Learn how to reunite your children with you in Spain in 2025 under the new Family Members of Spanish Citizens Statute. Complete legal guide.

Family reunification is one of the most important concerns for Spanish citizens who wish to bring their children to live legally in Spain. For many years, this process was complex, restrictive, and filled with legal uncertainty, especially when children were no longer minors.

In 2025, the situation has changed substantially. The entry into force of the new Spanish Immigration Regulation and the creation of the Family Members of Spanish Citizens Statute has transformed the legal framework, making family reunification more accessible, more realistic, and more aligned with today’s family structures.

This new regulation introduces key improvements, including the extension of the age limit for children, simplified requirements, and greater flexibility regarding where and how applications can be submitted. As a result, thousands of Spanish citizens are now able to reunite with their children in Spain under far more favorable conditions.

In this comprehensive guide prepared by Visal Immigration Lawyers, we explain how the reunification of children of Spanish citizens works in 2025, who can benefit from this new system, what requirements apply depending on age, where applications must be filed, and what practical issues you should consider before starting the process.

Throughout the article, you will also find several opportunities to schedule your consultation here and receive personalized legal advice from an expert immigration lawyer.

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The new Family Members of Spanish Citizens Statute represents a major reform in Spanish immigration law. For the first time, Spain has created a specific and independent legal regime exclusively designed for relatives of Spanish nationals, separate from the traditional EU family member regime.

This reform acknowledges a fundamental principle: the right of Spanish citizens to live with their close family members in Spain without facing unnecessary administrative barriers. The regulation is especially relevant for parents who wish to bring their children to Spain, whether those children are minors, young adults, or even older dependents.

Under this new framework, eligible family members include not only biological children of Spanish citizens, but also children of spouses, registered partners, or stable partners, provided that the family relationship can be properly demonstrated. This is particularly important for blended families and modern family structures that were previously excluded or faced serious legal difficulties.

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One of the most significant changes introduced by the new regulation is the extension of the age limit for children eligible for family reunification. Until recently, the general limit was 21 years of age, and any child over that age had to prove strict economic dependency on the Spanish citizen.

As of 2025, this limit has been extended to 26 years of age, provided that the child has not reached that age at the time of application. This reform alone has dramatically expanded access to family reunification for Spanish citizens whose children are students, recent graduates, or young adults still building their professional lives.

Even more importantly, children under the age of 26 are no longer required to prove economic dependency. This means that there is no obligation to demonstrate money transfers, financial support, lack of income in the country of origin, or similar evidence that was previously required.

This change simplifies the procedure enormously and removes one of the most common causes of refusals under the old system. For many families, it means that reunification is now realistically achievable for the first time.

If you are unsure whether your child qualifies under the age requirement or want to assess the best timing for submitting the application, we strongly recommend that you schedule your consultation here with one of our expert immigration lawyers:
-->  Schedule your consultation here: https://www.visalimmigration.com/en/consulting

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The procedure for reuniting children under the new statute depends largely on where the Spanish citizen and the child are physically located at the time of application. This distinction is crucial, as choosing the wrong procedure can lead to delays, additional requirements, or even rejection.

If the Spanish citizen resides in Spain and the child is outside Spain, the application is submitted in Spain before the corresponding Immigration Office. Once the residence authorization is approved, the child must apply for the visa at the Spanish consulate in their country of residence.

If both the Spanish citizen and the child are already in Spain, the application can also be submitted from within Spanish territory. This scenario often raises concerns when the child is over 18 years old or lacks legal status in Spain.

However, an essential clarification must be made. As of 13 May 2025, a formal instruction issued by the Spanish Secretary of State for Migration eliminated the restriction that previously prevented applications from Spain when the child was over 18 years old. As a result, children over 18 can now apply from Spain even if they are in an irregular situation, provided that they meet the requirements of the new statute.

If both the Spanish citizen and the child are outside Spain, the process is initiated directly through a visa application at the Spanish consulate in the country of origin.

Each of these situations involves different documentation, procedural steps, and strategic considerations. This is why a prior legal analysis is essential before submitting any application. You can request this analysis by scheduling your consultation here:
Schedule your consultation here: https://www.visalimmigration.com/en/consulting

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Another key distinction introduced by the regulation concerns children over the age of 26. While the new statute significantly benefits children up to that age, applications for older children are subject to stricter conditions.

For children over 26, it is mandatory to demonstrate genuine and continuous economic dependency on the Spanish citizen. This requirement is now clearly defined in Article 196 of the new regulation, which establishes objective criteria such as regular financial transfers over a sustained period, the child’s lack of sufficient income in the country of origin, and their overall personal and family circumstances.

In addition, the Spanish citizen must demonstrate sufficient financial means or, alternatively, adequate assets to support the dependent family member in Spain.

These cases require careful preparation and a strong evidentiary strategy. In situations where economic dependency cannot be convincingly demonstrated, alternative legal pathways may be more appropriate, such as applying through a work permit or hiring-from-abroad procedure.

Importantly, children of Spanish citizens benefit from favorable conditions in employment-based immigration routes, including exemptions from the national employment situation requirement, making this alternative more viable than for other foreign nationals.

Choosing the correct legal route can be decisive. For this reason, professional guidance is strongly recommended before proceeding.
Schedule your consultation here: https://www.visalimmigration.com/en/consulting

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One of the major advantages of the Family Members of Spanish Citizens residence permit is its five-year validity combined with full work authorization. From the very first day, the reunited child is allowed to work legally in Spain, both as an employee and as a self-employed professional.

This represents a significant improvement compared to previous legal regimes and facilitates rapid integration into Spanish society. Moreover, once granted this residence status, the family member may later exercise their own right to family reunification, subject to legal requirements.

That said, despite the favorable legal framework, practical challenges still exist. In our professional experience, some Immigration Offices and Spanish consulates continue to apply restrictive interpretations, particularly in countries with historically complex consular practices.

This makes proper legal preparation, accurate documentation, and strategic presentation of the application more important than ever.

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At Visal Immigration Lawyers, we have extensive experience assisting Spanish citizens and their families with reunification procedures. We understand not only the legal rules, but also how they are applied in practice by Immigration Offices and consulates.

Our approach goes beyond simply filing applications. We design tailored legal strategies, anticipate potential obstacles, and propose alternative solutions when necessary.

If you are considering bringing your child to live in Spain or are unsure about your eligibility, we invite you to schedule your consultation here and receive personalized advice from one of our immigration law specialists:
Schedule your consultation here: https://www.visalimmigration.com/en/consulting

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can my child apply from Spain if they are in an irregular situation?
Yes. Since May 2025, children over 18 can submit the application from Spain even if they are in an irregular situation, as long as they meet the requirements under the Family Members of Spanish Citizens Statute.

Up to what age can my child apply without proving economic dependency?
Up to 26 years old. As long as the child has not reached the age of 26 at the time of application, no proof of economic dependency is required.

What happens if my child is older than 26?
In that case, it is mandatory to demonstrate real and continuous economic dependency, as well as sufficient financial means on the part of the Spanish citizen.

Does this residence permit allow my child to work in Spain?
Yes. The residence permit is valid for five years and includes full authorization to work in Spain from the first day.

Is it better to apply from Spain or through the Spanish consulate?
It depends on where both parties are located. Each option has legal implications and should be assessed individually with professional advice.

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At Visal Immigration Lawyers, we are specialized immigration lawyers with extensive experience in family reunification procedures. We know how important it is to reunite families and how frustrating administrative delays or refusals can be.

If you need professional assistance, do not call by phone. Contact us via WhatsApp at +34 618 702 253 or schedule your consultation here with one of our expert immigration lawyers:
Schedule your consultation here: https://www.visalimmigration.com/en/consulting

We will be pleased to analyze your case and guide you step by step through the reunification process in Spain.