Many migrants choose to undertake the journey out of their country alone, leaving their family at home, to make their own way. Some return after a while, disappointed by the lack of opportunities or simply because they have decided that their time in the new country has come to an end. However, many others once settled and with the intention of putting down permanent roots in their new home, choose to acquire the nationality of their country of residence. In this article, we will tell you more about it.
In the case of Spain, nationality is obtained after 10 years of residence, 5 years for people in refugee status, 2 years for nationals of Ibero-American countries (including Brazil), Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal or people of Sephardic origin, and 1 year for some special cases, such as the spouses of Spanish citizens.
After struggling for years to build a viable life project in Spain, many immigrants decided to bring their families to reunite in their new country. For those residents in Spain who have already obtained Spanish nationality (or any other from the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland), there is the option of a family reunion visa under the community regime.
What is a family reunion under a community regime?
The family reunion visa under the community regime grants the holder the right to reside in Spain for a period greater than 90 days, which is the time allowed with a tourist visa. With this visa, family members of Spanish citizens can legally enter the country and, once in Spain, have the right to obtain a European Community Card.
Once this card is obtained, the holder can work legally in Spain (not in other EU countries), both as an employee and as a self-employed person. However, family members reunited by the Spanish citizen will not be able to reunite with other family members until they themselves have obtained Spanish nationality, meeting the requirements mentioned above.
Requirements to obtain a family reunion visa under the community regime
To apply for a family reunion visa under the community regime, a certain level of relationship is required. This visa can be applied for by the spouse or partner in an analogous union, registered in a public register of an EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. Descendants of the Spanish citizen or their spouse or registered partner under 21 years of age can also apply for it. In the case of children older than 21, the Spanish citizens must prove that they are in charge of them. Finally, the direct ascendants of the Spanish citizen or their spouse or registered partner can also request it, as long as they are in their care.
Documentation necessary for family reunion
To carry out this type of procedure, interested parties must present the following documentation:
- Printed application for form EX 02 signed by the reunifier and payment of the model 790 fee corresponding to the family reunification procedure.
- Stable residence document with the minimum required for each case.
- Copy of the valid and updated passports of the applicant and the person being reunified.
- Health certificate.
- Documents accrediting the economic situation or sufficient income required to regroup a family member as a resident in Spain. For this purpose, the following may be used:
- Employment contract.
- Personal income tax return.
- Proof of private health insurance or healthcare.
- Proof of family ties between the applicant and the person being reunified.
- Accrediting report from the corresponding body certifying that you have adequate housing.
Additional documents when the person reunited is a spouse or domestic partner
- A sworn statement certifying that you do not reside in Spain with another person with whom you have a relationship.
- Judicial resolution that establishes the situation of a previous spouse in case of being remarried or having a relationship and being previously divorced.
Additional documents when the member is a descendant
- Accreditation of parental authority, custody or residence authorization in Spain granted by the other parent.
- Adoption resolution in the case of adopted children.
Additional documents when the member is ascendant
- A document that certifies the financial provision to the possible regrouped person for at least the last year.
- Accreditation that justifies the reasons why family reunification of ascendants is requested.
How many payrolls are needed for the family reunion?
It is required to demonstrate possession of sufficient financial means to take care of the group. To do this, it is necessary to present an employment contract and the last six salaries.
How long does a family reunion last in Spain?
The family reunion procedure generally takes around 6 months from start to finish. However, the total time will depend on several factors, such as the availability of appointments at the immigration office or the consulate’s response to the visa application.
Do you need more information about bringing your family to Spain?
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