Family Odyssey: How Foreigners Can Bring Their Loved Ones to Spain

The issue of family reunification in Spain remains one of the most pressing concerns for foreigners residing in the country. The process allows legally inviting a spouse, children, parents, and other dependent relatives. However, many face a number of difficulties: the variety of regimes, strict requirements for documents, financial and housing conditions, as well as long waiting times. This article provides an analytical overview of the main provisions, requirements, and practical recommendations to minimize the potential applicant's pains and successfully complete the family reunification procedure.

1. General Provisions and Target Groups

Family reunification in Spain is an immigration procedure in which a foreign resident can invite their close relatives to live permanently. The law provides for two main regimes:

• Simplified regime for families with Spanish citizens and citizens of other EU countries. Here the procedure is considerably simplified: a minimum package of documents and proof of relationship with the resident, who is an EU citizen, are required.
• General regime for residents with a residence permit. This option applies to those who have a residence permit but do not have Spanish citizenship. In this case, the package of documents and requirements are stricter.

Potentially reunifiable family members include:

• Spouse.
• Minor children, as well as the children of the spouse (or spouses), including adopted children.
• Adult children who are studying and are financially dependent on the applicant, or persons who are unable to care for themselves for health reasons.
• Parents of the applicant or their spouse, provided that they are over 65 years of age and are financially dependent on the applicant (in the case of reunification with Spanish citizens, there is no age limit for parents).
• Persons who are objectively unable to care for themselves for health reasons.

2. Basic Requirements for Family Reunification

For the family reunification procedure to be successful, the applicant must meet a number of requirements aimed at confirming legal residence, financial stability, and the availability of suitable housing.

2.1. Period of Residence and Resident Status

The applicant must have resided in Spain for at least one year with a valid residence permit. It is important that, at the time of application, the resident has already obtained the first renewal of their residence permit. In cases where it concerns reunification with parents, a long-term residence permit is required, usually evidenced by a five-year period of residence.

2.2. Financial Requirements

One of the key points is to demonstrate that sufficient financial means are available to support the family. For this purpose, the IPREM (Public Income Indicator of Multiple Effects) indicator is used, which is used in Spain to calculate the amount of various social benefits and the minimum living wage. For family reunification:

• For two people, proof of income not less than 150% of the IPREM is required.
• For each additional family member, 50% of the IPREM is added to the minimum income.

Currently, according to current data, in 2025 the IPREM is 600 euros per month, which requires a corresponding adjustment of the minimum income indicators.

2.3. Housing Requirements

The availability of suitable housing by the resident is a mandatory requirement. Although the legislation does not establish strict rules on the area, it is necessary to prove that the housing conditions meet the requirements for the accommodation of the whole family. For example, if there is a spouse and children, there must be a separate bedroom for each adult and, if necessary, for children of different sexes.

3. Documents for Application

The set of documents depends on the chosen regime, however, the general requirements include the following items:

• Completed EX02 form. Specific document for applying for family reunification (form EX02 is submitted in duplicate).
• Passport and copies of it. It is important to provide copies of all pages of the passport proving the identity of the applicant and family members.
• NIE (Foreigner Identity Number). This document is mandatory for all foreigners residing in Spain.
• Proof of kinship. This includes marriage certificates, birth certificates, and other documents proving the family link.
• Proof of income. Bank statements, employment contracts, or income tax returns showing that the applicant meets the established income requirements.
• Documents on the availability of housing. Rental agreement or certificate of ownership proving compliance with housing conditions.

When submitting documents issued outside Spain, it is necessary to translate them into Spanish and subsequently legalize or apostille them.

4. Application Process and Visa Issuance

The family reunification procedure consists of several stages:

1. Submission of documents to the competent authority.

   The resident in Spain applies to the immigration department with the complete package of documents. Here, an initial assessment of the information and documents provided is carried out.

2. Obtaining authorization for reunification.

   If the decision is favorable, the immigration authorities issue an authorization for family reunification, which allows the next stage to begin.

3. Application at the Spanish consulate.

   The family members for whom the authorization has been obtained must apply for a visa at the Spanish consulate in their place of residence. It is important to note that the visa is usually a type D visa, a long-term visa required to subsequently obtain a residence permit.

4. Entry into Spain and processing of the residence permit.

   After obtaining the visa, the family members enter Spain and, within the established period, apply to the immigration office to process the residence card.

In some cases, for example, when reuniting with an EU citizen, the procedure may be simplified and some fees may be waived. However, it is important to note that the processing times for applications may vary, which requires patience and thorough preparation of documents by applicants.

5. Practical Recommendations for Successful Processing

To minimize difficulties and reduce the risk of refusal, it is recommended:

• Carefully prepare the package of documents. Check that all documents meet the requirements: forms, copies, translations, legalization. An incomplete or incorrectly completed set may lead to delays or refusal.
• Confirm financial solvency. Gather all necessary certificates and statements showing income and ensure that you meet the IPREM (Public Income Indicator of Multiple Effects) requirements. Remember that for each additional family member, an increase in the minimum income is required.
• Ensure the availability of adequate housing. Prepare documents proving the availability of a property or rented accommodation that meets the requirements for the accommodation of the whole family.
• Take into account the particularities of the chosen regime. Depending on whether you are applying as a resident with a residence permit or as an EU citizen, the requirements and deadlines may vary. Study the current recommendations of the immigration services.
• Get professional advice. Since the legislation may change and the nuances of the procedure remain complex, it is recommended to consult lawyers or specialized agencies to verify the completeness of the documents and get advice on the nuances.
• Monitor deadlines. Documents for the visa must be submitted within the established deadlines (usually no more than 15 days before the planned trip), and all stages must be followed without delay.

In addition to the above recommendations, it should be noted that immigration legislation in Spain is constantly evolving. In the coming years, new rules may come into force aimed at simplifying the family reunification procedure, which will reduce the administrative burden and speed up the obtaining of permits.

6. Conclusion

Family reunification in Spain is a complex but vital process that allows foreigners to ensure legal and stable residence with their loved ones. The main "pains" of applicants are the need to confirm a sufficient period of residence, financial solvency, the availability of suitable housing, and a properly completed package of documents. The solution to these problems is thorough preparation, careful compliance with all requirements, and, if necessary, seeking professional help.

Analyzing the key points - the availability of a residence permit, compliance with IPREM (Public Income Indicator of Multiple Effects) indicators, the collection of necessary documents (including passport, NIE (Foreigner Identity Number), kinship certificates, etc.) - success in the family reunification process can be achieved. Preparation for the application should be systematic and thoughtful to avoid refusals and delays.

Therefore, compliance with all stages of the procedure, attention to the requirements of the immigration authorities, and timely updating of information on legislative changes allow foreigners to successfully bring their loved ones to Spain and ensure a stable future for the whole family.