residence in Spanish territory.
"In 2026, the criteria for demonstrating financial solvency have been adjusted to reflect the current cost of living, facilitating access for families with dependent minors while maintaining rigor in the accreditation of adequate housing."
Main Requirements for the Sponsor
To initiate the process successfully, the applicant (sponsor) must comply with a series of strict conditions.
Minimum Legal Residence
The sponsor must have legally resided in Spain for at least one year and have applied for or possess authorization to reside for at least another year. If you wish to reunite your parents (ascendants), you generally need to have long-term residence.
- Having renewed the initial residence.
- Current residence card.
Adequate Housing
You must prove that you have a dwelling that meets the habitability conditions for your family.
Requires a Housing Availability Report issued by the City Hall or Autonomous Community.
Learn more about the censusEconomic Means
Have sufficient income to cover the family's expenses. It is calculated based on the IPREM.
Criminal Records
Both the sponsor and those over 18 years of age to be reunited must have no criminal record.
Healthcare
Have health assistance covered by Social Security or private health insurance.
Which family members can you bring?
Not all family members are eligible for this specific process. Spanish law limits reunification to the closest members of the family nucleus.
Spouse or Civil Partner
The person with whom you maintain a marital relationship or an analogous affective relationship (registered). It is not allowed to reunite more than one spouse or partner, even if the foreigner's personal law allows it.
Requirements for civil partnership →Sons and Daughters
Children of the sponsor and the spouse (including adopted children), provided they are:
- - Under 18 years old.
- - Adults with disabilities who are not objectively capable of providing for their own needs.
Ascendants (Parents or In-laws)
Your parents or those of your spouse/partner, when they are in your care and there are reasons that justify the need to authorize their residence in Spain.
- • The sponsor must have Long-Term Residence.
- • The ascendant must be over 65 years old (except for humanitarian exceptions).
2026 Financial Means Simulator
Calculate how much money you must demonstrate based on the number of family members.
The calculation is based on 150% of the IPREM for units of two members (you + 1 family member) and an additional 50% for each extra member.
Estimated Result
Minimum annual amount to demonstrate through contract or savings.
The Step-by-Step Procedure
Application in Spain
The sponsor submits the application at the Immigration Office. You can do it online with your Digital Certificate.
Resolution time: 45-90 days.
Visa at the Consulate
After approval in Spain, the family member has 2 months to request the visa at the Consulate of Spain in their country of origin.
Requires medical and criminal certificates.
Entry into Spain
With the stamped visa, the family member enters Spain. They have 3 months to do so from the visa issuance.
Don't forget to stamp the passport upon entry.
Fingerprinting
Within 1 month from entry, the Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) must be requested.
It is the final physical document.
Mandatory Documentation (Checklist)
Official Form EX-02
In duplicate, duly completed and signed by the sponsor.
Full passport copy
Of both the sponsor and the family member to be reunited (current).
Proof of family relationship
Marriage certificate, birth certificate, or registration as a civil partner, apostilled or legalized.
Employment contract / Economic means
Last 6 payslips, current contract, or income tax return.
Information on the Right to Work
One of the greatest advantages of family reunification in 2026 is that the residence authorization of the reunited family member authorizes them to work without the need for any additional procedure before the Immigration Office.
Spouses
Authorized to work for an employer or as self-employed.
Children > 16 years
Can legally work at the working age.
*Note: Reunited ascendants generally do not have an automatic work permit, as their residence is based on economic dependence on the sponsor.
"Thanks to this guide, I was able to bring my wife and children in less than 6 months."
Ahmed R.
Resident in Barcelona since 2022
98%
Success rate following the steps
+4500
Procedures advised this year
Frequently Asked Questions about Reunification
Can I reunite my parents if I only have temporary residence?
+How long does the Consulate take to grant the visa?
+What happens if my reunification is denied due to lack of economic means?
+Can I reunite my brother?
+Official Sources and Regulations
Do you need help with your application?
Avoid errors that could cause a denial. Our team of experts reviews your documentation to ensure the success of the procedure.