Family Reunification Visa Spain
Living in Spain is a popular choice for many UK citizens. It offers numerous areas of natural beauty, a warm climate, easy travel access to the UK, and a great location in which to raise a family. As such, many UK citizens choose to live and work in Spain, and to be joined by their close family members.
If you are a UK citizen living in Spain and want your close family members to join you, it is likely that they will require Family Reunification visas. However, applying for Spanish visas can often be time-consuming and complicated. In order to make the process as smooth as possible, contact Total Law online today, or on +44 (0) 333 305 9375 to learn more about how we can help with your family’s immigration journey.
Understanding the Family Reunification Visa for Spain
Spain’s Family Reunification visas are intended to help the immediate family members of non-Spanish residents join them in Spain. If you are a UK citizen living in Spain and would like for your family to join you, it is likely they will require Family Reunification visas.
If you are a neither a Spanish nor an EU citizen but you have legal residence in Spain, it is likely that only your immediate family members are eligible for this visa type.
This could mean your spouse or partner, your children, your dependant minor family members, or parents, depending on whether they satisfy the eligibility criteria. The exact conditions vary depending on the familial relationship in question.
In order for you to be eligible for your family members to join you, you will generally need to have lived legally in Spain for at least a year with a Residence permit and have been authorised to stay for a second year.
However, in some cases, it may not be necessary to wait for a year before reunification, for example if you are in Spain on one of the following visas:
- EU Blue Card
- Researcher visa
- Student visa
Alternatively, if your family member has been living in another EU country and has a Long-Term Residence permit for that EU country, they may also be eligible to join you without needing to wait for a year.
Note that, if any of the family members looking to join you are already citizens of Spain or another EU country, they will not require a visa in order to join you. Their EU citizenship means that they are authorised to live, work, and study in any EU country.
Similarly, if you yourself are an EU or Spanish citizen, you may be eligible to be joined by more extended family members, such as your siblings. In this case, you will generally need to prove that your extended family members are dependants.
Page Contents
- Understanding the Family Reunification Visa for Spain
- Who Qualifies for Spain Family Reunification Visa?
- Eligibility Requirements for Spain Family Visa
- Family Visa Application Process
- Required Documentation for Family Reunification Visa Application
- Fees Associated with the Family Reunification Visa
- Processing Time for Family Reunification Visa
- Does Family Reunification Provide A Route to Permanent Residence and Citizenship?
- How Can Total Law Help?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Who Qualifies for Spain Family Reunification Visa?
In general, the following categories of family member are eligible for Family Reunification visas:
- Your spouse or partner. Whilst you do not necessarily need to be married, your relationship must be sufficiently similar to marriage (e.g. cohabitation or shared finances)
- Your minor child(ren) or dependant adult child(ren). Note that adopted children are also eligible
- Minor dependant family members for whom you are the carer and legal representative
- Your parents
More information on the eligibility criteria for the different familial categories is given in the next section.
Note that, if you are a Spanish citizen, it may be possible for your more extended family members to join you in Spain. In this case, it may be possible for you to be joined by adult children, siblings, nieces or nephews, uncles or aunts, or relatives with a severe disability.
However, you will generally need to prove that the extended family member is financially dependent on you. You will also need to prove that you have the financial means to support them.
Eligibility Requirements for Spain Family Visa
Assuming that you have been a legal resident in Spain for at least a year and have a renewable Residence permit, or you are in Spain on one of the aforementioned visas which is eligible for immediate family reunification, you may be able to be joined by the following categories of family members:
Spouse
In order for your spouse to be eligible under this visa route, the following eligibility criteria will need to be satisfied:
- You must be able to demonstrate that your relationship is legitimate, not a relationship of convenience. Evidence of this could include proof of a shared bank account, rental agreement, or bills
- Whilst it is not necessary for you to be married under this route, you will need to prove that your relationship is sufficiently similar to marriage (e.g. cohabitation, shared finances, etc.)
Note that, if your spouse is a Spanish or EU citizen, they will not need a visa in order to join you in Spain.
Children
Under this route, any children of yours who are under 18 may be eligible to join you. The following criteria will need to be satisfied:
- The child will need to be under 18
- You must be able to prove your familial relationship to the child, i.e. provide their birth certificate and any other relevant family records
Note that the child will only be able to join you for the duration of your own legal residence in Spain.
It may also be possible for any dependant adult children to join you. In order to be eligible, you will need to demonstrate that your child is indeed dependant on you.
Additionally, any minor dependant family members for whom you are the carer and legal representative may also be eligible, assuming that you are able to provide sufficient evidence.
Parents
Your parents may be eligible for an Ascendant visa. In general, they will need to satisfy the following eligibility criteria:
- Be older than 65 years of age
- Be financially dependant on you (and have been for at least a year)
However, in some cases, exceptions may be made to these criteria on humanitarian grounds, for example if your parents are disabled and dependent on your care, are incapable of meeting their own needs, or lived with you as dependants before you moved to Spain. In such instances, your parents may be able to join you before they reach the age of 65, for example.
Family Visa Application Process
The application steps for a Spanish Family Reunification visa are generally as follows:
Firstly, you will need to gather the necessary documents for the application. You will need to prove your legal presence in Spain. Additionally, your family members will need to apply via their local Spanish consulate or embassy. In the UK, these can be found in London, Edinburgh, and Manchester.
Once the application has been submitted, it will then be processed. If it is successful, you family member will need to pick up their visa in person.
Once your family member arrives in Spain, they will need to apply for a Foreigner Identification Card within one month of arrival.
If the application is unsuccessful, they have the right to appeal the decision. However, the appeal must be submitted within one month of receiving the decision.
Required Documentation for Family Reunification Visa Application
The exact documents required for a Family Reunion visa will depend on the familial relationship in question. In general, you will require a combination of the following documents:
- Valid passport
- Visa application form
- Passport photos
- Sponsor’s Residence permit (i.e. if you are the sponsoring family member who is a legal resident in Spain, you will need to provide your Residence permit)
- Proof of familial relationship (this will vary based on the relationship in question, but is likely to include a birth certificate or marriage certificate, as applicable)
- Criminal record check certificate
- Medical certificate and Spanish health insurance
Your documents will need to be translated into Spanish by an authorised translation service.
Fees Associated with the Family Reunification Visa
The cost of a Spanish Family Reunification visa is generally €80. However, this may vary based on factors such as the applicant’s country of origin and the nature of the application in question.
There may also be other costs associated with the application, such as paying for Spanish health insurance.
In some cases, applicants also choose to pay for legal assistance in order to make the application as smooth as possible. Contact Total Law today on +44 (0) 333 305 9375 to learn more.
Processing Time for Family Reunification Visa
There is no fixed processing time for Family Reunification visa applications. However, applications can take a number of months to be processed. The exact amount of time depends on numerous factors, such as whether your application is submitted correctly.
As processing times vary, you should make sure to submit any applications in a timely manner, and to promptly provide any additional information which is requested.
At Total Law, we offer a Fast Track package, where we help you to submit your application as quickly as possible. Contact us today on +44 (0) 333 305 9375 to learn more.
Does Family Reunification Provide A Route to Permanent Residence and Citizenship?
In order to be eligible for Spanish permanent residence, you will generally need to legally reside in Spain as a resident for at least 5 years. If your family members satisfy this condition, they may be eligible for Spanish permanent settlement.
For Spanish citizenship, the required period of legal residence increases to ten years. Once again, if your family members satisfy this condition, they may be eligible for Spanish citizenship.
Note that Family Reunification visas are dependent on the sponsor’s own legal residence in Spain. As such, if your own legal residence in Spain expires before the 5 or 10 year marks have been reached, neither you nor your family member(s) will be eligible for permanent residence or citizenship, respectively.
If you or your family members do successfully secure Spanish citizenship, this comes with a range of benefits. For example, you will be eligible to vote in Spanish elections and apply for a Spanish passport. Being a citizen of Spain also automatically grants EU citizenship, meaning you can live, work, and study in any EU country without requiring a visa.
How Can Total Law Help?
If you are a UK citizen who is a legal resident in Spain, it may be possible for your close family members to join you. Spain is a thriving and vibrant country with much to offer couples and families, and many British residents in Spain choose to pursue Spanish family reunification.
However, applying for Family Reunification visas can often be a long and confusing process. At Total Law, our legal experts are adept at helping clients like you make the application process as smooth as possible. Contact us online today, or on +44 (0) 333 305 9375 to learn more about our full range of services, including our Fast Track package, our Appeal package, and our Advice package.
Advice Package
Comprehensive immigration advice tailored to your circumstances and goals.
Application Package
Designed to make your visa application as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Fast Track Package
Premium application service that ensures your visa application is submitted to meet your deadline.
Appeal Package
Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal. We will represent you in any case.
The Advice Package
During this untimed Advice Session with our professional immigration lawyers in London, you will receive our comprehensive advice, completely tailored to your needs and your situation.
The Application Package
With our Application Package, your dedicated immigration lawyer will advise you on your application process and eligibility. Your caseworker will then complete and submit your forms to the Home Office on your behalf.
The Fast Track Package
Our Fast-Track Application Package is a premium service for those who need to submit their application in time with their deadlines. Your case will become a top priority for our lawyers and you will benefit from our highest-quality services.
The Appeal Package
By choosing our Appeal Package, you can rely on our lawyers’ legal knowledge and experience to ensure you have the highest chance of a successful appeal. We will also fully represent you in any hearings/tribunals.
Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
In the case of both unmarried and same-sex partners, family reunification should be possible. If you and your partner are not married, you will need to provide evidence that your relationship is sufficiently similar to marriage, e.g. cohabitation or shared finances.
If you have dependant adult children, it should be possible for them to join you even though they are no longer minors. However, you will need to provide sufficient evidence of their dependant status and of your ability to support them.
Yes, family members over 16 years old will be authorised to work when in Spain on a Family Reunification visa. They can do so without needing to apply for a separate Work visa. They are also authorised to study in Spain and to access welfare benefits.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Total Law before making any decisions based on the content provided.