Kingdom of Spain · family · Leads to settlement
Family reunification (Spain)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
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.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
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.
Guidance by nationality
Specific information for applicants from these countries. Don’t see yours? The general eligibility criteria above apply to everyone.
Brazilian applicants
Brazilian family-reunification applications benefit from Spain's long-standing recognition of Brazilian civil-registry d…
Indian applicants
Indian family-reunification volumes have grown alongside the Indian HQP and tech-cohort presence in Madrid and Barcelona…
Chinese applicants
Chinese family-reunification cases follow standard rules. Mainland Chinese marriage certificates and birth certificates …
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.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicant + sponsorCheck family reunification guidance ↗
Sponsor and family member use this official guidance to confirm the reunification authorisation and visa evidence requirements.
Ministerio de Inclusion, Seguridad Social y Migraciones · verified
Fees and processing time
Indicative government fees: Variable.. A decision then typically takes 3 months – 6 months. Both change over time, so the dedicated pages below carry the itemised breakdown and the current official figures.
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Frequently asked questions
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.
What does my sponsor need to prove to reunite our family in Spain?+
The sponsor must be legally resident in Spain for the qualifying period and show adequate housing and income. A sponsor whose residence does not meet the time threshold, or an unfavourable housing report, are common blockers. Confirm the requirements with the official Ministerio guidance.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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