Visa Family Reunification, migrate with family to Spain

Bringing your family to Spain is a real possibility thanks to family reunification. In this article, we will explore who can apply for it and the necessary requirements to do so. 

In Spain, many foreign citizens residing legally, but sometimes they are separated from their loved ones. In this situation, Spanish regulations contemplate the option of family reunification, a temporary residence authorization for the relatives of foreigners. Family reunification of a pathway that allows foreign residents to reunite with their loved ones on Spanish soil. In this article, we will explore how this option facilitates families living together in Spain. 

Who can apply for family reunification? 

Relatives who can be reunited include: 

• The spouse or common-law partner
• Children under 18 years of age of the resident and their spouse or partner, as well as adult children over 18 with disabilities
• The parent of the resident or their spouse o common law-partner

What are the benefits of the Visa for Family Reunification? 

• Family reunification: the main advantage of obtaining the Visa for Family Reunification is the possibility of reuniting with your close relatives who are already legally in Spain
• Access to social and health services: once you obtain the Visa for Family Reunification, the reunited family member has access to social and health services in Spain
• Right to work: family members who obtain the Vusa for Family Reunification have the right to apply for a work permit in Spain. 
• Cultural integration: by living together in Spain, families have the opportunity to integrate into Spanish society, learn the language and local culture, and fully participate in community life 

These benefits make the Visa for Family Reunification an attractive option for those who wish to live with their loved ones in Spain. 

What are the requirements for the sponsor? 

For foreign citizens residing legally in Spain to apply for a family reunification, they must have resided in Spain for at least one year and have the permit renewed or in the process of renewal. In turn, the following conditions must be met. 

• Not being a citizen or family member of a citizen of the EU, the EEA, or Switzerland
• Having no criminal record in Spain
• Not being denied entry to Spain or being rejectable in countries with corresponding agreements
• Not being in a period of commitment not to return to Spain
• To reunite a child, a temporary residence authorization is needed if the initial card has already been renewed or is in process
• Tu reunite ascendants, permanent or long-term residence is required
• Having sufficient economic means to meet family needs. For example, for a family unit of two members, 150% of the monthly IPREM is required, increasing with each additional member

How are economic means accredited? 

Usually, through an employment contract, work activity, or demonstrable economic resources. 

For family units including two members (sponsor and sponsored), a monthly amount of 150% of the IPREM is required, which in 2024 amounts to 900 euros. For each additional member, 50% of the IPREM must be added, meaning 300 euros per additional family member. 

This amount may be reduced when circumstances warrant such reduction in accordance with the principle of the best interest of the child. Likewise, the amount could be reduced in the reunification of other relatives for humanitarian reasons. 

In addition to having sufficient economic resources, adequate housing is needed, verified through a habitability report issued by a technician or social worker. 

Where is reunification requested? 

The application process consists of two steps, which are analyzed below. 

1. Family reunification application

It is the sponsor who must initiate the family reunification application so that the Spanish authorities can evaluate and approve it. The application can be initiated at the immigration office, in person, or electronically with a digital certificate and through the corresponding platform. 

Once the application is submitted, immigration authorities have a legal deadline to process and resolve it within 45 days. If this period elapses without notification of the resolution, it may be understood to have been dismissed by administrative silence. It is important to note that some applications may take a little longer than the mentioned period, regardless of the workload of immigration authorities. 

2. Visa for Family reunification application 

Once the Residence Authorization for Family Reunification is approved, the reunited family member, i.e., the family member who wants to live in Spain, must go to the Spanish Consulate corresponding to their domicile and apply for the corresponding family reunification visa. 

It is important to note that the reunited family member has two months from the notification of the family reunification approval to process the visa. 

When applying for the family reunification visa, the reunited family members will need to submit the following documents. 

• Valid passport with a minimum validity of four months
• Federal criminal record certificate from the countries where the reunited family member has resided in the last five years
• Medical certificate
• Original documentation proving family ties
• Proof of residence in the country where the visa application is made

Once the Visa for Family Reunification application is submitted, the consulate has a maximum period of 2 months to resolve it. Upon notification of the visa approval, the reunited family member must personally collect it within 2 months from the date of notification. 

Once the Visa for Family Reunification is collected, the reunited family members must enter Spain within 3 months. 

At Gentile Law, we have a team of experts in Immigration Law to advise you throughout the family reunification process, guaranteeing a service of excellence, loyalty, and results.