Spouse Visa to Spain: A Comprehensive Guide for 2024

Spouse Visa to Spain

Spouse Visa to Spain: A Comprehensive Guide for 2024

Spouse Visa to Spain; Moving to Spain with your spouse can be an exciting opportunity to experience the vibrant culture, beautiful landscapes, and rich history of one of Europe’s most attractive countries. However, navigating the process of obtaining a spouse visa, also known as a family reunification visa, can be complex. Whether you’re a non-EU national looking to join your spouse who is a Spanish citizen or resident, understanding the visa process is essential for a smooth transition.

This guide outlines the key steps, requirements, and considerations for obtaining a spouse visa to Spain in 2024.

Understanding the Spouse Visa (Family Reunification Visa)

The spouse visa, or Visado de Reagrupación Familiar, allows non-EU nationals to join their spouse or partner living legally in Spain. The visa is part of Spain’s broader family reunification scheme and is designed to ensure that family members can live together in Spain without being separated by borders.

The type of visa and process may vary depending on your spouse’s residency status in Spain. If your spouse is an EU/EEA citizen, the process is typically more straightforward compared to if they are a non-EU citizen residing in Spain with a residence permit.

Eligibility Requirements for the Spouse Visa

To apply for a spouse visa to Spain, both the applicant (the spouse seeking to move to Spain) and the sponsor (the spouse already residing in Spain) must meet several key requirements:

  1. Legal Marriage or Civil Partnership

The applicant and sponsor must be legally married or in a registered civil partnership. In some cases, long-term unmarried couples may also qualify under Spain’s cohabitation laws, provided they can prove a stable and continuous relationship. Evidence such as joint bank accounts, property leases, and photos can be used to demonstrate the authenticity of the relationship.

  1. Residency Status of the Sponsor

The sponsor must either be a Spanish citizen or a legal resident of Spain. If the sponsor is a non-EU citizen residing in Spain with a temporary or permanent residence permit, they must have held their residency for at least one year before applying for family reunification.

  1. Financial Stability

One of the most critical requirements for the spouse visa is financial stability. The sponsor must demonstrate that they have the financial means to support their spouse. The minimum income threshold is tied to Spain’s IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples), which is a public income indicator used to determine eligibility for various public services and benefits. As of 2024, the sponsor must show that they earn at least 150% of the IPREM for the two of them, with an additional 50% per dependent family member.

The sponsor can meet this requirement through employment income, self-employment income, or savings. Proof of financial stability must include salary slips, tax returns, bank statements, and/or contracts of employment.

  1. Accommodation Requirement

The sponsor must provide proof of adequate accommodation in Spain, showing that they have a home suitable for both the sponsor and the applicant to live in. This proof could include a rental contract, property deeds, or a letter from a landlord confirming that the applicant can live in the home. The accommodation must meet Spanish housing standards for space, safety, and hygiene.

  1. Health Insurance

Health coverage is essential for both the sponsor and the applicant. If the applicant is not covered under Spain’s public healthcare system, they must obtain private health insurance that provides coverage equivalent to Spain’s public healthcare services.

The Application Process

Applying for a spouse visa to Spain requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here are the main steps involved in the process:

  1. Prepare the Necessary Documents

The first step is to gather all the required documents. Both the applicant and sponsor must provide a range of documentation, including:

    • Valid passports for both the applicant and sponsor.
    • Marriage or civil partnership certificate (officially translated into Spanish and legalized, if necessary).
    • Proof of residency for the sponsor (e.g., a residence card or certificate of registration).
    • Proof of financial stability (salary slips, tax returns, or bank statements).
    • Proof of accommodation (rental contract or property deeds).
    • Health insurance coverage for the applicant.
    • Photographs in the required format for visa applications.

In addition to these documents, some applicants may need to provide a police clearance certificate from their home country, proving they have no criminal record.

  1. Submit the Application

The applicant must submit the spouse visa application at the Spanish consulate or embassy in their home country. All documents must be translated into Spanish by a certified translator, and certain documents may need to be apostilled or legalized.

The visa fee, which varies depending on the country of origin, must be paid at the time of application.

  1. Attend the Visa Interview

In some cases, the applicant may be required to attend a visa interview at the consulate or embassy. During the interview, the applicant may be asked questions about their relationship, background, and reasons for moving to Spain.

  1. Processing Time

The processing time for a spouse visa can take anywhere from one to three months, depending on the consulate and the complexity of the case. It is important to apply well in advance, especially if there are any upcoming deadlines or personal circumstances that require timely travel.

Moving to Spain and Obtaining Residence

Once the visa is approved, the applicant can enter Spain and begin the process of obtaining their residence card. Within 30 days of arriving in Spain, the applicant must apply for their TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero), which is the foreigner identification card.

The TIE is necessary for living, working, and accessing services in Spain, such as opening a bank account or enrolling in healthcare. It is issued for the same duration as the sponsor’s residence permit.

Permanent Residency and Citizenship

After living in Spain on a spouse visa for five years, the applicant may be eligible for permanent residency, provided they meet the necessary requirements. Permanent residency grants the right to live and work in Spain indefinitely without needing to renew the visa.

For those looking to become Spanish citizens, the applicant can apply for citizenship after 10 years of legal residency in Spain. However, if the applicant is married to a Spanish citizen, they may apply for citizenship after just one year of marriage and residence in Spain.

Conclusion

Obtaining a spouse visa to Spain is a critical step for couples looking to reunite and build a life together in one of Europe’s most popular destinations. By understanding the eligibility requirements, preparing the necessary documentation, and following the application process carefully, applicants can increase their chances of success and enjoy a smooth transition to living in Spain.