It allows a foreign national legally resident in Spain (the "reagrupante", or sponsor) to bring certain family members to live with them.
The procedure has two stages: first the sponsor applies for the reunification residence authorisation in Spain; once it is granted, the family member applies for the visa at the consulate in their country.
- Spouse or registered partner of the sponsor, provided there is no separation in fact or in law and the marriage was not entered into in fraud of law.
- Children of the sponsor or of the spouse, under 18 or with a disability requiring support, including adopted children and those under legal guardianship.
- Dependent parents or grandparents of the sponsor or of their spouse, in the cases and under the conditions set out in the Regulation (generally over 65 and with the sponsor holding long-term residence, unless there are humanitarian reasons).
- The sponsor must hold a renewed residence authorisation, or have lived legally in Spain for a year and hold an authorisation to reside for at least another year (depending on the case).
- Adequate housing: proved by a report from the Autonomous Community or the town hall (it has limited validity, usually 6 months).
- Sufficient financial means: generally 150% of the IPREM for a family unit of two members and an additional 50% for each further member. The percentage may be reduced in certain cases (for example, if you receive the Minimum Living Income).
- Healthcare: public cover or private insurance for the family members being reunited.
- The family members must not be in Spain irregularly or subject to an entry ban.
Official form EX-02, completed and signedIn duplicate (original and copy) if you file it on paper. Always download it from the Ministry website so you use the current version.Official link Proof of payment of fee form 790 code 052It is generated and filled in on the official fee website, paid at a bank or online, and submitted as the stamped copy.Official link Passport of the sponsor and of the family memberFull copy and valid. Sponsor's TIE or residence authorisationCopy of the valid card. Adequate housing reportIssued by the Autonomous Community or the town hall. It is requested separately and takes weeks: apply for it at the start. Evidence of financial meansEmployment contract, payslips for the last few months, employment history, tax return, bank statements or proof of income. Document proving the family tieMarriage certificate, registered partnership certificate or birth certificates, legalised or apostilled and translated into Spanish by a sworn translator. Proof of dependency (parents and grandparents) if applicable Evidence that they are dependent on you: regular money transfers over the last year, documents on their situation in the country of origin.Consent of the other parent (children) if applicable Where only one parent applies for reunification, with a certified signature.Proof of healthcare cover if applicable Social security document or insurance policy for the family member.
Application for a temporary residence authorisation through family reunification
Always download the form from the Ministry website: the templates are updated and offices reject outdated versions.
| Form | What it covers | Who pays | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 790 código 052 | Temporary residence authorisation through family reunification | The sponsor or the family member | Generate fee form |
| Tasa consular de visado | Residence visa through family reunification | The family member, at the consulate | Generate fee form |
Amounts are updated periodically: the one shown when you generate form 790 is the one in force.
Immigration Office of the province where the sponsor lives
By appointment or filed online with a digital certificate.
Spanish consulate in the family member's country
Second stage: the visa application, within 2 months of notification of the decision.
- Decision on the authorisation: 45 calendar days (in this procedure silence means refusal).
- Visa: the family member has 2 months from notification of the decision to apply for it.
- Entry into Spain within the validity of the visa and TIE application within 1 month.
The housing report expires: time it to match when you file the application.
All foreign documents must be legalised or apostilled and translated by a sworn translator. This is the most common reason for a request for correction.