Spouse & Family Reunification Visa
For spouses and family members of Spanish residents or citizens
Who Is This Visa For?
Family reunification allows you to bring close family members to live with you in Spain. The process differs depending on whether you're a Spanish citizen, EU citizen, or non-EU resident. **Who can apply:** - Spouses of Spanish citizens - Spouses of EU citizens living in Spain - Spouses of non-EU residents with legal status in Spain (after 1 year of residency) - Dependent children under 18 - Dependent parents (in some cases) - Registered partners (pareja de hecho) **Important:** Same-sex marriages are fully recognised in Spain. Registered partnerships (pareja de hecho) also qualify for family reunification.
Requirements
Financial Requirements
- •Sponsor must prove sufficient income to support family (150% IPREM for spouse, more for additional dependents)
- •For non-EU sponsor: approximately €700/month for spouse
- •Proof of stable income (employment contract, pension, etc.)
- •No requirement to prove income if spouse of Spanish citizen
Documents Required
- •Valid passport for applicant
- •Marriage certificate (apostilled and translated)
- •Criminal background check from applicant's country
- •Medical certificate
- •Proof of sponsor's legal residence in Spain
- •Proof of relationship (photos, correspondence, travel together)
- •Proof of accommodation suitable for family
- •Health insurance for applicant
- •Proof of sponsor's financial means (if required)
Other Requirements
- •Marriage must be legally recognised (religious marriages may need civil registration)
- •If previously married, proof of divorce or death of former spouse
- •For partners: proof of pareja de hecho registration
- •Sponsor must have held legal residence for at least 1 year (for non-EU sponsors)
Step-by-Step Timeline
Register marriage/partnership in Spain (if married abroad)
2-6 monthsThis is often the longest step. Spanish civil registry must recognise foreign marriages. Start this process immediately.
Gather and apostille documents
4-8 weeksCriminal check and marriage certificate must be recent. Get multiple apostilled copies.
Spouse applies at Spanish consulate in home country
1 day application, 4-12 weeks processingOr apply in Spain if already there legally (e.g., as tourist if spouse is Spanish/EU citizen).
Travel to Spain and register
Within 3 months of visaRegister on padron together, apply for TIE. Bring marriage certificate to all appointments.
Costs Breakdown
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa application feeFree for spouses of EU citizens | €80 |
| TIE card fee | €16-20 |
| Marriage certificate apostille | £30-50 |
| Sworn translations | €100-200 |
| Marriage registration in Spain (if needed) | €0-100 |
* Costs are approximate and may vary. Check current rates with official sources.
Municipality-Specific Information
Processing times and procedures vary by municipality. Here's what to expect in each area:
Marbella
Experienced with family reunification cases. Civil registry (Registro Civil) handles marriage registrations efficiently. Bring interpreter if needed.
Typical timeline: Marriage registration: 3-4 months, TIE: standard timeline
Estepona
Smaller civil registry, may be slower for marriage registration. Consider registering marriage in Marbella instead. Friendly staff once process starts.
Typical timeline: Marriage registration: 4-6 months, padron: 2-3 weeks
Benahavis
Very small registry. Simple cases fine, complex cases better handled in Marbella. Staff helpful but limited hours.
Typical timeline: Depends on case complexity
Fuengirola
Large expat population means lots of experience with foreign marriages. Good option for straightforward cases. English support available.
Typical timeline: Marriage registration: 3-5 months
After Your Visa Is Approved
- 1Spouse receives residence permit valid as long as sponsor's permit
- 2Spouse can work in Spain (no separate work permit needed)
- 3Register on padron at same address as sponsor
- 4Spouse should get own NIE number
- 5Add spouse to health insurance or register with social security
- 6Update bank accounts to joint if desired
- 7Consider Spanish will to protect inheritance rights
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not registering foreign marriage in Spain - required for most processes
- Insufficient proof of genuine relationship - bring photos, travel records, communications
- Sponsor not meeting income requirements - calculate carefully before applying
- Applying too soon - non-EU sponsors must wait 1 year before family reunification
- Not translating all documents - every document in foreign language needs sworn translation
- Expired documents - criminal checks and some certificates must be recent
Spouse & Family Reunification Visa FAQs
Last updated: 2026-04-01
Quick Summary
- Processing Time
- 10 weeks typical
- Total Estimated Cost
- €196+
- Documents Needed
- 9 documents
Need Help?
Immigration paperwork can be overwhelming. Consider working with a professional.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules change frequently. Always verify current requirements with official sources or consult a qualified immigration lawyer.