Bringing parents to live in Spain is one of the procedures that generates the most excitement and, at the same time, the most questions among our clients. The desire to reunite the family is a priority, but it is essential to understand that immigration regulations are strict regarding financial and age requirements.
The family reunification process varies significantly depending on whether the applicant is a Spanish/EU citizen or holds a residence permit under the general regime. This guide explains everything you need to know.
1) Family reunification under the general regime
This procedure applies when the sponsor (who already lives in Spain) is a non-EU foreign national with a residence permit.
Specific requirements:
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Years of residence: Unlike the reunification of spouses or children, to bring parents the sponsor must hold a Long Term Residence Authorization (or be in the process of renewing it after 5 years of legal residence).
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Parents' ages: As a general rule, ascendants must be over 65 years of age. There are exceptions for humanitarian reasons for those under this age, which we will discuss later.
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Economic dependence: This is the point where most applications are rejected. You must demonstrate that during the last year you have transferred funds to your parents that represent at least 51% of the annual GDP per capita of their country of origin or a significant amount that proves they cannot support themselves.
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Financial solvency: You must prove sufficient income to cover the family's expenses in Spain. Typically, 150% of the IPREM (Public Indicator of Multiple Effects Income) is required for the first family member being reunited with you, and an additional 50% for each subsequent family member.
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Adequate housing: It is necessary to present a habitability report issued by the Autonomous Community or the City Council that certifies that the house has enough space for everyone.
2) Family reunification under EU status
If you are a Spanish citizen or a national of another European Union country, the process is different. In this case, your parents (or your legal partner's parents) apply for the Family Member Card of a Union Citizen.
Key differences:
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No minimum years required: It is not necessary to have resided in Spain for 5 years; the process can be started as soon as the EU citizen establishes themselves in the country.
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Flexible age: Although economic dependence remains the key factor, in the community regime it is more viable to reunite parents under 65 years of age if it is reliably demonstrated that they live in dependence on the child.
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Free of charge: Applicants under this regime are usually exempt from paying consular visa fees.
The critical concept: What does it mean to "be in charge"?
For the immigration office, simply wanting your parents to live with you isn't enough. You must prove that they live at your expense. This is demonstrated by:
- Sending remittances: Bank statements showing monthly money transfers during the last year.
- Lack of income: Documents from your country of origin that certify that your parents do not receive pensions or sufficient income to live on.
- Previous cohabitation: In some cases, it helps to show that they were already dependent on you before you arrived in Spain.
General requirements for both cases
Regardless of the regime, all parents must comply with:
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Family bond: Birth certificate of the child (sponsor) duly apostilled to prove kinship.
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Criminal record: Clean certificate for the last 5 years.
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Health insurance: They must have private health insurance with coverage similar to public healthcare (without co-payments or waiting periods), as they will not have automatic access to free social security initially.
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Public health: Medical certificate attesting that they do not suffer from diseases with serious repercussions for public health.
Exceptions: Reuniting parents under 65 years of age
Although the law sets 65 years as the barrier, there are humanitarian reasons which allow them to be brought in earlier:
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When the father or mother is incapacitated and is under the guardianship of the sponsor.
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When one is clearly unable to provide for one's own needs.
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When joint family reunification is requested for both spouses and one of them is already over 65 years old.
How can MBT Abogados help you?
Parental reunification is one of the procedures most closely monitored by the Administration. An error in the presentation of bank transfers or an improperly justified residence can result in a denial.
At MBT Abogados we offer:
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Feasibility analysis: We review your income and remittance history before submitting anything.
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Case management: We handle the professional online submission to expedite the process.
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Resources: In case of refusal, we defend your right to family unity before the relevant bodies.
If you want to bring your parents to Spain and need assurance that the process will be carried out correctly, you can contact us by email or WhatsApp. We are a law firm in Barcelona.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) / Parent Reunification in Spain
- How long does the process take?
The legal processing time is 45 to 90 days, although the entire process (including the visa and the province of residence) usually takes between 6 and 9 months. - Can they start the process while in Spain as tourists?
Under the General Scheme, no (they must be in their country). Under the EU Scheme, it is possible to apply for the card from Spain if economic dependency is proven. - Can they work once they have residency?
Yes, the card allows them to work. However, if they generate a high income of their own, they could have problems renewing their residency because they will no longer be "dependent." - What if my mother is under 65 and my father is older?
It is possible to reunite both as long as one is over 65 years old and joint entry is requested, maintaining the requirement of economic dependence of the marriage. - Is it mandatory to have private health insurance?
Yes, it's essential. It must be a private insurance policy with no co-payments or waiting periods that covers the same services as public healthcare, which they don't automatically have access to at the beginning. - Can I bring my in-laws to live with me?
Yes, under the same age and dependency requirements as your parents. You will only need to provide a legalized marriage or civil partnership certificate to prove the relationship.
