Bring your family:
Arraigo or Reunification?
Choosing the right path depends on who you are and where your family member is. We bring order to the new 2026 regulations with clear and direct language.
How to bring your family member to Spain?
Bringing a family member is not just a matter of feelings, but of legal strategy. Depending on whether you are Spanish, European, or a foreigner with papers, and whether your family member is already here or still in their country, the path changes radically.
The new 2025/2026 regulation has simplified processes but raised requirements in others. Make sure you don't choose the wrong procedure.
Table of Contents
1. The three main paths: Which is yours?
Family Member of a Spaniard
The "fast track" of 2026. If you have Spanish nationality, arraigo is history. This regime is much better.
- Partners, children and parents
- Free and preferential
- 5-year card
Family Arraigo
For when your family member **is already in Spain** without papers. Exclusive for specific situations.
- Parents of European children
- No previous minimum time
- Permission to work
Reunification
The regime for foreign residents (not Spanish or European) who want to bring their family legally.
- From the country of origin
- Requires financial means
- 4-year renewal
What do you need to prove?
If you are going the Reunification route, the State will ask you for two key things: money and a decent home.
Money (IPREM)
You need fixed and regular income:
- You + 1 family member 150% IPREM
- Each extra person +50% IPREM
- For minors 110% IMV
Add up your salary, business, or assets. Social aid does not count.
Adequate Housing
You must prove that your house is suitable for your family:
Suitability Report
Requested at the Town Hall. They have 1 month to give it to you.
What do they look at?
Rooms, condition of the house, and who already lives there.
Alternative
If the report doesn't arrive, you can use a Notarial Act.
How to renew?
Once here, don't forget the dates so you don't fall into irregularity.
60 days before
Or up to 90 days after (with a fine). The application extends your current permit.
100% IPREM
To renew, the money requirement drops a bit. Maintain the bond and schooling.
4-year card
Renewal gives you total freedom to work anywhere in Spain.
Quick decision guide
Definitive summary to choose your best option.
| If you are... | Your family member is... | Where are they? | Best Option | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Partner, children <26 or parents | Spain or abroad | Family Member of a Spaniard | Free and lasts 5 years |
| European | Partner, children or parents | Outside Spain | Community Card | Free movement |
| Undocumented | Parent of a European minor | Already in Spain | Family Arraigo | No previous minimum time |
| Legal Resident | Partner, children or parents | Outside Spain | Family Reunification | Secure life plan |
In Conclusion...
If you are already Spanish, don't overthink it: the Residence for a Family Member of a Spanish Citizen is unbeatable for being free and flexible.
If your family already slipped into Spain and you have children with a European passport, Family Arraigo is your lifesaver.
For everything else, Family Reunification is the safe path for legal residents.