Family Reunification Visa (Regimen General)

The Family Reunification Visa is a two-stage process that begins with the sponsor in Spain and concludes with the family member abroad. You must first obtain a residence authorization in Spain before the family member can apply for their visa at a consulate.

Stage 1: Residence Authorization (In Spain)

The Sponsor (Reagrupante) must initiate this stage at the Immigration Office (Oficina de Extranjería) in their province of residence.

1. Verify Eligibility: Ensure you have lived legally in Spain for at least one year and have applied for or obtained your second-year renewal. If you hold a Long-Term Residence permit, you may apply immediately.
2. Request the Housing Report: Contact your local Town Hall (Ayuntamiento) to request the Informe de Vivienda Adecuada (Report of Adequate Housing). They will inspect your home to ensure it is suitable for the number of people moving in.
3. Submit Form EX-02: Complete and submit Form EX-02 at the Oficina de Extranjería. You must provide proof of financial means (at least €900/month for one relative) and the housing report.
4. Wait for Resolution: The office has 45 days to process the request. Once approved, you will receive a notification of favorable resolution.

Stage 2: Visa Application (Abroad)

Once the authorization is approved in Spain, the Applicant (Reagrupado) must take action in their country of residence.

1. Book Consulate Appointment: You have exactly two months from the date the sponsor was notified of the approval to apply for the visa at the Spanish Consulate.
2. Gather Documents: Collect your Criminal Record Certificate (covering the last 5 years), a Medical Certificate (confirming you do not have diseases with serious public health implications), and proof of relationship (legalized and translated).
3. Submit Visa Application: Attend your appointment at the consulate, pay the fee, and submit your passport and documents.
4. Collect Visa: The consulate must issue the visa within one month. Once issued, you must collect it personally (unless you are a minor) and enter Spain within the timeframe stamped on the visa (usually 90 days).

Stage 3: The Identity Card (In Spain)

1. Enter Spain: Upon arrival, ensure your passport is stamped at the border.
2. Apply for the TIE: Within one month of entering Spain, you must book an appointment at the National Police station (Policía Nacional) to register your fingerprints for the Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero or TIE (Foreigner Identity Card).
3. Pick up Card: Approximately 30–45 days after your fingerprint appointment, you can collect your physical residency card.

Total Estimated Cost: Approximately €107.02 – €187.02.

Note: This total does not include costs for sworn translations, document legalizations/apostilles, private medical insurance (if required), or travel expenses.

• Housing Report: Usually issued within 30 days. If the Town Hall takes longer, you may use a Notarial Act as a substitute.
• Residence Authorization (Stage 1): The official limit is 45 days, though some busy offices may take 2–3 months.
• Visa Issuance (Stage 2): The consulate typically processes the visa within 15 to 30 days.
• TIE Card Production: After fingerprints are taken in Spain, the card takes 30 to 45 days to be ready for collection.
• Document Validity: Criminal record certificates and medical certificates are generally only valid for 3 to 6 months from the date of issuance; ensure they are "fresh" when you submit your visa application.