A Spain Family Reunion Visa lets you live with close family in Spain. It helps you join a sponsor who already lives there with legal residence. This guide explains the UAE side in plain words.
Bolo Asan explains this visa in simple words for UAE readers. Spain runs this visa in two clear stages. Both stages must succeed before you can move.
Your sponsor starts the case in Spain. You then ask for your visa from the UAE.
This guide covers the UAE side of the case. Your sponsor handles the Spain side. Read both parts together before you start.
Quick Answer: A Spain Family Reunion Visa brings close family together in Spain. Your sponsor applies in Spain first. You then apply within two months of the approval notice.
Bolo Asan lists the main rules below.
Who Can Sponsor You
Your sponsor starts your Spain Family Reunion Visa case in Spain. The sponsor must meet two time rules first.
The Two Time Rules
Your sponsor must hold legal residence in Spain for one full year. The sponsor must also hold permission to stay for one more year. A brand new resident cannot sponsor family right away.
Why Two Stages Matter
Spain checks the sponsor side first. Spain then checks your side from the UAE. Both sides must pass for the move.
Where Your Sponsor Files
Your sponsor files the request at the foreigner office in Spain. The office sits in the home province of the sponsor. Officers check the money and home papers there.
Form EX-02 for Each Member
The sponsor uses form EX-02 for each family member. EX-02 is the form Spain asks for in this case. You take your step only after Spain sends the approval notice.
Work Permits and Sponsors
Our Spain Work Visa Guide 2026 explains work residence rules in simple words. Many sponsors live in Spain on a work permit.
Who Can Join on a Spain Family Reunion Visa
Spain grants a Spain Family Reunion Visa only for close family. Each person needs a separate visa request. One approval never covers the whole family at once.
Close Family Table
The table below shows who counts as close family.
| Family member | Who counts |
|---|---|
| Spouse or partner | Married and not separated, or a registered partner |
| Children | Under 18, or adults with a disability |
| Parents | Over 65 and in the sponsor care |
One Spouse Rule
Spain allows only one spouse or partner per sponsor. A second marriage needs divorce proof from the first marriage. A registered partner shows a couple registration paper.
Partners Without Registration
An unregistered partner must show a shared life from before the sponsor moved.
Parents Need Stronger Papers
The sponsor must care for the parent. Parents must also show a real need to live in Spain. A parent case needs stronger papers than a spouse case.
A Younger Parent Is Rare
Spain may allow a younger parent only for strong human reasons. That exception stays rare, so do not count on it.
Money Rules for a Spain Family Reunion Visa
Your Spain Family Reunion Visa case needs steady sponsor income. Spain measures this money with the IPREM. The IPREM is Spain’s official income reference number. The government updates this number from time to time.
The Two Money Numbers
A family of two needs 150 percent of the IPREM each month. Each extra family member adds 50 percent more. A bigger family needs a bigger monthly income on paper. Your sponsor must show this money each month from steady income.
Steady Income Each Month
The office checks steady income each month. One good month does not pass this test.
Money That Does Not Count
Money from social help does not count for this test. Your sponsor must also show a home that fits the family. The town hall gives a report on the home. The town hall is the local council office.
Money Rules Made Simple
Bolo Asan keeps money rules simple for readers. Remember two numbers only for this test. The first number is 150 percent for two people. The second number adds 50 percent for each extra person.
Money Bars Table
The table below sums up the money bars.
| Family size | Monthly bar |
|---|---|
| Sponsor plus one | 150 percent of the IPREM |
| Each extra person | Plus 50 percent of the IPREM |
Bolo Asan Document Checklist
Your Spain Family Reunion Visa file needs complete papers. BLS is the centre that takes Spain visa papers in the UAE. You file your visa papers at the BLS Spain centre.
Keep Papers Ready
Keep the original papers and copies ready before your appointment. Check each paper date before your appointment.
Your Papers List
Take each paper from the list below to your appointment.
- National visa form, filled and signed
- Two recent passport photos on a white background
- Your valid passport with four months left and two blank pages
- A passport from the last ten years
- Copies of your residence permits from the last 5 years, if you are 18 or older
- A copy of the family reunification approval from Spain
- A certified copy of the sponsor residence card
- Papers that prove your family link
- A police certificate for the last five years for adults
- A medical certificate that follows global health rules
- Proof that you live in the consular area
Papers That Prove Family Links
Your marriage paper proves a spouse link. Your birth paper proves a child link. A parent case needs a birth paper plus proof of need.
Custody Papers for Children
A child of one spouse needs sole custody proof. Sole custody means one parent alone has legal care of the child. The child must live in that parent care.
Foreign Papers Need Stamps
Spain asks for legalized or apostilled foreign papers. An apostille is a stamp that proves a paper is real.
Translations Need a Sworn Translator
Spain also asks for an official Spanish translation. A sworn translator must translate each paper into Spanish. A sworn translator is a translator the court accepts.
Finish Stamps First
Get both steps done before you file. You face delays when stamps or translations go missing.
UAE Paper Rules
The Abu Dhabi checklist covers UAE paper rules. It asks for extra care with UAE papers. Your UAE police paper needs Interior Ministry and MOFA stamps.
MOFA Stamps and Dates
MOFA means the UAE foreign ministry. Birth papers need a MOFA stamp from the UAE. Your spouse marriage paper must date from the last six months.
Tip: Start translations early with a sworn translator. Late papers can delay your BLS visit. Late papers can also push your whole plan back.
How to Apply in Nine Steps
Your Spain Family Reunion Visa journey follows nine clear steps. Each step must finish before the next one starts. Follow these nine steps in order.
The Nine Steps
- Your sponsor starts the residence request in Spain.
- Spain says yes to the residence request for your family member.
- You book a BLS appointment right after the approval arrives.
- You file your Spain Family Reunion Visa papers in the two months after approval.
- The consulate may ask for more papers or an interview.
- The consulate decides your visa case within two months of filing.
- You pick up your visa in person within one month of the approval message.
- You travel to Spain while your visa stays valid for 90 days.
- You apply for your residence card within one month of entry.
Your 90 Day Visa
Your visa stays valid for 90 days. You must enter Spain inside that time. Spain’s foreign ministry page lists each step above in full detail.
Your Receipt and Passport
The centre gives you a receipt with a tracking code. You can track your case online with that code. The centre also informs you about passport return steps. Guard your receipt until you collect the visa.
Note: The consulate can extend the decision time for an interview or extra papers. A longer wait does not always mean a refusal.
Short Trips Use Other Rules
This visa differs from a short Schengen visit visa. It grants long residence in Spain rather than a short trip. Our Schengen guide explains short visit rules in simple words.
The Laws Behind This Visa
Spain’s foreigner law from 2000 governs this visa. Its 2024 rules set the sponsor conditions and the family list.
What This Visa Does Not Cover
This visa does not cover short tourist trips. Short trips follow Schengen visit rules instead. It does not cover family of EU citizens. Their family follows EU citizen family rules.
Work Cases Use Another Route
This visa also does not replace a work visa. Work cases follow their own route.
Fees and Time
Your Spain Family Reunion Visa fee stays at 80 euros. Bolo Asan lists only the official visa fee here. You can plan your budget with this figure. Most passports pay this same fee.
Fees That Differ by Passport
Some passports pay a different fee for reciprocity reasons. Reciprocity means Spain matches the fee your country charges Spaniards. Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom pay different rates. Ask the consulate for your exact fee before you pay.
Key Times Table
The table below sums up the key times.
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Visa decision | Within two months |
| Visa collection | Within one month |
| Visa validity | 90 days |
| Residence card | Within one month of entry |
If Spain Refuses Your Visa
A refusal comes in writing with clear reasons. You can ask the consulate to review the refusal within one month. You can also file a court case within two months of the refusal notice. The same two months apply after a review dismissal.
Important: A refusal comes in writing with clear reasons, so read it with care.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Late papers cause the most delays for families. Check each paper date before you file. File early for a smooth plan.
Plan Both Stages
The visa stage needs two months. The sponsor stage comes first, so plan both stages together. Late filing can move your travel date back.
Four Mistakes List
Avoid the four mistakes below.
- Old marriage papers past six months
- Missing sworn Spanish translations
- A passport with short validity left
- No appointment before the BLS visit
Life After You Arrive in Spain
Your Spain Family Reunion Visa leads to a residence card. You apply for the card soon after entry. The card proves your legal residence in Spain.
Your Stay Follows Sponsor Dates
Your residence then follows your sponsor card dates. Your stay ends when the sponsor card ends unless you renew in time.
Work Rights for Family
Your spouse and adult children can normally work in Spain. They need no extra work permit for this right. Check your card terms for your exact rights in your own case.
How to Renew
Your family renews residence before the card ends. Renewal follows the sponsor card dates too. Renew on time to keep your stay legal.
Where to Renew
You apply at the foreigner office or police station in your province. The province must match your permit papers.
More Help From Bolo Asan
Bolo Asan covers Spain visas for UAE residents in simple words. Read the Spain work guide for work cases. Use this guide for Spain Family Reunion Visa cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bolo Asan answers common questions below.
Can my spouse join me in Spain through a family visa?
Yes, your spouse can join you with a valid marriage. The marriage must show no separation. Spain allows only one spouse per sponsor. An earlier marriage must end legally first.
Can my parents join me in Spain?
Parents can join you after you hold long term residence. You must care for them and prove they need you. Spain may allow a younger parent only for strong human reasons.
How long does a Spain Family Reunion Visa take?
The consulate decides visa cases within two months. The sponsor stage in Spain comes before that stage. Your total time depends on both stages together.
Where do I apply from the UAE?
You apply in person at the BLS Spain centre. You must book your appointment before you visit the centre. The Abu Dhabi checklist shows all your UAE papers.
How much money must my sponsor show?
For a sponsor plus one family member, the bar sits at 150 percent. A third person lifts the bar by 50 percent more. The office checks steady income rather than one good month.
What happens after I reach Spain?
You apply for your residence card within one month. The card proves your legal stay in Spain. Your residence then follows your sponsor card dates.
Bolo Asan rewrites guides when rules change.
Disclaimer: Bolo Asan is not an official site. We share general information only. This guide does not replace legal advice.
Spain decides each case on its own rules. Your result can differ based on your papers.
Check the official pages before you file. The foreign ministry page lists the visa rules. The Abu Dhabi checklist lists the UAE papers.
Last Updated: 3 November 2026