Family Reunification Visa Overview
The Family Reunification Visa, or autorización de residencia por reagrupación familiar, is a Spain Visa pathway that allows a non-EU national legally residing in Spain to bring close family members to join them. Under the current framework set by Real Decreto 1155/2024, eligible sponsors include holders of work visas, non-lucrative visas, freelance visas, and students with long-term permits, though students may face more scrutiny proving sufficient income. Eligible family members include spouses (including same-sex marriages, fully recognised in Spain), registered partners (pareja de hecho, or with at least 12 months of documented cohabitation as an alternative), children under 18, and, under stricter conditions, dependent parents aged 65 or over. The sponsor must meet an income threshold of 150% of the IPREM and demonstrate adequate housing. Since RD 1155/2024, spouses, registered partners, and children over 16 generally receive automatic work authorisation alongside their reunification permit. Approval is decided solely by the relevant Spanish authorities and consulate.
Eligibility
You may apply for a Spain Family Reunification Visa if:
- You have an eligible family member who is legally residing in Spain and meets the requirements to sponsor your application.
- You can provide valid proof of your relationship with the sponsoring family member, such as a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or other supporting documents.
- Your sponsor can demonstrate sufficient financial means and suitable accommodation, where required by the Spanish authorities.
- You have valid health insurance, if applicable, and meet the applicable immigration requirements.
- You can provide a valid passport and all supporting documents required for the Family Reunification Visa application.
- You meet the eligibility criteria established by the Spanish immigration authorities for family reunification.
The primary purpose of your stay should be to reunite with an eligible family member residing in Spain. Your relationship documents, sponsor’s supporting evidence, financial documentation, and other required records should clearly demonstrate your eligibility under Spain’s Family Reunification Visa requirements
Government Visa Fees
| Fee Type | Government Fee (EUR) |
| Visa Fee, per Family Member | Varies by nationality; confirm at exteriores.gob.es |
| TIE Residence Card Fee, per Family Member (after arrival) | Approx. €16 |
Consulate fees for this category vary by nationality and are not uniformly published; some nationalities pay significantly more than others under reciprocity-based fee schedules. Each family member requires a separate visa application and fee. Fees are generally non-refundable, even if the application is refused. Information may vary depending on individual circumstances; confirm the current fee directly with your Spanish consulate.
Family Reunification Visa Processing Time
Processing time for the Spain Family Reunification Visa typically takes 4 to 8 months from start to finish, covering the sponsor’s initial application to the Foreigners’ Office in Spain, followed by each family member’s visa application at the Spanish consulate abroad, which itself generally takes 2 to 3 months. Because the process involves demonstrating income, housing, and relationship evidence for each family member individually, incomplete or inconsistent documentation is a common cause of delay. Applicants should ensure the sponsor’s own residence permit is valid or has a pending renewal application before starting the reunification process, since an expired permit without a renewal application will result in denial.
Required Documents Checklist
Document requirements may vary depending on individual circumstances and the consulate processing the application.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Important Notes
Why Choose Shivansh Consultants
The Spain Family Reunification Visa involves a multi-phase process with strict income, housing, and relationship documentation requirements under Real Decreto 1155/2024. Shivansh Consultants offers documentation support to help the sponsor demonstrate qualifying income and prepare each family member’s application correctly. Our personalised guidance is tailored to your specific family composition, whether spouse, children, or dependent parents. With a transparent process and experienced visa consultants, we provide end-to-end assistance throughout your Spain Visa journey, without ever guaranteeing approval.