The Family Reunification Visa allows non-EU/EEA citizens who are legally residing in Spain to bring their family members to live with them. This visa is typically granted to spouses, children, and dependent relatives. The process involves the resident in Spain applying for a reunification permit before the family member can apply for a visa.
Eligibility
- Who Can Apply: A non-EU/EEA resident who has been living legally in Spain for at least one year and holds a valid residence permit can apply to bring the following family members:
- Spouse or registered partner
- Minor children (under 18 years) or dependent adult children with disabilities
- Dependent parents or grandparents (only in some cases, usually for long-term residents)
Application for Reunification Permit (By the Resident in Spain)
- Submit Application: The resident in Spain must submit an application for family reunification (Autorización de Reagrupación Familiar) at the local immigration office (Oficina de Extranjería).
- Required Documents:
- Residence Permit: A copy of the resident’s valid residence permit.
- Proof of Relationship: Documents proving the family relationship, such as marriage certificate, birth certificates, or adoption papers, legalized and translated into Spanish.
- Proof of Financial Means: Evidence that the resident has sufficient financial resources to support the family members. This could include bank statements, employment contracts, and tax returns.
- Proof of Accommodation: A document proving that the resident has adequate housing for the family members, such as a rental agreement or property deed.
- Health Insurance: Proof of health insurance that covers the family members.
- Criminal Record Certificate: The resident may need to provide a certificate proving they have no criminal record in Spain or their home country.
- Processing Time: The immigration office typically takes 1 to 3 months to process the application.
- Resolution: Once approved, the resident will receive a family reunification authorization, which is sent to the Spanish consulate in the family member’s home country.
Application for Family Reunification Visa (By the Family Member)
- Visa Application: The family member must apply for a family reunification visa at the Spanish consulate or embassy in their home country.
- Required Documents:
- Visa Application Form: Complete the national visa application form.
- Passport: A valid passport with at least one blank page for the visa sticker.
- Passport Photos: Two recent passport-sized photos (3.5 x 4.5 cm) that meet Spanish visa requirements.
- Reunification Authorization: A copy of the family reunification authorization from the Spanish authorities.
- Proof of Relationship: Legalized and translated documents proving the family relationship, such as marriage certificate or birth certificates.
- Medical Certificate: A document issued by a licensed doctor stating that the family member does not suffer from any diseases that could pose a threat to public health.
- Criminal Record Certificate: A certificate from the home country (and any other countries where the family member has lived in the past 5 years) showing that they do not have a criminal record.
- Proof of Payment of Visa Fee: The visa fee, which is usually around €60-80, depending on the nationality.
- Submit Application: The family member submits their visa application along with the required documents to the Spanish consulate.
- Processing Time: The processing time for the family reunification visa is usually between 1 to 3 months.
Travel to Spain
- Visa Issuance: Once the visa is approved, the family member will receive a visa sticker in their passport. They must enter Spain within the validity period of the visa.
- Entry and Registration: Upon arrival in Spain, the family member must apply for a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) at the local police station within 30 days. This card serves as their residence permit in Spain.
Additional Steps
- Working and Studying: Family members who receive a residence permit through family reunification are generally allowed to work and study in Spain.
- Visa Renewal: The family member’s residence permit will need to be renewed before it expires, usually in conjunction with the renewal of the sponsor’s residence permit.
- Permanent Residency: After five years of legal residence, the family member may be eligible to apply for permanent residency.
Important Considerations:
- Language Requirement: There is no specific language requirement for the family reunification visa, but learning Spanish can be beneficial for integration.
- Documentation: Ensure all documents are properly legalized and translated into Spanish, as required by Spanish authorities.