Learn how to legally prove that your relative is financially dependent on you for family reunification or permits as a family member of a Spanish citizen in 2025. The new Spanish immigration regulation has changed—and it’s no longer enough to simply send money: you must document everything properly.

 

Since the new Immigration Regulation (Royal Decree 1155/2024) came into force, Article 196 now clearly defines what it means to be "dependent." This requirement is essential in many immigration procedures, especially those involving parents of Spanish citizens, ascendants of foreigners with legal residence, or even certain unregistered partners. Failure to prove it correctly can easily lead to a denial.

In this comprehensive guide from the expert lawyers at Visal Immigration Lawyers, we explain step by step how to meet this requirement safely. We’ll cover remittances, documents, economic thresholds, common mistakes, and key tips to increase your chances of success. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us on WhatsApp at 618 702 253 or book a consultation with one of our immigration lawyers here: 

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First, it’s crucial to understand that being "dependent" is not just about receiving financial help; it also means the family member has no independent means of living. It's not enough to say you support them—you need consistent, solid evidence.

Article 196 of the Immigration Regulation defines someone as being dependent when they rely financially on another person, lack sufficient personal income, and cannot support themselves. But how can this be proven to the immigration authorities?

The main way to prove dependency is by showing regular money transfers (remittances) during the 12 months before the application. These remittances must cover at least 51% of the per capita GDP of the family member’s home country.

For many Latin American countries, this translates to monthly transfers of around €240 to €250. The exact amount varies by country and year, so it's always best to consult an immigration lawyer to analyze your specific case.

You can send the remittances using services like Western Union, MoneyGram, MoneyTrans, or through regular bank transfers. What’s important is that both the sender (you) and the receiver (your relative) are clearly identified.

A very common mistake we see at Visal Immigration Lawyers is that the money is sent to a third party (such as a neighbor or sibling), or there's no clear record of the transfer. This weakens the evidence significantly.

Alternatively, you can also justify financial support by covering essential expenses: food, medicines, clothing, housing, etc. As long as you can demonstrate that these payments are consistent, necessary, and made by you, they are valid forms of proof.

But that’s only half the requirement. In addition to proving that you support your family member financially, you also need to show that they do not have their own income. This can be done through official certificates from their home country proving they are not employed, do not receive pensions or subsidies, and do not own property or businesses.

Documents typically required to prove both sides of this requirement (your financial support + their lack of resources) include:

• Receipts of remittances or bank transfers on a monthly basis for the past 12 months.

• Contracts or receipts for essential goods (food, medicine, rent, etc.).

• Official certificates from the home country stating the family member is unemployed.

• Social security documents confirming they receive no pension or subsidy.

• Sworn declarations, if accepted by the competent authority.

At Visal Immigration Lawyers, we emphasize: documentation must be complete, recent, and legalized if necessary. A simple mistake can lead to a negative resolution.

So if you're planning to file an application where you must prove that your parent or other relative is dependent on you, we strongly recommend booking a consultation with one of our lawyers. We’ll assess your case, calculate the minimum amount you need to send, and help you build a strong file to maximize approval chances.

One of our key tips is to start preparing well in advance. Often, the foreign relative has been receiving help for a long time, but without proper records. In such cases, it might be best to wait a few more months and collect enough proof.

Even if you’re a Spanish national applying for a residence card for your parents, you will still be required to prove that they are economically dependent on you.

And if you’re in an unregistered partnership where one member lives abroad and depends on the other, this type of dependency can also be assessed to apply as a family member of an EU citizen. But again, it must be proven carefully.

Sometimes, the dependency isn’t financial—it may be physical or medical. For instance, a parent with serious health issues who cannot live alone. In such cases, you’ll need to provide medical reports, disability certificates, and official documents from the home country.

If you’re unsure about your specific situation, don’t take risks. Contact us via WhatsApp at 618 702 253 or book a consultation with our team here: 

BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT WITH A LAWYER HERE

Avoid common mistakes like:

• Sending money without receipts or proper identification of the recipient.

• Failing to prove your relative has no means of income.

• Not reaching the minimum monthly amount required.

• Irregular or incomplete remittances over the 12-month period.

In our experience, 90% of denials based on this requirement are due to poor documentation or misinterpreting what "dependent" actually means. That’s why getting guidance from an immigration lawyer is so important.

If you’re considering reuniting with a family member but aren’t sure if they meet the criteria, the first step is to analyze whether you can truly demonstrate their economic dependence and lack of resources. We can help you.

Get in touch now via WhatsApp at 618 702 253 or request an appointment with one of our experts here: 

BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT WITH A LAWYER HERE

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How much money should I send my relative for it to count as "dependent"?

It depends on the country where your relative lives. The rule is to cover at least 51% of the country’s per capita GDP. In many Latin American countries, that’s around €250 per month. Always check the updated figure for your specific case.

Do I have to use a bank to send money?

Not necessarily. You can use Western Union, MoneyGram or other services, as long as the receipts clearly show your name and your relative’s. The key is that the remittance is traceable, regular, and meets the legal minimum.

How long must I send money before I can apply?

You must send money regularly for at least 12 months before applying. Sporadic or one-time transfers aren’t valid. Immigration authorities look for consistency and sufficiency over time.

Can I reunite with a relative who receives a small pension?

It depends. If the pension isn’t enough to cover their basic needs according to their country’s standards, and you supplement it with regular remittances, you might still prove dependency. If the pension is too high, your case could be denied.

What if I didn’t send money, but I paid for rent and food?

You can submit contracts, receipts or invoices showing you paid those essential expenses. The goal is to prove you cover your relative’s basic needs. Using multiple types of evidence strengthens your case.

At Visal Immigration Lawyers, we help you calculate the minimum threshold, prepare the evidence, and avoid rejection.

If you want your application to succeed, don’t leave it to chance. Book a consultation with our immigration lawyers here: BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT WITH A LAWYER HERE