Spain Family Reunification: Overview
#Spain allows you to bring certain family members to live with you if you already reside in Spain legally. The right applies under Spanish immigration law and is managed by the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).
You may request reunification for:
- Your spouse
- Your children
- Your parents, when legal conditions are met
Filing an application does not guarantee approval. You must meet the legal requirements and follow the correct procedure.
Who Can Apply
| Your Status in Spain | Family Reunification Possible |
|---|---|
| Legal residence in Spain | Yes, if conditions are met |
| Long-Term Residence | Yes, subject to requirements |
| Other residence permits (e.g., Non-Lucrative Residence Visa, National Work Visa, National Student Visa) | Possible if you hold valid legal residence |
If you qualify, you file the appropriate application form, such as Form EX-02 for family reunification. Other forms, including Form EX-01 or Form EX-05, may apply depending on your immigration situation.
You must also pay the relevant fee using Modelo 790 (Code 012). SEM guidance provides current fee amounts in EUR (€).
Family members who enter Spain through reunification later complete identity procedures with the National Police for their NIE or TIE. Spanish consulates issue visas abroad when required.
In some cases, alternatives such as Arraigo Familiar (Family Ties Regularization) may apply if your family relationship connects you directly to Spain.
The Long-Term Path (Spain Family Visa)
#After approval of your Spain family reunification visa, you move into a longer-term residence framework managed by the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM). Spanish consulates issue the visa abroad, and the National Police handle your NIE/TIE once you arrive.
Your sponsor must maintain valid residence status in Spain. Adequate housing and stable financial means are also required.
Download the current application forms and instructions directly from the Secretaría de Estado de Migraciones (SEM) before filing.
Key Forms and Fees
| Form / Fee | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Form EX-02 | Family reunification authorization | Filed by the sponsor in Spain |
| Modelo 790 (Code 012) | Government processing fee | Additional residence authorization fee: €60 (as of 2026-02) |
| Form EX-01 / Form EX-05 | Other residence or modification requests | Used in status changes |
| EX-02 | Family-based authorization | Primary reunification form |
Always verify the latest version of each form on the SEM website before submission.
Transition to Long-Term Status
After maintaining lawful residence, you may qualify for Long-Term Residence. Eligibility rules depend on your residence history and should be reviewed directly through SEM.
Some applicants later modify status to:
- National Work Visa
- Non-Lucrative Residence Visa
- National Student Visa
- Arraigo Familiar (Family Ties Regularization) in qualifying cases
Each pathway requires a separate application and documentation review under SEM guidelines.
The Two-Stage Process
#Spain family reunification follows a two-step procedure handled by different authorities. You must complete both stages correctly to secure residence for your family member.
- Authorization in Spain (SEM)
First, you apply for residence authorization before the State Secretariat for Migration (Secretaría de Estado de Migraciones – SEM).
You submit the appropriate form, such as:
- Form EX-02 (family reunification)
- Form EX-01 (initial residence and work)
- Form EX-05 (Long-Term Residence)
Your situation may also relate to statuses such as:
- Long-Term Residence
- Arraigo Familiar (Family Ties Regularization)
- Non-Lucrative Residence Visa
- National Work Visa
- National Student Visa
Pay the required fee using Modelo 790 (Code 012) and include all supporting documents at the time of filing. Missing required supplements can lead to refusal.
For current fees, consult SEM official resources.
- Visa Issuance or Residence Card
After approval, your family member completes the second step:
| Scenario | Authority Responsible | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Applicant abroad | Spanish Consulate | National visa issued |
| Applicant in Spain | National Police | NIE/TIE residence card |
Spanish consulates issue the visa abroad. The National Police issue the NIE or TIE inside Spain.
You must follow each stage in order. Approval from SEM does not replace the visa or residence card requirement.
Cost and Wait Times
#You must pay a government application fee when you submit your family reunification request. As of February 2026, the standard fee is €80.
You pay the fee using Modelo 790 (Code 012). Confirm the current amount and payment method with the State Secretariat for Migration (Secretaría de Estado de Migraciones – SEM) or the relevant Spanish consulate before filing.
| Item | Amount / Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Application fee | €80 |
| Standard processing time | 2–6 months |
Processing under the standard family reunification procedure currently takes 2 to 6 months. Your timeline depends on the category, your province in Spain, and whether you apply through a consulate abroad or within Spain.
If you apply from inside Spain using forms such as EX‑02, processing times may differ from other residence procedures like EX‑01 or EX‑
- Applications connected to statuses such as Long-Term Residence, Non-Lucrative Residence Visa, National Work Visa, National Student Visa, or Arraigo Familiar (Family Ties Regularization) can also move at different speeds.
Spanish consulates issue entry visas abroad. In Spain, the National Police issue your TIE after approval.
You should verify current wait times directly with SEM or the Spanish consulate handling your case. Timelines change by location and workload.
Conditions and Rights
#You must submit complete and accurate documentation with every application. Incomplete or incorrect information causes delays.
Double-check every field before filing forms such as Form EX-01, Form EX-02, or EX-
- Attach all required supporting documents and proof of payment for Modelo 790 (Code 012) where applicable.
Spanish immigration policy falls under the State Secretariat for Migration (Secretaría de Estado de Migraciones – SEM). Spanish consulates issue visas abroad, and the National Police issue your NIE/TIE in Spain.
Your specific conditions depend on your residence status. This may include:
- Non-Lucrative Residence Visa
- National Work Visa
- National Student Visa
- Long-Term Residence
- Arraigo Familiar (Family Ties Regularization)
Each category carries its own rights and limitations. You must follow the conditions linked to your underlying permit.
| Form / Status | Purpose in Family Context |
|---|---|
| EX-01 | Initial residence authorization |
| EX-02 | Modification of residence status |
| Form EX-05 | Long-term residence application |
| Modelo 790 (Code 012) | Government fee payment form |
| Arraigo Familiar | Regularization based on family ties |
If you need current fee amounts or processing timelines, consult SEM or the relevant Spanish consulate. Verify requirements carefully before submission to avoid preventable delays.
Extending Your Family Visa
#You must apply for renewal before your current residence card expires. The State Secretariat for Migration (Secretaría de Estado de Migraciones) (SEM) sets the rules, and you file your application in Spain.
Submit the correct form based on your situation and status:
| Situation | Common Form |
|---|---|
| Initial family residence authorization | Form EX-02 |
| Modification to a work authorization (National Work Visa category) | Form EX-01 |
| Long-Term Residence application | EX-11 |
| Other modifications | Form EX-05 |
You must also pay the corresponding fee using Modelo 790 (Code 012). Use the SEM fee schedule for the current amount in EUR (€).
Prepare a complete file. Incomplete or incorrect information often causes delays.
Before submitting, confirm that you:
- Complete every field on the form accurately
- Attach all required supporting documents listed in the instructions
- Sign where required
- Include proof of payment for Modelo 790 (Code 012)
If your circumstances change, you may qualify to modify your status instead of simply renewing. Options can include Long-Term Residence, a Non-Lucrative Residence Visa, a National Work Visa, or a National Student Visa. In limited cases, Arraigo Familiar (Family Ties Regularization) may apply.
After approval, you must complete your NIE/TIE process with the National Police. Always verify current procedural details directly with SEM before filing.
What to Submit
#You must complete every required section of the correct application form and sign it before submission. Incomplete or unsigned forms lead to rejection.
Submit clear evidence that supports your eligibility and your family relationship. Missing civil documents or inconsistent information often results in refusal.
Core documents checklist:
- Completed and signed application form (such as Form EX-02, or other forms like Form EX-01 or Form EX-05, if applicable to your status)
- Proof of family relationship (civil registry documents that match your personal details)
- Copy of your valid residence authorization (for example, Long-Term Residence, Non-Lucrative Residence Visa, National Work Visa, or National Student Visa)
- Payment receipt for Modelo 790 (Code 012)
- Any additional supporting evidence required under your category
If you apply through a special pathway such as Arraigo Familiar (Family Ties Regularization), include documents that prove the qualifying family connection.
| Situation | Typical Form | Authority Involved |
|---|---|---|
| Standard family reunification | EX-02 | State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) |
| Initial residence authorization | EX-01 | SEM |
| Long-term residence modification | EX-05 | SEM |
| Visa issuance abroad | National visa application | Spanish Consulate |
Review the official instructions from the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) before filing. Ensure that all personal data matches your civil documents exactly.
Pay the required fee using Modelo 790 (Code 012) and confirm the current amount through official SEM guidance before submission.
Who Can Apply
#You can apply for Spain family reunification if you already hold valid residence authorization in Spain and want to bring eligible family members. The State Secretariat for Migration (Secretaría de Estado de Migraciones) (SEM) oversees the policy, while Spanish consulates issue visas abroad and the National Police issue the NIE/TIE.
Your eligibility depends on your current residence status.
| Your Current Status in Spain | May Apply for Family Reunification |
|---|---|
| Long-Term Residence | Yes |
| National Work Visa holder | Yes |
| Non-Lucrative Residence Visa holder | Yes |
| National Student Visa holder | Subject to your specific authorization conditions |
| Arraigo Familiar (Family Ties Regularization) | Based on the terms of your granted residence |
You must review the rules for your specific category before filing. Conditions vary depending on whether you hold a temporary residence permit, long-term residence, or authorization granted under Arraigo Familiar.
Most applicants submit the appropriate application form, such as:
- Form EX-02 (commonly used for family reunification procedures)
- Form EX-01 (initial residence authorizations, depending on your case)
- Form EX-05 (long-term residence applications, where relevant)
You must also pay the corresponding administrative fee using Modelo 790 (Code 012).
SEM evaluates your application in Spain. If approved, your family member applies for the visa at the Spanish consulate in their country of residence.
Fees
#| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application feeExtracted from guide content — verify against official source | €80 (approx $86 USD) |
| Additional residence authorization feeExtracted from guide content — verify against official source | €60 (approx $65 USD) |
Fees change; always verify on SEM.
Next steps
#Use Find My Visa to build a sequenced plan with official sources and deadlines.
FAQs
What is Arraigo Familiar (Family Ties Regularization)?
Arraigo Familiar allows certain family members of Spanish citizens or residents to regularize their status in Spain.
This option is distinct from standard family reunification.
You must file the appropriate application with SEM.
What fees apply?
You’ll need to pay the required fee using Modelo 790 (Code 012).
Fee amounts do change from time to time. Refer to the current SEM fee schedule for the latest euro figures.
What the Family Reunification Visa Covers?
The Spanish immigration law recognizes the right of foreign nationals legally residing in Spain to reunite with their family members. The family member eligible for reunification includes the spouse, children, or parents under certain conditions. The purpose of the family reunification visa is to allow foreign nationals legally residing in Spain to reunite with their family members.
What should you know about the long-term path?
Download the current family-reunification and instructions from the official Secretaría de Estado de Migraciones website. Additional residence authorization fee: €60 (approx $65 USD) (as of 2026-02). Extracted from guide content — verify against official source EXPERT TIP: Review the official instructions and include all required documents.
What should you know about the two-stage process?
EXPERT TIP: File required supplements together with the main petition; omitting them can cause rejection.
What should you know about cost and wait times?
Application fee: €80 (approx $86 USD) (as of 2026-02). Processing time for family-reunification under "Standard": 2 to 6 months (as of March 2026). processing times for family-reunification vary by category and processing location. Verify current processing times with the issuing authority.
What should you know about conditions and rights?
COMMON MISTAKE (Delay): Incomplete or incorrect information. Avoid by: Double-check all fields and include every required document per instructions. COMMON MISTAKE (Delay): Incomplete or incorrect information. Avoid by: Double-check all fields and include every required document per instructions.
What should you know about extending your family visa?
COMMON MISTAKE (Delay): Incomplete or incorrect information. Avoid by: Double-check all fields and include every required document per instructions.
What to Submit?
Complete all required sections, sign submit with required evidence. EXPERT TIP: Review the official instructions and include all required documents.
Who Can Apply?
Review the instructions for your specific eligibility category before starting.
Official sources referenced
Last reviewed: 2026-03-16
- Family reunification (Ministry of Inclusion Spain)
- EX-02 Autorización residencia temporal por reagrupación familiar (Ministry)
- Independent Residence for Reunified Family Members (Ministry)
- Independent Residence - Family Links with Spanish Nationals (Ministry)
- Temporary residence for family members of Spanish nationals — SEM Instructions 2025
- Consular Fee Schedule 2026 (Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Houston)
- Processing times CORA (Ministry of Inclusion Spain)
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.
Next steps
Every Spain visa case depends on your nationality, purpose, and timeline. Get a personalized plan with official sources and deadlines.
Get my Family Reunification Visa plan