Spain Visa for Thai Spouse

There are many people residing in Spain who want to bring their non-citizen of a European Member State Spouse to live with them. They are required to apply for a family reunification visa. The family reunification visa also applies to children, elderly parents, and dependent direct family members of the petitioner.

Foreigners who have been living legally in Spain for a year and have obtained authorization to stay at least one more year can apply to reunite with their Spouse. Holders of long-term EU residence permit in another Member State of the European Union, holders of an EU blue card, or beneficiaries of the special regime for researchers are not required to have previous legal residence in Spain before applying.

When applying for the Family Reunification Visa, the following items needs to be submitted:

1. A valid travel documents (international passport) valid for a minimum of more than four months after the visa issuance date
2. Two visa applications completely and correctly completed and signed
3. Two Recent Passport Photos
4. Copy of Spanish Identity Card, Long Term EU Residence Permit, or a Copy of the Residence/Settlement for Foreign Nationals of the sponsor
5. Police Clearance covering the last 5 years for applicants older than 18 years old
6. Medical Certificate from an approved public health organization that is in accordance with International Health Regulations
7. Proof of sufficient means to support their stay in Spain or a pledge of financial support from a Spanish Citizen or Resident with sufficient means to support
8. Written evidence of adequate housing for the family’s needs
9. Evidence that the person you will join has medical insurance valid to cover themselves and all of his family members
10. Marriage Certificate or other original documentation of family ties
11. Birth Certificate
12. Evidence of Termination of Previous Marriages

The documents listed above are merely the basic documents required in all cases. Additional documents may be requested by the embassy or consulate.

Official documents issued abroad must be legalized or bear an apostille, depending on the country whence they originated, unless a treaty provides for exemption from this process. In addition, the document may also be required to be further authenticated by the local Spanish Embassy or Consulate.

Foreign official documents which are written in another language than Spanish or English must then be translated by a certified professional translator.

Processing of Visa Application

The application for family reunification begins in Spain with the submission of an application with a local immigration office. The sponsor must submit a visa application with the appropriate documentation of their family relationship and financial ability to support the immigrating members.

Once the application has been processed and granted, the immigration office will issue a family reunification residence permit. Within 60 days, the immigrating family member must apply for a visa in person at the relevant consular or embassy office. A decision on the residence visa is generally issued in less than one month.

Issuance of the Visa

If the visa is approved, the applicant must enter Spain within three months. After entry into Spain, the visa applicant must apply for a Foreigner’s Identification Card unless the person is a minor within one month.