Family Reunification in Spain for non-EU residents

When relocating international employees to Spain, questions often come up about how and when their family members can join them. Spain’s family reunification process offers a way for certain non-EU relatives to legally live and work in the country alongside the main applicant. For employers supporting international hires, understanding this option can make a real difference, especially when family stability is a factor in accepting a job offer or staying long-term.

What Is the Family Reunification Residence Permit?

Family reunification in Spain allows non-European residents with a valid residence permit to bring their close family members to the country. This process gives the family member the right to live and work in Spain.

This permit does not apply to family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, who follow a different process.

To begin, the sponsor must have lived legally in Spain for at least one year and already applied to renew their permit for another year. Some exceptions apply to long-term residents, EU Blue Card holders, and special researchers, who may not need to wait the full year.

The sponsor also needs to show that the family member they’re bringing depends on them financially.

Who Can Apply for Family Reunification?

a) Spouse	Must not be legally or informally separated Only one spouse can be brought, even if multiple marriages are allowed in the home country If remarried, the sponsor must show previous marriages were legally ended and responsibilities toward former spouses and children are met
b) Unmarried Partner	Must have a stable relationship like marriage, shown by: A registered partnership that is still valid, or Proof of a long-term relationship before moving to Spain
c) Children (biological or adopted)	Must be under 18 or have a disability that makes them dependent If only one parent is applying, they must have full custody or main care of the child Adoption must be recognized under Spanish law
d) Legal Dependents	Minors or dependent adults under the sponsor’s legal guardianship, as recognized by Spanish law
e) Parents (of the sponsor or their spouse/partner)	Must be first-degree relatives, over 65, and financially dependent Younger parents may be accepted in humanitarian cases such as disability or cohabitation in the country of origin

Application Requirements

General Conditions

The sponsor and family member must not be citizens of the EU/EEA/Switzerland or related to citizens of these countries in a way that falls under EU rules
The applicant must not have a criminal record in Spain or previous countries of residence
The applicant must not be banned from entering Spain or listed as inadmissible by countries with related agreements
The family member cannot apply if the sponsor is still within a voluntary return period to Spain

Documents From the Sponsor

Valid ID or passport
Proof of enough income to support the family member (e.g., work contract, payslips, tax returns)
Health insurance (if not covered by Social Security)
A housing report showing suitable living conditions
A signed statement confirming the sponsor does not live with another spouse or partner (if reuniting with a partner or child)

Documents From the Family Member

Valid passport (at least 4 months before expiry)
Criminal record certificate (if over legal age), covering the last 5 years
Documents proving the family relationship (e.g., birth or marriage certificates)
Medical certificate showing no illnesses that affect public health
Foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and translated into Spanish if needed

Housing Requirements

The sponsor must show they have adequate housing. This is done through a housing report from the regional government (or sometimes the City Council). The report must be sent to the Immigration Office within 30 days. If it’s not issued in time, the sponsor can prove housing conditions by other legal means.

The report should include:

Proof of home ownership or rental agreement
Number of rooms and how they’re used
Number of people living there
Basic living and hygiene conditions

Application Process

The sponsor applies at the Immigration Office in their area
In some cases (such as long-term EU residents), the family member can apply directly from Spain

Processing Time

The administration has 45 days to respond from the day the application is registered
In practice, the process usually takes 6 to 9 months
Approval depends on the visa being issued and legal entry into Spain with that visa

Visa Process for the Family Member

Applying for the Visa

Once approved, the family member has two months to apply for the visa at the Spanish consulate in their home country
In special cases, a legal representative can apply on their behalf—this is always allowed for minors
The visa will be denied if the applicant is already in Spain without legal status

Reasons for Denial

Not meeting the requirements
Submitting false documents or incorrect information
Legal reasons not previously detected

Collecting the Visa and Applying for the TIE

If approved, the visa must be picked up within two months
If not collected, the application is closed
After arriving in Spain, the family member has one month to apply for the residency card (TIE) at the Police Station or Immigration Office

Conclusion

For employers hiring or relocating international staff, family reunification can offer stability and peace of mind. By helping employees bring their loved ones to Spain, companies can improve long-term retention and make relocation a more appealing option.

Hiring international talent in Spain?

Jobbatical supports businesses with immigration and relocation for employees and their families. Contact us to learn how we can help with reunification applications, permits, and compliance in Spain.

No FAQs Found

Was this helpful?

Yes No