How to bring your children to Spain

Understanding Family Reunification for Children in Spain

Family reunification is the legal process that lets parents bring their dependent children to Spain to live together. Spain recognizes both biological and adopted children. If you're already living and working in Spain, you may be able to sponsor your children to join you through this program.

Who Can Sponsor Children

To sponsor a child, you generally need to:

• Be a legal resident or citizen of Spain
• Have stable housing suitable for your family
• Demonstrate sufficient income to support your child without relying on public assistance
• Show you can provide healthcare and education
• Have custody or legal guardianship of the child

The specific income requirements depend on how many dependents you're sponsoring and your employment status. Self-employed individuals and employees have different documentation needs.

Required Documents

When applying, gather these types of documents:

• Your residence permit or citizenship certificate
• Proof of housing (lease or property deed)
• Recent pay stubs, employment contract, or business registration
• Bank statements showing financial stability
• Birth certificate of your child
• Custody documents or court orders proving guardianship
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Your child's medical records and vaccinations
• School records if your child is school-aged

Always get documents officially translated into Spanish and authenticated through an apostille if they're from another country.

The Application Process

Start by contacting your local immigration office (delegación de policía nacional) or the provincial office that covers your area. You'll need to:

1. Collect and prepare all required documents

2. Submit your family reunification application

3. Attend an interview if requested

4. Wait for the immigration authority to review your case

5. Receive a decision and visa for your child

Processing times vary by region and application complexity. Your child may receive a residence permit valid for one to five years, depending on your own status.

Important Considerations

• Your child must be under 18 or economically dependent if older
• Both biological and adopted children are eligible
• Multiple children can be included in one application
• Your child will need health insurance coverage
• Once approved, your child can attend public or private school

Next Steps

Visit the official Spanish immigration website (your country's Spanish consulate website) to find the specific office handling applications in your area. Requirements and procedures can vary slightly between regions, so confirm current details with official sources before submitting anything.

_This is general self-help information, not legal advice. Always verify current rules on the official government website._