Reunification of ascendants
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- Reunification of ascendants
Reunification with parents or parents-in-law in Spain follows different rules depending on the citizenship of the applicant and on the grounds for reunification. The Firm identifies the applicable route and handles the entire procedure, from gathering the documents in the country of origin to the issue of the residence document.
The available routes
| Route | Applicant | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|
| Dependent ascendant | Italian citizen or citizen of another Member State of the Union | Economic dependence of the ascendant, as a rule proved by regular remittances |
| Ascendant in need of care | Italian citizen or citizen of another Member State of the Union | Serious health grounds or disability requiring the personal care of the family member |
| Ascendant of a Spanish citizen | Spanish citizen | Dependent ascendant without family support in the country of origin, or humanitarian grounds |
| General regime | Non-EU citizen who is a long-term resident | Dependent ascendant aged over 65 |
Dependent ascendant of a citizen of the Union
Dependent ascendants of the citizen of the Union or of the spouse are family members within the meaning of art. 2 of Real Decreto 240/2007 and obtain the residence card for a family member of a citizen of the Union, without age limits. Economic dependence is as a rule proved by the money transfers of the last twelve months and by documentation on the ascendant's income in the country of origin.
Ascendant in need of care
Art. 2 bis of Real Decreto 240/2007 permits, subject to an individual and reasoned assessment, reunification with a family member who, on serious health grounds or owing to disability, requires the personal care of the citizen of the Union. Specialist medical reports, bearing an apostille and translated, are required, together with proof that no alternative care is available in the country of origin.
Ascendant of a Spanish citizen
Since 20 May 2025 the ascendants of Spanish citizens obtain the specific residence authorisation provided for by articles 93-99 of Real Decreto 1155/2024, through a procedure free of charge and with a time limit for decision of two months.
General regime
A non-EU citizen holding long-term residence may be reunited with dependent ascendants aged over 65, subject to the family reunification requirements as to financial means (150% of the IPREM for two persons) and housing. The procedure comprises the authorisation in Spain and the visa at the Spanish consulate in the country of origin.
Timescales and costs
The time limit for a decision is three months for the card for a family member of a citizen of the Union and two months for the authorisation under the general regime and for family members of Spanish citizens. The Firm issues a detailed, no-obligation quote; official fees and the costs of the consular visa are not included in the professional fees.
Immigration procedures in Spain
Sources: Real Decreto 240/2007, arts. 2, 2 bis and 8 · Real Decreto 1155/2024, arts. 66-68 and 93-99 · Ley Orgánica 4/2000, art. 17. Information only, updated September 2026.