Spain National (Type D) Family Reunification Visa: Who Can Apply?

Key Takeaways

• Sponsor must be a non-EU legal resident in Spain for at least one year to apply for this visa.
• Eligible family: spouse/partner, minor or adopted children, dependent parents over 65 with proof of dependence.
• Total application process can take 2–5 months; requires authorized documents, translations, and specific consulate procedures.

The Spain National (Type D) Family Reunification Visa gives non-EU citizens who are already legal residents in Spain 🇪🇸 the chance to bring some close family members to join them. This long and detailed guide explains everything you need to know, step by step, using clear and simple language. You’ll learn who can apply, which family members qualify, what documents you must gather, how much it might cost, and how long the process usually takes. By following this guide, you’ll know what to expect and how to avoid common mistakes.

Checklist: What You Will Need

Before you get started, here’s a quick list of the main things you’ll need:

• Sponsor’s proof of legal residence in Spain for the required time
• Proof of qualifying family relationship (marriage, birth, etc.)
• Completed visa forms for each applicant
• Recent passport-sized photos for each applicant
• Each applicant’s valid passport
• Initial family reunification authorization from Spanish authorities
• Sponsor’s Foreigner Identification Card (TIE)
• Police clearance certificates for all adult applicants
• Medical certificates for all applicants
• Proof the sponsor has enough money and a suitable home in Spain
• Certified translations into Spanish if your documents are in another language

Now, let’s break down the whole process and requirements so you feel confident at each step.

Why the Spain National (Type D) Family Reunification Visa Matters

If you have already started a new life in Spain 🇪🇸 as a non-EU legal resident, being away from your spouse, children, or elderly parents can be difficult. The Spain National (Type D) Family Reunification Visa is designed to help legal residents reunite with their closest family members. It promotes family unity while ensuring everyone involved meets Spain’s rules for safety, self-sufficiency, and proper documentation.

This visa does not apply if the person living in Spain 🇪🇸 is an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen. Different family reunification rules are used in those cases.

Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply

The Spain National (Type D) Family Reunification Visa has clear eligibility criteria. These rules must be met for the application to succeed:

1. Sponsor’s Status: The sponsor must not be a citizen of an EU country. They must have legal resident status in Spain 🇪🇸.

2. Time in Spain: The sponsor should have lived in Spain legally for at least one year and hold a permit that is valid for at least one more year.

   • Important Note: If you want to bring parents, you must have lived in Spain 🇪🇸 for at least five years.
3. Qualifying Family Members:
   • Spouse or Registered Partner: You can bring your legal spouse or registered partner.
   • Children: Minor or dependent children, including adopted children, can reunite with you.
   • Dependent Parents: Parents over age 65 who rely financially on you—proof of dependence is required.
4. Other Family Members: Other relatives are not covered under this type of visa.

If your case doesn’t fit the above eligibility criteria, the application will be rejected. Always check the latest official information or speak with a qualified advisor before applying.

Required Documentation

Getting the paperwork right is critical. Incomplete applications almost always cause delays or denials. Make sure every document is in order and, if not originally written in Spanish, is accompanied by an approved translation.

1. Visa Application Form
– Each family member applying must fill out and sign a visa application form. This official form is required by the Spanish government.

2. Passport-Sized Photograph
– Every applicant needs to provide a recent, color passport photo on a plain, light background.

3. Valid Passport
– All applicants must show their original passport (plus a copy). The passport must:
– Be valid for at least four more months.
– Be issued within the last ten years.
– Contain at least two blank pages.

4. Initial Family Reunification Authorization
– The sponsor must first apply for and receive an “initial family reunification permit” issued by Spanish authorities. This is called an “Autorización de residencia por reagrupación familiar inicial” and must be approved before the overseas visa application can begin.

5. Sponsor’s Foreigner Identification Card (TIE)
– You need a certified copy of the sponsor’s TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) to show their legal resident status.

6. Proof of Relationship
– For Spouse/Partner: A legal marriage certificate or official partnership document.
– For Children: Birth certificates and, if relevant, proof of custody.
– For Parents: The sponsor’s birth certificate and proof that you have provided financial support for the past 12 months (usually sending more than 51% of the per capita income of the parent’s home country).

Important: All foreign documents must be legalized (apostilled) and translated into Spanish by a certified translator.

7. Criminal Record Certificate
– All adult applicants must provide recent police clearance certificates for every country where they have lived in the past five years. These must show no serious criminal history and usually need to be issued within three months of your application.

8. Medical Certificate
– Each applicant must obtain a doctor’s note issued within the past three months. This should confirm the person does not have any contagious diseases that would bar entry to Spain 🇪🇸.

9. Proof of Accommodation
– The sponsor must show that they have a suitable, legal home in Spain 🇪🇸 large enough for all family members.

10. Proof of Financial Means
– The sponsor needs to show enough income to support all dependents. Every year, the minimum changes, so check with your local Spanish consulate for the current amount.

Application Fees

The visa fee usually falls between €114 and €154 per person. Sometimes extra service charges are added if you apply through an outside provider. These fees are set by the Spanish government and are paid per applicant, often at the time of your visa appointment. All fees are non-refundable, even if you do not get the visa.

Validity Period

Once granted, the Spain National (Type D) Family Reunification Visa usually lets family members enter Spain within three months. After arriving, you must apply for a Spanish residency card (“Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero” – often called “TIE”) within one month.

The first residence card for family members is usually issued for the same amount of time as the sponsor’s permit but often starts as a one-year permit, with the option to renew.

Processing Time

The whole application process can take anywhere from two to five months.

Here’s how the time usually breaks down:
– Initial Authorization Inside Spain: Several weeks to a few months, depending on how busy the local office is.
– Visa Processing Abroad: Up to two more months once all paperwork is turned in to the consulate.

Remember:
– You usually have just one month to pick up your visa after approval.
– You need to enter Spain 🇪🇸 within three months of receiving your visa.

Step-by-Step Application Procedure

Now, let’s walk through each step so you can see how the process works from start to finish.

Step 1: Sponsor Applies for Initial Authorization

• The Spain-based legal resident (the sponsor) visits the local Foreigners’ Office (Oficina de Extranjería) to request an initial family reunification permit.
• The sponsor must show proof of income, housing, and that they meet all eligibility criteria.

Tip: Make an appointment online or by phone as required by local rules. Bring all documents neatly organized.

Step 2: Wait for Authorization Decision

• Authorities in Spain 🇪🇸 review the application and either approve or deny it.
• If approved, the sponsor will receive an official notice (resolución favorable).
• This official document allows family members abroad to start their national visa application.

Step 3: Gather Documents in Home Country

• Each family member collects and prepares the required documents, as listed above.
• All foreign documents must be legalized (apostille) and translated if not in Spanish.
• Double check dates on police and medical certificates.

Common Mistake: Submitting expired or incorrectly translated documents leads to delay or rejection.

Step 4: Submit Visa Application to Spanish Consulate

• Book an appointment—usually needed—at the nearest Spanish consulate or visa application center (VAC).
• Attend the appointment. Submit all documents, biometrics (such as fingerprints), and pay any fees.
• Consulate staff may request an interview.

Tip: Some consulates let you start the process by email or through an online system. Check their specific rules.

Step 5: Wait for Visa Decision

• The consulate examines the paperwork. They may contact you for more information.
• Processing can take up to two months.

Step 6: Collect Your Visa and Enter Spain

• Once approved, collect your visa from the consulate or VAC as instructed.
• You must enter Spain 🇪🇸 before the end date on your visa.

Important: Do not travel to Spain 🇪🇸 before your visa starts or after it expires.

Step 7: Apply for the Residency Card (“TIE”) in Spain

• Within one month of arriving in Spain, you must book an appointment at your local police station or immigration office.
• Bring your passport, entry stamp, visa, and all required paperwork.
• Complete fingerprinting and other formalities.
• The residency card is usually ready in a few weeks.

Caution: If you do not apply for your TIE in time, your legal stay can be questioned—even if you entered with a visa.

What Happens After

Once you hold your TIE residency card, you can live in Spain 🇪🇸 legally for the time given—normally one year for the first permit. The process can be repeated or renewed as long as the sponsor’s status remains valid.

Family members can register for health care, enroll in schools, and start the process of joining community life. Make sure to keep contact details and documents up to date with Spanish authorities.

Common Problems and Solutions

• Missing paperwork: Always check the consulate’s latest checklist before handing in your application.
• Out-of-date documents: Medical and police certificates must be very recent (no more than three months old when submitted).
• Translations and legalization: A missing stamp or unapproved translator can cause delays. Always use an official, approved service.
• Entering Spain late: Don’t let your entry visa expire before you travel.

Where to Get Help or More Information

If you need more details or if your situation is unusual (for example, blended families or special circumstances), contact your nearest Spanish consulate, visit the official page for Family Reunification Visa, or ask a licensed immigration lawyer for guidance.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, staying informed about the latest rules helps applicants avoid mistakes that can delay family reunification or even cause denial.

Summary Table

After each step, stay organized and respond quickly if the consulate or office requests more information. By following the steps carefully and preparing your paperwork, you greatly improve your family’s chances of living together in Spain 🇪🇸.

Remember, the Spain National (Type D) Family Reunification Visa must be used as outlined above. For up-to-date rules and more help, always check official sources or consult the correct specialists.

Learn Today

Sponsor → A non-EU legal resident in Spain who initiates the family reunification application process for eligible relatives.
Autorización de residencia por reagrupación familiar inicial → Initial family reunification permit issued in Spain before beginning the overseas visa process.
Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) → Spanish Foreigner Identification Card, proving legal residency for both sponsor and reunited family.
Apostilled → A type of official legalization confirming the authenticity of documents for international use under the Hague Convention.
Criminal Record Certificate → Official document showing a person’s criminal history, needed from all countries lived in over the last five years.

This Article in a Nutshell

The Spain National (Type D) Family Reunification Visa assists non-EU residents in reuniting with close family. Meeting strict eligibility, document, and translation requirements is crucial. Processing takes two to five months, so planning and organization are essential. Understanding each step boosts your chance for approval and happy family reunification in Spain.
— By VisaVerge.com

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