What Is the Family Reunification Visa in Spain
A family reunification visa in Spain allows non-EU citizens who hold a valid Spanish residence permit to bring certain family members to Spain so that they can live together.
This visa, once granted, usually comes with a residence permit (and often the right to work, depending on relationship) for the family member.
Eligible Family Members
Typically, the family members eligible for reunification include:
- The spouse (not separated legally or de facto)
- Children under 18 (or older if disabled/unable to be self-sufficient)
- Dependent parents (in many cases if over age 65 and economically dependent; sometimes under 65 in special/humanitarian cases)
Key Requirements & Conditions
To successfully apply, both the sponsor (the person already legally resident in Spain) and the family member must satisfy certain conditions.
Sponsor Requirements
- Must hold a valid Spanish residence permit (renewed at least once) and generally have resided legally in Spain for at least one year before applying.
- Must demonstrate sufficient economic means / income to support the dependent(s). The requirement often refers to a multiple of IPREM (Spanish public income indicator) plus extra for each family member.
- Must have adequate housing that complies with Spanish standards (size, habitability, services).
- No serious criminal record, and must meet public health / legal requirements.
Family Member Requirements
- Valid passport, photos, and proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.)
- Medical certificate declaring no diseases posing public health risk (issued in recent months)
- Criminal record certificate for adults (no serious past convictions), legalized/apostilled and translated if needed.
- Documents legalized / apostilled and translated into Spanish (for foreign documents)
Application Process & Timeline
- Apply in Spain (sponsor) The sponsor must file for the Authorization for Initial Family Reunification at the Spanish immigration office (Oficina de Extranjería) in the province where they live.
- Wait for Authorization Decision This may take a few months.
- Consular Visa Application (family abroad) Once authorization is granted, the family member applies for the visa at the Spanish consulate in their home country. They submit required documents, biometric data, and visa fee.
- Entry to Spain & Further Steps After arrival, the family member usually needs to apply for a Foreign Identity Card (TIE) within a month. Also register with local town hall (empadronamiento).
- Validity & Renewal The residence permit granted via family reunification may be valid for one year initially, then renewable. After years of legal residence, the family member may become eligible for permanent residence.
Processing from consulate to visa decision may take up to 1–2 months in many cases, depending on the consulate.
How Dogpay Can Help with Financial & Payment Steps
In the family reunification process, there are many payments, cross-border transfers, and financial requirements involved. Dogpay can play a useful role in making these smoother, more transparent, and less costly:
- Visa / Application / Document Fees Fees for consular visas, document translation, legalization, and courier services often need to be paid across borders. Dogpay lets you see exchange rates and fees up front and ensures payments land correctly.
- Proof of Financial Means / Support Transfers You may need to demonstrate that the sponsor has transferred money or paid for expenses of the family member (showing economic support). Dogpay’s clean transaction records help you build that proof.
- Housing Setup & Deposit Payments If the family member arrives and needs housing deposit, rent in advance, or furnishing costs, Dogpay helps you remit funds internationally while minimizing hidden costs or markups.
- Health / Medical / Insurance Payment Transfers Health checks, medical examinations, private health insurance premiums may require payments from abroad. Dogpay helps make such payments reliably and traceably.
- Recurring & Renewal Fees To renew residence permits, pay administrative fees, or maintain legal status, payments will be needed over time. Dogpay allows you to schedule or manage them with transparency and fewer delays.
- Receipts & Audit Trail for Authorities Spanish immigration offices or consulates may require proof of payments, transaction history, or support documentation. Dogpay supplies exportable logs and receipt records to support your application dossier.
