(In all types of residence visas, the presence of all people on the day of the interview is required)

Visa for family members of foreigners who already have legal resident status in Spain and who wish to exercise the right to family reunification.

This type of visa is not issued to family members of citizens of the European Union or of the Member States of the European Economic Area or of Switzerland (see “Visas for family members of EU citizens").

Family members who can obtain a family reunification visa

• The spouse, not separated in fact or in law, or the person who maintains a partnership with the applicant that is analogous to a marital relationship (partner entered on a public register, provided that the registration has not been cancelled, or unregistered partner provided that proof can be provided of the continuity of a cohabitation relationship established before the applicant settled in Spain). Reunification cannot be offered to more than one spouse or partner.
• The children of the applicant, the children of the spouse or partner—including adopted children (provided that the adoption is valid in Spain)—and those represented legally by the applicant, provided that they are under the age of 18 or that they have disabilities and are not objectively capable of providing for their own needs due to their health status.
• The applicant's parents (mother or father) and those of their spouse or partner, provided that they are in the care of the applicant, they are older than 65 and there are reasons substantiating the need to authorize their residence in Spain. On an exceptional basis, and for humanitarian reasons, the reunification of parents under the age of 65 may be permitted.

Procedure

This Consular Office is competent to accept visa applications from individuals residing in the consular district

• Who can apply for a visa: The visa application must be submitted in person by the applicant. If the applicant is a minor, the application may be submitted by one of the parents or guardians or by a duly accredited representative.
• Visa application period: The visa application must be submitted within a period of 2 months, counted as of the day after the date on which the applicant is notified of the decision to authorize the family reunification.
• Rectifying the application: The Consular Office may ask the applicant to submit any missing documents, or to provide additional documents or data that are necessary for a decision regarding the application. The applicant may also be called in for a personal interview.
• Decision period: The legal period for reaching a decision is of 2 months as of the day after the application submission date, but this period may be extended if an interview or additional documents are requested.
• Collecting the visa: The visa must be collected in person by the applicant or by their representative (if the applicant is a minor) within a maximum period of 1 month, counted as of the day after the date on which the favorable decision is notified. The Consular Office will inform the applicant regarding the procedure for the return of the passport and any other original documentation.
• Visa refusal: Visa refusals will always be notified in writing, setting forth the grounds on which the decision adopted was based.
• Appeals: If a visa is refused, the applicant may submit an appeal for reconsideration to this Consular Office within 1 month of the day following the date on which notification of the refusal is received. An application for judicial review may also be filed with the High Court of Justice of Madrid within the 2-month period beginning the day after the date on which the applicant receives notification of the visa refusal or of the dismissal of the reconsideration appeal.
• Validity period of the visa: The visa will be valid for 90 days. Once in Spain, a Foreigner Identification Card must be applied for within a period of 1 month from the applicant's entry into Spain, at the Foreign Nationals' Office or the Police Station of the province in which the residence permit was processed.