Family
The route changes depending on who lives in Spain
Separating the two regimes avoids preparing requirements and documents for the wrong permit. Video in Spanish.
First, identify the regime
| Who lives in Spain | Main route | Critical point for parents |
|---|---|---|
| A person with Spanish nationality | Permit for a family member of a Spanish national, articles 93 to 98 | Being a dependent first-degree ascendant with no family support at home, or proving humanitarian reasons |
| A foreign national with residency | General family reunification, articles 65 to 68 | Being dependent, normally over 65, and justifying the need to live in Spain |
For in-laws the relationship with the spouse or partner and the specific rule applicable are analysed. An invitation or paying for a flight is not enough.
The first filter in 30 seconds
How dependency is proved
There is no single magic document. Dependency is built from a coherent set: regular transfers, absence or insufficiency of their own income, housing and health expenses, family composition and an explanation of why the support is needed.
Sending a large amount just before applying is usually less convincing than a reasonable, steady history. Whether there are relatives in the home country who could really provide support is also reviewed.
Documents worth preparing
- Full passports and identity documents.
- Birth certificates linking the whole family line.
- Proof of transfers and expenses paid continuously.
- Documents on pension, income, assets and living arrangements in the home country.
- Medical reports where health, disability or humanitarian reasons are claimed.
- Certificates formalised with apostille or legalisation and sworn translation where required.
If the sponsor is a foreign resident, also review income, housing and insurance in the family reunification guide.
Want a review before filing?
Registered gestora administrativa, ICGA Valencia. Free first consultation and a fixed quote before we start.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring my parents if I have Spanish nationality?
There is a specific permit for family members of Spanish nationals. For ascendants, kinship, dependency, the lack of family support at home and, where applicable, humanitarian reasons are reviewed.
Can I reunite my parents if I am a foreign resident?
Yes, but the general regime requires dependency and normally that they are over 65, as well as justifying the need for them to live in Spain. There are humanitarian exceptions for those under that age.
How much money must I have sent?
The law does not come down to a single figure. A real history of dependency is assessed against the needs, income and cost of living in the home country.
Does an invitation letter work?
Not to obtain residency. The invitation letter relates to a short visit and does not replace a family residence permit.
Can I apply after they enter as tourists?
It depends on the regime, the permitted place of filing and the specific situation. Do not plan a tourist entry without first reviewing the route and the deadlines.
Legal basis
- Organic Law 4/2000 on the rights and freedoms of foreign nationals in Spain
- Royal Decree 1155/2024, Regulation implementing Organic Law 4/2000 (consolidated text)
- Royal Decree 316/2026 amending the immigration Regulation
- Law 39/2015 on Common Administrative Procedure, art. 14 on electronic dealings with the administration
Official sources
- Ministry of Inclusion: family members of Spanish nationals
- Ministry of Inclusion: general family reunification
Written by Irina Klein. Reviewed by Elena Alonso Volostnova, registered gestora administrativa (ICGA Valencia). Updated on 5 October 2026. This page is general information and does not replace personalised advice on your case.