On this page
- Quick summary
- Overview (What is Form EX-02?)
- Context and workflow
- Requirements snapshot
- Failure prevention (What causes Form EX-02 rejections?)
- What it asks for (What does Form EX-02 ask for?)
- What you need (What do you need for Form EX-02?)
- Checklist (What is the Form EX-02 checklist?)
- Fees
- Processing times
- Where to file
- Form sections (What sections does Form EX-02 have?)
- Key terms
- Strategy tips
- Mistake severity
- Examples (What are examples for Form EX-02?)
- Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form EX-02?)
- Edge cases and variations
- Scenarios
- Key differentiators
- Why it matters
- Next steps
- Verification
- Related guides
- Resources
Quick summary
#Spanish citizens and long-term residents use EX-02 to petition for eligible family members per SEM requirements. For related guidance, see the Spanish Citizenship (Nationality) page. For related guidance, see the Long-Term Residence page.
FAMILY-REUNIFICATION: Family Reunification Visa
Include it with your application package and follow official instructions for submission.
Names, dates of birth, and passport details on other forms Program checklist requirements Supporting documents and translations
Overview (What is Form EX-02?)
#The EX-02 form is used to apply for a temporary residence permit in España for reagrupación familiar, allowing foreign residents to bring their family members to live with them under specific conditions. This process of family reunification requires that the applicant is not a citizen of an EU member state, EEA, or Switzerland, nor a family member of such citizens. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources and adequate housing to support their family members.
Additionally, they must not have a criminal record in Spain or in countries where they have resided in the last five years.
First page of EX-02 form
Source: EX-02 online portal
Context and workflow
#Processing time for EX-02 varies by category — always check the official SEM processing time tool.
Why this matters
- This form acts as a cross-check point: details here must match other forms and supporting documents.
- This form helps confirm that the application matches the program’s requirements and checklist.
Where it fits in the workflow
- Part of the broader immigration application process
- May connect to other forms and requirements
- Contributes to the overall case file
- EX-02 is commonly filed alongside Form EX-15, Form MODELO-790-052.
Who uses it
Spanish citizens and long-term residents use EX-02 to petition for eligible family members per SEM requirements. For related guidance, see the Spanish Citizenship (Nationality) page. For related guidance, see the Long-Term Residence page.
When it is used
- FAMILY-REUNIFICATION: Family Reunification Visa
- When applying for Family-reunification — EX-02 is typically required as part of the application
- When filing EX-02 alongside EX-15 (NIE for sponsor and family members)
- When filing EX-02 alongside MODELO-790-052 (Fee payment for family reunification application)
- After filing EX-02 — EX-17 may be the next step (TIE card issued after family member arrival)
Requirements snapshot
#- Facilitates immigration processing
- Documents required information for the agency
- Creates a formal record of the submission
Failure prevention (What causes Form EX-02 rejections?)
#Substantive weaknesses
- Insufficient supporting evidence
- Inconsistencies between forms and documents
- Failure to address all eligibility criteria
- To avoid missing proof of relationship or required documents: Include all required evidence per instructions; match information to civil documents.
What it asks for (What does Form EX-02 ask for?)
#- Details of the family relationship and the family members to be reunited.
- Proof of financial resources and housing adequacy.
- Signature and passport-style photographs
- Applicant identification information
- Supporting documentation inventory
- Eligibility or purpose details
- Declarations and signatures
- Your full legal name as it appears on official documents
- Your date and place of birth
- Your current passport number and issuance details
- Your passport validity and expiration information
- Documentation related to: Copy of the applicant's complete passport or travel document
What you need (What do you need for Form EX-02?)
#- The current edition of EX-02
- Applicant identification documents and photographs
- Proof of no criminal record in Spain or previous countries of residence
- Housing report from the local authority
- Copy of the applicant's complete passport or travel document.
- Complete all required sections, sign, and submit with required evidence.
- Failing to provide a complete copy of the passport.
- Certified copy of your marriage certificate
- Copy of your filed or approved EX-15 (NIE for sponsor and family members)
Checklist (What is the Form EX-02 checklist?)
#- Access the latest EX-02 form and accompanying instructions directly from the official SEM website.
- Review the official EX-02 instructions before filing
- Gather required supporting documents per the instructions
- Complete all required sections of EX-02
- Sign, date, and submit EX-02 with all required supporting evidence
Fees
#| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Filing FeeMissing the deadline for submitting the application fee. | See official schedule |
| Biometrics Services FeeA biometrics fee may be required depending on your category. Check the official fee schedule. | See official schedule |
Can the Form EX-02 fee be waived?
Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility.
What happens if I submit the wrong fee?
SEM will reject your application if the incorrect fee is submitted. Verify the current fee on the official schedule before filing.
Fee waiver: Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility. For related guidance, see Solicitud de NIE y Certificados.
Fees change; always verify on SEM.
Processing times
#| Category | Processing time |
|---|---|
| Schengen Visa | approximately 15 daysas of February 2026 |
- Processing time for EX-02 under "Schengen Visa": approximately 15 days (as of February 2026).
- Processing times for EX-02 vary by category and processing location. Verify current processing times with the issuing authority.
- Processing times differ significantly by eligibility category. Initial applications, renewals, and replacements each go through different adjudication queues, and some categories consistently take longer than others.
- Processing times for this form vary by SEM office and current workload. Verify current processing times with SEM.
- While pending: track your case status using your File number (expediente number), respond promptly to any requests for additional documents, and update your contact information with SEM if it changes.
Where to file
#Submit your application at the designated SEM office, embassy, or consulate. Check the official website for the location with jurisdiction over your place of residence.
Submit application
Submit your application at the SEM office or designated embassy/consulate in your country of residence. Check the official instructions for the correct location.
Filing locations and procedures may change. Always verify on the official SEM website before submitting. For related guidance, see Tasa por autorización de residencia.
Form sections (What sections does Form EX-02 have?)
#Applicant Information
Details of the family member seeking residence.
- Full name and passport details
- Date of birth and nationality
- Relationship to sponsor in Spain
Sponsor Information
Details of the family member already in Spain.
- Full name and NIE/DNI number
- Current residence status
- Proof of financial means (IPREM threshold)
- Proof of adequate housing (empadronamiento)
Family Relationship Evidence
Documentation proving the family connection.
- Marriage certificate (apostilled and translated)
- Birth certificate for children
- Civil registry documents
Supporting Documents
Additional required attachments.
- Criminal record certificate
- Medical certificate
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of housing adequacy
Key terms
#- IPREM
- Public Income Indicator of Multiple Effects, used to determine financial thresholds.In this form: Used to calculate the minimum income required for family reunification.
Strategy tips
#Mistake severity
#| Mistake type | Severity | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Missing proof of relationship or required documents | Rejection | Include all required evidence per instructions; match information to civil documents. |
Examples (What are examples for Form EX-02?)
#- Strong application: An applicant submits the EX-02 form with a notarized copy of their marriage certificate and a detailed bank statement showing consistent income; the family reunification process is initiated without delays.
- Strong application: A spouse provides a complete passport copy, a letter from their employer confirming stable employment, and a utility bill as proof of residence; the application moves forward smoothly.
- Common weakness: An applicant submits the EX-02 form without translating their marriage certificate into Spanish, causing a delay in processing.
- A citizen files EX-02 to petition for their spouse to immigrate
- A permanent resident uses EX-02 to sponsor their unmarried child under 21
- An applicant in the Family-reunification category files EX-02 as part of their immigration process
Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form EX-02?)
#- Filing this form does not guarantee approval of the underlying case
- Requirements may differ based on your specific situation
- Some applicants assume that having a valid visa automatically qualifies them for family reunification; however, additional eligibility criteria must be met.
- Filing EX-02 allows the beneficiary to immediately enter or remain in the country — The petition only establishes the relationship. The beneficiary must separately apply for a visa or change of status.
- All family relationships qualify for immigration sponsorship — Only certain family relationships are eligible. The sponsoring relative must be a citizen or permanent resident, and the specific relationship must be in a qualifying category.
Edge cases and variations
#- If you are asked to submit or update EX-02, treat it as a package update: check every place the same details appear and keep them consistent.
Scenarios
#A Brazilian citizen with a Spanish spouse applies for family reunification residence using EX-02 with marriage certificate, empadronamiento, and proof of spouse income.
Application approved within 3 months.
Family reunification with an EU/Spanish citizen is one of the fastest pathways; ensure the marriage certificate is apostilled.
An applicant files EX-02 for family reunification but the sponsor cannot demonstrate sufficient financial means to support the family member.
Application denied due to insufficient economic means. The sponsor must provide additional income documentation or wait until their financial situation improves.
Sponsors must prove they can financially support the applicant; minimum income thresholds are set by IPREM and family size.
A parent applies to join their adult child in Spain but submits documents without official Spanish translations.
Application returned as incomplete. All foreign-language documents must be translated by a sworn translator.
All documents must be officially translated by a traductor jurado and apostilled or legalized.
Key differentiators
#- Unlike EX-01 Form: The EX-02 form is specifically for family reunification, while the EX-01 is for non-lucrative residency.
- Unlike Form EX-15: Solicitud de NIE y Certificados: Filed together: NIE for sponsor and family members (Reunification pathway)
- Unlike Form MODELO 790 (CODE 052): Tasa por autorización de residencia: Filed together: Fee payment for family reunification application
- Unlike Form EX-17: Solicitud de TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero): Next step after approval: TIE card issued after family member arrival (Reunification pathway)
Why it matters
#Next steps
#- Await receipt confirmation from the agency
- Respond promptly to any requests for additional information
- Keep copies of all submitted materials
Verification
#This guide is derived from official SEM instructions for EX-02 and is updated when form editions or filing rules change. Always verify current requirements at the official SEM website.
FAQs
What are the most common errors when completing EX-02, and what happens if it is rejected?
Frequent challenges with the EX-02 form often arise from: • Inadequate proof of the family relationship • Discrepancies between the application and supporting documents • Omitted details regarding derivative applicants • Outdated sponsor status documentation Ensure your evidence package is meticulously organized to meet all specified requirements.
What happens if I make an error on EX-02 or need to correct something after filing?
The specific timing depends on your case type and circumstances. Generally, forms should be filed according to the sequence outlined in the official instructions for your immigration category.
Can I file EX-02 if I've already left the country or my situation has changed?
Consult the official EX-02 instructions for detailed guidance tailored to your specific immigration situation and requirements.
Can I submit the EX-02 form if I have a pending criminal case?
To qualify for family reunification, it is necessary to have a clean criminal record in Spain and in any other country where you have resided during the last five years.
Is it necessary to provide a housing report even if I own my home?
Yes, proof of adequate housing, such as a housing report from the local authority, is required regardless of home ownership.
How do I choose the correct eligibility category code on EX-02?
Your eligibility category code determines your basis for filing EX-02. Review the instructions for your specific eligibility category before starting.
Do I need to provide a mailing address for EX-02?
You need a reliable mailing address for notices and card delivery. If you do not have a stable address, SEM allows alternatives (e.g., a representative's address or safe mailing options) per official rules — review the instructions for your situation.
When will EX-02 be processed and what is the workflow?
Processing timing for EX-02 varies depending on the filing category, processing location, and current application volume. Standard processing can range from a few weeks to several months. Before submitting, check the official SEM processing times tool for the most current estimates. After filing, monitor your case status and consider whether expedited options are available.
What are common mistakes when filing EX-02?
Common mistakes include submitting incomplete forms, missing required signatures, paying incorrect fees, and failing to include all required supporting documents. Even minor errors can cause significant delays or outright rejection of your application. Double-check every section, verify fee amounts on the official SEM schedule, and review the instructions thoroughly before submitting.
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
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