Before the current Immigration Regulation entered into force in May 2025, Spanish legislation did not provide a specific residence permit for family members of a Spanish citizen. There were two options in use: a residence permit for a family member of an EU citizen residing in Spain, or residence through family roots. The new regulation has finally introduced this residence permit into Spanish immigration law.
Family reunification with a Spanish citizen allows foreigners who have obtained Spanish citizenship to bring their close relatives to the kingdom.
Obtaining a residence permit in Spain through reunification with a Spanish citizen is easier and faster than family reunification between foreign nationals who already hold a residence permit.
Below, we explain everything you need to know: what it is, what the requirements are, and what documentation must be provided.
What is family reunification with a Spanish citizen?
Family reunification is a procedure that allows a foreigner who has obtained Spanish citizenship to bring close family members to the country and grant them their own residence permit and work authorization. Strictly speaking, this type of residence permit is more accurately described not as family reunification, but simply as a residence permit for a family member of a Spanish citizen.
The following family members can be reunited on the basis of Spanish citizenship:
- spouses and minor children. Spouses on the basis of marriage, or pareja de hecho, that is, a registered partnership, or on the basis of a common-law relationship, provided there has been at least 1 year of cohabitation or the couple have children together.
- adult children up to the age of 26 without proof of financial dependency
- adult children over the age of 26 with proof of financial dependency
- parents under the age of 80 with proof of financial dependency
- parents over the age of 80 without proof of financial dependency.
Below, in the list of requirements, we look at the conditions in greater detail.
Laws governing family reunification in Spain
Regulation of Law No. 4/2000, approved by Royal Decree No. 1155/2024 of 19 November 2024.
How to apply for family reunification with a Spanish citizen?
The new Immigration Regulation clearly establishes where and how an application for a residence permit for a family member of a Spanish citizen must be submitted.
- Spouses and minor children may apply directly from within Spain.
- Adult children and parents may apply only through Spanish Consular Offices in their country of residence.
Is it possible to work in Spain with a residence permit for a family member of a Spanish citizen?
Yes, a residence permit granted through family reunification with a Spanish citizen and issued to a spouse, partner, or children of working age allows them to work both as employees and self-employed anywhere in the country and in any sector, without the need to complete additional administrative procedures.
Family reunification with a Spanish citizen in 2026 with Alegria
If you need to apply for family reunification or complete other immigration-related procedures, Alegria’s lawyers, who specialize in immigration matters, will assist you from the very beginning and guide you through the entire process.
We help clients obtain Spanish citizenship and then reunite with relatives in the direct ascending and descending line. Our specialists, who have many years of experience working with foreigners in Spain, will advise you after carefully reviewing your situation, help you prepare the document package, complete all the necessary forms, pay the fee, submit the application on your behalf, and monitor its progress in order to respond immediately if the Spanish authorities request additional documents, or advise you on how to do this through the Spanish Consulate if necessary.
