Chinese applicants · Kingdom of Spain
Family reunification (Spain) for Chinese citizens
Residence permit for family members of Spanish residents; arreigo (settled-status) routes also available.
- Processing time
- Variable by province.
- Government fees
- Variable.
- Typical duration
- Matches sponsor; leads to settlement.
- Sponsor required
- No
- Leads to settlement
- Yes
Bilateral context
- Schengen Area
Consular processing: Applicable consular post in origin country
Tourist entry vs. this route
Chinese nationals require a visa for any entry into Kingdom of Spain. The Family reunification (Spain) is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
Visa overview
Spain operates family reunification (reagrupación familiar) for spouses and children of legally resident non-EU nationals, alongside EU-family routes for spouses of EU nationals. Multiple arraigo routes (familiar, laboral, social, formación) allow regularisation after qualifying residence in Spain.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Sponsor legally resident in Spain for the qualifying period.
- ✓Adequate housing and income.
Common blockers
- !Sponsor's residence not meeting time threshold.
- !Housing report unfavourable.
Typical evidence
- ·Marriage/birth certificates.
- ·Sponsor's residence card and income evidence.
Application pathway
Sponsor applies for reunification authorisation
Submit to Oficina de Extranjería.
Family applies for visa at consulate
With authorisation reference.
Travel and TIE
Register on arrival.
Other Kingdom of Spain routes covered for Chinese applicants
Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)
Residence visa for financially self-sufficient non-EEA nationals not planning to work in Spain.
Highly Qualified Professional (HQP) permit
Residence permit for highly qualified workers with a Spanish employment contract, processed under the Law 14/2013 regime.
Entrepreneur Visa (Ley 14/2013)
Residence permit for founders establishing an innovative business in Spain under the Entrepreneurs' Law.
Comparable routes in other destinations
Frequently asked questions
Are Chinese citizens eligible for the Family reunification (Spain)?+
Eligibility for the Family reunification (Spain) is set by Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migrations and is not nationality-restricted beyond the general criteria, though Chinese applicants may also have access to the following bilateral or treaty frameworks: Schengen Area. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do Chinese applicants typically file the Family reunification (Spain)?+
Applicable consular post in origin country. Specific intake (online portal, biometrics centre, or in-country lodgement) is determined by Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migrations — confirm the current intake channel on the primary source linked above before filing.
Do Chinese applicants need a tourist visa for Kingdom of Spain as well?+
Chinese nationals require a visa for any entry into Kingdom of Spain. The Family reunification (Spain) is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
What are Spain's arraigo routes?+
Arraigo allows regularisation after continuous residence in Spain, with different sub-routes for family, employment, social integration, and training. The 2022 reform added arraigo por formación for those pursuing vocational training.