Family reunification in Spain

A non-EU citizen lawfully resident in Spain may apply for reunification with their family members. The procedure comprises two stages, in Spain and at the Spanish consulate in the country of origin. The Firm assists the applicant at both stages.

Family members eligible for reunification

• the spouse aged over 18, not separated;
• the partner aged over 18, registered in a public register or in a durable relationship attested by at least twelve months of cohabitation (not required where there are children in common);
• children under the age of 18, or adult children with a disability or not self-sufficient for health reasons;
• minors under the legal representation of the applicant;
• dependent first-degree ascendants aged over 65, including those of the spouse or partner, where there are reasons justifying residence in Spain; below the age of 65, only on humanitarian grounds.

Requirements for the applicant

• Lawful residence in Spain for at least one year and an application for renewal for at least a further year; the family member's authorisation is granted after the applicant's own authorisation has actually been renewed.
• Financial means of at least 150% of the IPREM (the Spanish public income reference index) for a household of two persons, increased by 50% of the IPREM for each additional member; social assistance benefits are not taken into account.
• Adequate housing, attested by the informe de vivienda (housing report) of the Comunidad Autónoma or of the town hall.
• Health insurance for all family members.

In the case of ascendants, dependence is presumed, among other cases, where they are over 80 years of age or where in the preceding year the applicant has sent them funds amounting to at least 51% of the gross domestic product per capita of the country of origin.

Two-stage procedure

• Authorisation: the applicant submits the application (form EX-02) to the Oficina de Extranjería or electronically. The time limit for a decision is two months; if no reply is given, the application is deemed rejected.
• Visa: within two months of notification the family member applies for a visa at the competent Spanish consulate, which decides within one month.
• Entry and card: once the visa has been collected and entry has taken place, the family member applies for the foreign national identity card (TIE) within one month.

Duration and independent status

The authorisation expires on the same date as that of the applicant, with a minimum of one year; a renewal is valid for four years. The spouse or partner may obtain independent residence, among other cases, after one year if they have their own means or employment.

Costs

The official fees currently amount to €10.94 for the initial authorisation and €16.08 for the first TIE card; the costs of the consular visa are payable in addition. The Firm issues a detailed, no-obligation quote.

Immigration procedures in Spain

Sources: Ley Orgánica 4/2000, arts. 16-19 · Real Decreto 1155/2024, arts. 40, 65-71 and 196 · Orden PJC/617/2025 · Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones, information sheet no. 8. Information only, updated September 2026.