Family reunification of children: requirements and how to apply

If you legally reside in Spain and want to bring your children, it is worth knowing the family reunification of children: requirements, documentation and timelines have changed with the new Immigration Regulation (RD 1155/2024), in force since 20 May 2025. In this orientative guide we explain, step by step and in plain language, what you need to apply and to avoid the most common mistakes.

Before you start, if you still don't know which route fits your situation (reunification, arraigo or another), you can use our immigration route finder to get your bearings in a couple of minutes.

What are the requirements for family reunification of children?

To understand the requirements for family reunification of children, it helps to separate two blocks: those that must be met by the person doing the reuniting (the sponsor) and the conditions of the child to be reunited.

Sponsor's requirements

• Holding a renewed residence authorisation or, under the new Regulation, being able to apply for reunification from the first year of legal residence in many cases.
• Proving sufficient and stable financial means to meet the family's needs once reunited.
• Having adequate housing, normally certified by a report from the autonomous community or the town hall.
• Having, where applicable, insurance or health coverage for the family member.

Requirements of the child to be reunited

• Being under 18 years old, or an adult with a disability that prevents them from providing for their own needs.
• Being the child of the sponsor or of their spouse or partner, including adopted children, proving filiation with official documentation.
• When the child has another parent, their consent is usually required, or a decision granting custody to the sponsor.

Every file is different, and the Immigration Office may request additional documentation depending on the case. You can find the full details of the procedure on the family reunification (general regime) page.

Documentation needed to reunite your children

Although the exact list is set by each Immigration Office, most applications to reunite children will require:

• Official application form (form EX-02) and proof of payment of the fee.
• Copy of the full and valid passport of the sponsor and the child.
• Document proving the sponsor's legal residence in Spain.
• Child's birth certificate, proving filiation, duly legalised or apostilled and with a sworn translation where applicable.
• Documentation of financial means (contract, payslips, tax return, statements).
• An adequate housing report.
• If the child has another parent, their authorisation or a court document on custody.

Many foreign documents must be apostilled and translated. If you have doubts on this point, it will help to read our guide on apostille and sworn translation in immigration.

How to apply for family reunification of children step by step

1. Gather the documentation of the sponsor and the child, already legalised and translated where necessary.
2. Submit the application (form EX-02) at the Immigration Office of your province, normally online or by appointment.
3. Wait for the decision. If it is favourable, the residence authorisation through reunification is granted in favour of the child.
4. Visa procedure. The child applies for the residence visa through reunification at the Spanish consulate in their country of origin.
5. Entry into Spain within the period indicated on the visa.
6. Application for the TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) after entry, with fingerprinting by prior appointment.

If your children are family members of a European Union citizen, the procedure is not this one but that of the EU citizen family member card, which has its own requirements and timelines.

Approximate timelines of the procedure

The legal deadline for a decision is usually a few months, but it varies depending on the province and the workload of the Immigration Office. To that time you have to add processing the visa at the consulate. That is why it is worth submitting complete and correct documentation from the start, to avoid requests that delay the file.

Frequently asked questions about reuniting children

Can I reunite an adult child?

As a general rule, reunification covers children under 18. An adult child can only be reunited in specific cases, such as when they have a disability that prevents them from meeting their own needs. In other cases they will have to consider different routes.

From when can I apply for the reunification of my children?

With RD 1155/2024 the previous residence timeframes have been made more flexible compared with the earlier regulation. Even so, each case is different, so it is worth checking your specific situation before submitting the application.

What happens if the other parent does not give consent?

If the child has another parent, their consent or a court decision granting custody to the sponsor is normally required. Without one of these documents, the Immigration Office may refuse the application.

Is reunification the only way to regularise my child?

Not always. Depending on the family situation and the length of stay, other figures could be considered, such as arraigo familiar. Compare options calmly before deciding.

---

This guide is orientative and does not replace individualised legal advice or official information. The applicable regulation is RD 1155/2024 and its interpretation by the Immigration Offices may vary from case to case. For your specific situation, consult a professional or the competent Administration.