Spain Standard Family Reunification Visa: Guide and Requirements
Understand Requirements, Process, and Timeline.
The visa for family members (FAM) is an official legalization route for close relatives of Spanish citizens.
15 minutes reading
Who is the Family Reunification Visa for?
It is intended for spouses, registered partners, and children of Spanish citizens who want to legally live, work, and have access to social benefits in Spain. Standard Family Reunification applies in cases where your sponsor is a Spanish citizen who has always lived only within Spain.
Main Conditions for Obtaining a Visa
The procedure follows the general rules of Spanish immigration law. It takes more time (2-3 months) and strictly requires proof of income and housing from the host party. Before collecting documents, it is highly recommended to consult with an immigration lawyer.
Required Documents and Their Preparation
Foreign relationship documents require apostilling in the country of origin and a sworn translation into Spanish after the apostille is affixed.
- Proof of relationship: For spouses/partners, a marriage certificate or registered partnership certificate is required. For children, birth certificates for each child are required (with apostille and translation).
- Marriage registration: If the marriage with a Spanish citizen was concluded abroad, verify whether it must be pre-registered in the Spanish civil registry.
- Sponsor documents: A copy of the sponsor's Spanish passport or DNI and a certificate of registration in Spain (Empadronamiento).
- Finances: The sponsor must prove sufficient income: about EUR 641 per month for one dependent plus EUR 160 per month for each additional one.
- Housing: Proof of adequate housing: rental agreement or property deed plus a certificate of habitability.
Step-by-Step Timeline: How to Get the Visa
- Submission in Spain: Your Spanish sponsor first submits Form EX-02 and all supporting documents to the local Immigration Office (Oficina de Extranjeria).
- Waiting: Processing inside Spain usually takes 2-3 months.
- Visa at the consulate: Once the permit is approved, you have one month to apply for a family reunification entry visa at the Spanish consulate in your country.
What to Do Immediately After Entering Spain
- Registration (Empadronamiento): In the first weeks, register your residence at the local city hall with passports, visas, and rental agreement or owner authorization.
- Resident card (TIE): Within 30 days after entry, book a Cita Previa for fingerprinting with Form EX-17, paid fee receipt (Form 790-012), and two passport photos. The card is usually ready in 4-8 weeks.
- Public healthcare (Sanidad Publica): If your sponsor contributes to Seguridad Social, you are entitled to public healthcare. Go to the local clinic with TIE, registration, and sponsor social security number to obtain your TSI card.
- Tax registration: Submit Form 030 (Modelo 030) to the tax agency (AEAT) to register your tax address.
- Digital and social integration: Install Cl@ve, get a digital certificate (FNMT), open a Spanish bank account, and get a local SIM card. If you have school-age children, begin enrollment through the regional education office.