Family reunification is a route that allows foreign nationals in Spain to bring their immediate family members to the country. For many Colombians, this option is essential for keeping their family together while living abroad. In this article, we’ll cover the requirements, the necessary documents and the process for completing family reunification.

If you’re wondering how to bring your parents to Spain as a Colombian national, read on to find out about all the options and steps you need to take.

How can I bring my parents to Spain?

The first step towards family reunification is understanding that not all family members are eligible. In the case of parents, they must be over 65 years old or be financially dependent on the applicant. The applicant must also have legal status in Spain.

It is important to note that the process may vary depending on each applicant’s particular circumstances. Those who are already Spanish citizens have more options, but Colombians also have routes available to them. The key is to meet the requirements set by the immigration authorities.

Once you have determined eligibility, the next step is to gather all the documents required to start the process. These include specific forms and proof of your relationship.

What are the requirements for family reunification?

To apply for family reunification, Colombians must meet certain requirements to ensure the process is viable. These include:

• Be a legal resident of Spain.
• Demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to support your parents.
• Provide documents proving your family relationship.
• If your parents are over 65 years old, additional specific requirements apply.

In addition to these requirements, it is essential to submit the application to the correct place, which is usually the Immigration Office responsible for the applicant’s place of residence. Submitting the application correctly and meeting these requirements are vital to avoid delays or refusals.

What documents do I need to bring my parents to Spain?

The documents required for family reunification in Spain are a crucial part of the process. These include:

1. Family reunification application form.
2. Your parents’ passports or identity documents.
3. Criminal record certificates and medical certificates.
4. Documents proving your family relationship, such as birth certificates.
5. Proof of financial resources, such as payslips or bank statements.

All documents must be apostilled and translated into Spanish if they are in another language. Submitting these documents correctly is essential to ensure the process proceeds smoothly.

How can I apply for family reunification?

The process begins by submitting the application to the Immigration Office. You must submit all the documents listed above. Once the application has been submitted, the waiting time may vary, but it is important to look out for any requests for additional documents from the authorities.

We recommend keeping copies of all the documents submitted and the application receipts. These may be useful for resolving any questions that arise during the process.

Once the application has been approved, the visa process must be started from the parents’ country of origin. This is a crucial step to ensure they can enter Spain legally.

What options do I have for bringing my parents to Spain?

There are several options for bringing parents to Spain, depending on the legal status of both the applicant and the parents. The main options include:

• Family reunification: Ideal for citizens or legal residents who meet the established requirements.
• Arraigo familiar (family-based residence route): Particularly for those who have lived in Spain for an extended period.
• Specific visa: For those who meet special criteria, such as being over 65 years old.

Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to assess which one best suits each family’s circumstances.

How long does the family reunification process take?

The waiting time for the family reunification process can vary considerably. It generally takes between three and six months, although this depends on the workload of the Immigration Offices and the complexity of the individual case.

It is essential to be prepared for possible delays and to keep checking the application status. We also recommend regularly checking the Immigration Office website for updates.

Alternatives for bringing my parents to Spain as a Colombian citizen

If family reunification is not viable for some reason, other alternatives may be considered. These include:

• Apply for citizenship for your parents if they meet the requirements.
• Explore temporary visa programmes that may allow them to stay in Spain.
• Consider whether your parents could obtain residence through other means, such as arraigo social (social-integration residence route).

We recommend consulting a lawyer who specialises in immigration to explore all the available alternatives and ensure you choose the most suitable route.

Related questions about family reunification in Spain

What do I need to reunite with my father in Spain?

To bring your father to Spain through family reunification, you must be a legal resident and demonstrate that you can support him financially. You must also submit documents proving your relationship, such as a birth certificate. It is also essential to note that your father must meet certain requirements, such as being over 65 years old or being financially dependent on you.

How can I bring my parents to Spain?

The most direct route is through family reunification. You must submit the application to the Immigration Office, along with all the required documents, such as your parents’ passports and proof of your relationship. You must also demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to support them in Spain.

What are the requirements for arraigo familiar for parents over 65 years old?

The requirements include proving that you have lived in Spain for an extended period and that your parents are over 65 years old. You must also demonstrate that you have the financial resources needed to support them. This process is an alternative to traditional family reunification.

What happens if I am Colombian and my child is born in Spain?

If your child is born in Spain, this may open the door to Spanish citizenship for them, which could in turn make the family reunification process for your parents easier. We recommend consulting a lawyer or an immigration expert to better understand the legal implications and benefits.