Family reunification (reagrupación familiar) is the right of legally resident foreigners in Spain to bring their closest relatives to live with them. It is governed by Article 17 of Organic Law 4/2000 on the Rights and Freedoms of Foreigners (LOEx) and Articles 52 to 64 of the Immigration Regulations (RD 557/2011). Eligible relatives include the spouse or registered partner, minor children and dependent ascendants, provided the sponsor demonstrates at least one year of continuous legal residence and sufficient economic resources to support the family unit.
In practice
What Is Family Reunification in Spain
Family reunification allows a legally and stably resident foreigner in Spain to bring their close family members to reside in the country. It is one of the fundamental rights in immigration law and is recognised at European level by Council Directive 2003/86/EC.
In Spain, the governing framework is Article 17 of Organic Law 4/2000 (LOEx) and the implementing provisions in Articles 52 to 64 of Royal Decree 557/2011 (Immigration Regulations).
Eligible Relatives
The sponsor may apply for reunification of the following family members:
- Spouse or registered partner, provided no simultaneous marriage bonds exist with another person
- Minor children (under 18) of the sponsor or their spouse, including adopted children
- Minors under guardianship or custody
- First-degree ascendants (parents of the sponsor or their spouse) when they are financially dependent on the sponsor and there are justified grounds
Requirements for the Sponsor
To apply for family reunification, the foreign resident must demonstrate:
- Continuous legal residence in Spain for at least one year and a valid residence authorisation for at least one further year.
- Adequate housing to meet the needs of the sponsor and the family members to be reunited.
- Sufficient economic resources: monthly income of at least 150 per cent of the IPREM (Spanish public income indicator) for the sponsor alone, with an additional 50 per cent for each further family member. Long-term residents and EU Blue Card holders have specific rules.
Procedure
The application is lodged at the immigration office (oficina de extranjería) in the province where the sponsor is domiciled. Once approved, the family members may apply for a family reunification residence visa at the Spanish consulate in their home country.
Children over 14 and all reunified family members must obtain the TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) once they have settled in Spain.