Modelos

EX-02 Form Spain: Family Reunification, Requirements and Application Process

EX-02 is Spain’s official application form for temporary residence through family reunification under the general immigration regime. It is mainly used when a qualifying foreign national legally residing in Spain wants an eligible foreign family member to live with them in Spain.

Under the current Immigration Regulation established by Royal Decree 1155/2024, EX-02 is used for more than the first family-reunification application. The current form also includes options for renewal, certain independent residence situations and some other family-related procedures.

EX-02 should not be treated as a universal “family visa form.” The correct form depends heavily on the nationality and immigration status of the person already living in Spain.

For a complete overview of Spain’s different family routes, start with our Spain Family Reunification Visa guide.

You can also compare EX-02 with the other immigration forms in our Spain Immigration Forms: EX-00 to EX-32 guide.

What Is Form EX-02?

The official purpose of EX-02 is:

Solicitud de autorización de residencia temporal por reagrupación familiar

or application for temporary residence authorization through family reunification.

In a standard case, there are two important people:

Reagrupante: the foreign resident already legally living in Spain who exercises the right to family reunification.

Reagrupado: the qualifying family member who will obtain residence through the procedure.

For an initial application, the process normally begins in Spain with the sponsor rather than with the family member simply applying directly for a visa abroad.

EX-02 at a Glance

Question	Answer
Form	EX-02
Main purpose	Family reunification under the general immigration regime
Initial family reunification	Yes
Renewal	Yes
Independent residence options	Yes, in qualifying cases
Main applicant for initial procedure	Foreign resident in Spain
Application location	Oficina de Extranjería or electronically through Mercurio
Standard decision period	Up to 2 months
Main financial benchmark	150% IPREM for sponsor + one family member
Each additional family member	Generally +50% IPREM
Adequate housing required	Yes
Healthcare coverage required	Yes
TIE after arrival	Yes
Work rights	Automatic for spouse, partner and children of working age

EX-02 Is Not the Correct Form for Every Family

Before completing EX-02, identify the immigration status of the person already living in Spain.

This is critical.

Foreign Resident in Spain

EX-02 generally concerns family reunification exercised by a qualifying foreign resident under Spain’s general immigration regime.

For example:

A Moroccan citizen legally residing in Spain wants to bring their spouse from Morocco.

EX-02 may be the correct form.

Spanish Citizen

A Spanish citizen bringing a foreign family member should not automatically use EX-02.

Spain now has a dedicated residence framework for qualifying foreign family members of Spanish citizens.

The corresponding form is generally EX-24.

Read our EX-24 guide for family members of Spanish citizens before choosing the procedure.

EU, EEA or Swiss Citizen

Non-EU relatives of EU, EEA or Swiss citizens exercising free-movement rights can fall under the separate EU family-member regime.

Again, EX-02 should not automatically be used.

The key rule is:

Identify the sponsor’s legal status first. Choose the form second.

Who Can Be Reunited Through EX-02?

Spain’s current family-reunification rules recognize several categories of qualifying relatives.

Spouse

A qualifying husband or wife may be reunited.

The spouse must be over 18.

Only one spouse or partner can be reunited through this right.

Where the sponsor has previously been married, additional evidence concerning the previous marriage and family obligations may be required.

Registered Partner

A person with whom the sponsor has a formally registered partnership may qualify.

The registration must remain valid.

Stable Unregistered Partner

An unmarried partner may also qualify when a genuine stable relationship comparable to marriage can be demonstrated.

Under the current rules, this can generally be demonstrated through at least 12 continuous months of cohabitation inside or outside Spain.

However, that previous cohabitation period is not required in the same way where the couple has common children and the relationship continues.

This is an important change for applicants relying on an unregistered partnership.

Simply stating that two people are partners is not enough. The relationship should be supported with credible evidence.

Children Under 18

Children of the sponsor or of the sponsor’s spouse or partner may generally qualify when they are under 18 at the time of application.

This includes qualifying adopted children.

Where only one parent is bringing the child to Spain, documentation concerning:

parental authority;
custody;
authorization from the other parent;

can become essential.

Certain Children Over 18

Some adult children can qualify where they:

have a disability requiring support; or
are objectively unable to provide for their own needs because of their health.

This is not a general route for financially dependent adult children.

Specific legal conditions must be satisfied.

Persons Legally Represented by the Sponsor

A person legally represented by the sponsor may qualify in certain circumstances.

This can include qualifying minors and certain adults requiring support, provided the underlying legal representation is compatible with Spanish law.

Parents and First-Degree Ascendants

Parents of the sponsor or of the sponsor’s spouse or qualifying partner can potentially be reunited.

The requirements are considerably stricter.

Normally the parent must:

be a first-degree ascendant;
be financially dependent on the sponsor;
be over 65;
have reasons justifying the need to live in Spain.

A parent under 65 may qualify exceptionally where humanitarian circumstances justify it.

Applicants bringing parents should expect the authorities to examine evidence of dependency particularly carefully.

Adult Child Acting as Caregiver

The current rules also include a specific category for an adult son or daughter who will act as caregiver for the sponsor where the sponsor has an officially recognized degree of dependency under Spanish dependency legislation.

This is a specialized family-reunification category and should not be confused with ordinary reunification of adult children.

How Long Must the Sponsor Have Lived in Spain?

As a general rule, a foreign resident can apply for family reunification after:

legally residing in Spain for at least one year; and
applying for authorization to remain for at least another year.

There are exceptions and different rules for certain residence categories.

For example, special conditions apply when bringing parents or where long-term residence or EU long-term residence is involved.

Do not assume that receiving your first TIE automatically means you can submit EX-02 immediately.

Main EX-02 Requirements

A successful family-reunification application normally needs to establish several different elements.

Requirement	What must be demonstrated
Sponsor’s status	Qualifying legal residence in Spain
Family relationship	Marriage, partnership, parent-child relationship or other qualifying relationship
Financial resources	Fixed and regular means sufficient for the family
Housing	Adequate accommodation
Healthcare	Appropriate healthcare coverage
Criminal record	Compliance with applicable criminal-record rules
Public order	No relevant public-order or security grounds
Dependency	Required particularly for parents and certain adult relatives
Schooling	Compliance where dependent school-age children already reside in Spain

Submitting a correctly completed EX-02 form alone is therefore not enough.

The supporting evidence determines whether the legal requirements are actually demonstrated.

EX-02 Financial Requirements in 2026

Family reunification uses IPREM — Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples — as its standard financial reference.

The general calculation is:

Sponsor + one family member: 150% of monthly IPREM

For each additional family member:

+50% of monthly IPREM

The monthly IPREM in 2026 remains €600.

This produces the following general reference amounts:

Family unit	Percentage	Monthly reference
Sponsor + 1 family member	150% IPREM	€900
Sponsor + 2 family members	200% IPREM	€1,200
Sponsor + 3 family members	250% IPREM	€1,500
Sponsor + 4 family members	300% IPREM	€1,800

These figures describe the general IPREM formula.

There is an important exception when minors or legally represented persons are involved.

Special Financial Rules When Children Are Reunited

The standard 150% + 50% formula is not the only financial rule under the current system.

Where minors or qualifying represented persons are being reunited, the required amount can be reduced.

Current rules provide a specific minimum calculation tied to the guaranteed amount of Spain’s Minimum Vital Income.

For a two-person household where one member is a minor, the applicable minimum can be based on 110% of the annual guaranteed Minimum Vital Income amount, with an additional 10% for each additional minor.

The authorities can also take into account the existence of stable income equal to or above the applicable minimum wage in the circumstances described by the regulation.

Because this calculation uses a different benchmark from ordinary IPREM, families with children should not assume that a generic online EX-02 calculator automatically gives the correct result.

What Financial Evidence Can Be Used?

The sponsor must normally show fixed and regular resources.

The documentation depends on how the sponsor earns their income.

Employed Sponsor

Evidence can include:

employment contract;
recent payslips;
applicable income-tax documentation.

Current official guidance commonly refers to payslips covering the previous six months.

Self-Employed Sponsor

Evidence may include:

proof of self-employed activity;
relevant tax returns;
recent quarterly tax declarations;
evidence of recurring business or professional income.

Sponsor Without Employment Income

Other qualifying financial evidence may be relevant depending on the circumstances.

The central question is whether the available resources are sufficiently stable and regular to maintain the household.

A large balance appearing temporarily in a bank account is not necessarily equivalent to demonstrating stable family resources.

Adequate Housing Requirement

The sponsor must also demonstrate that the family will have adequate housing in Spain.

This normally requires a housing report issued by the competent authority of the autonomous community.

Depending on the autonomous community, the report may instead be issued by the relevant local authority.

The assessment can consider:

the legal right to occupy the property;
number of rooms;
use of the rooms;
number of people already living there;
habitability;
equipment and living conditions.

What If the Housing Report Is Delayed?

The current rules provide an important alternative.

If the competent authority has not issued and notified the housing report within one month from the request, the sponsor may potentially demonstrate adequate housing through other evidence permitted by law.

In that situation, the applicant should also provide proof that the housing report was actually requested.

The substitute evidence should address matters such as:

right to occupy the property;
number of rooms;
use of each room;
number of occupants;
habitability;
equipment.

The housing report or qualifying substitute documentation should also satisfy the applicable validity requirements.

Current official guidance states that the report or substitute evidence should not be more than six months old when the reunification application is submitted.

Healthcare Requirement

The sponsor must demonstrate healthcare coverage for themselves and the family members being reunited as required by the applicable procedure.

The correct evidence depends on the sponsor’s circumstances and entitlement to Spanish healthcare.

Do not automatically assume that inexpensive travel insurance satisfies the requirement.

Family reunification concerns residence, not tourism.

Documents From the Sponsor

The exact package depends on the case, but a standard initial EX-02 application can include:

completed EX-02 form;
complete passport or valid travel document;
Spanish residence documentation;
proof of employment or financial resources;
payslips where applicable;
tax records where applicable;
adequate-housing report;
healthcare documentation;
family-status documentation where relevant;
declaration concerning other spouses or partners where applicable;
proof of payment of the administrative fee.

Documents From the Family Member

Depending on the family relationship, documents can include:

complete passport;
marriage certificate;
birth certificate;
registered-partnership certificate;
evidence of a stable partnership;
adoption documentation;
custody documentation;
parental authorization;
evidence of dependency;
health documentation;
proof of financial support;
legal-representation documents.

Not every applicant requires every document.

The document package should correspond exactly to the family category being claimed.

Apostille, Legalization and Translation

Foreign public documents may need to be prepared for official use in Spain.

Depending on the issuing country, this can involve:

apostille;
consular legalization;
exemption through an applicable international agreement.

Foreign documents may also need an official sworn translation into Spanish or the relevant co-official language.

Civil-status documents are particularly important in EX-02 applications because they establish the legal family relationship on which the entire residence application depends.

How to Complete Form EX-02

The current EX-02 is divided into several important sections.

Details of the Sponsor

The first section concerns the reagrupante.

Information includes:

passport;
NIE;
surnames;
first name;
sex;
date of birth;
nationality;
marital status;
address in Spain;
telephone;
email;
residence authorization held;
dependent children of school age.

Use exactly the same personal details shown in the sponsor’s official documents.

Details of the Family Member

The form then asks for information about the reagrupado or person who is to be reunited.

This includes:

passport;
NIE if already assigned;
name;
surnames;
date of birth;
country of birth;
nationality;
marital status;
parents’ names;
address where applicable.

Again, consistency with passport and civil-status documents is important.

Representative Information

If an authorized representative is involved in submitting the application, the corresponding details are entered here.

Address for Notifications

EX-02 also contains a section for official administrative notifications.

The current form allows the applicant to consent to electronic notification through DEHú, where the necessary Cl@ve or valid electronic certificate is available.

If you plan to submit immigration procedures electronically, our Digital Certificate in Spain guide explains one of the main tools used for Spanish electronic administration.

Type of Authorization Requested

This is one of the most important parts of the current EX-02.

The applicant must indicate the family relationship and the procedure being requested.

The current form includes family categories such as:

spouse;
registered partner;
unregistered partner;
ascendant over 65;
ascendant under 65;
child under 18;
adult child with disability;
legally represented minor;
legally represented adult with disability;
adult caregiver child.

It also includes several different types of authorization.

Initial Family Reunification

This is the standard EX-02 procedure for a qualifying foreign resident in Spain seeking residence for an eligible family member.

Family Member of an EU Long-Term Resident From Another EU State

The form includes a specific initial family-reunification option connected with EU long-term residence previously obtained in another EU Member State.

This is a specialized procedure with different conditions from ordinary family reunification.

Renewal

EX-02 is also used for renewal of temporary family-reunification residence in qualifying cases.

This is important because EX-02 is not only an initial application form.

Certain Applications Involving Children

The current EX-02 also contains options relating to certain residence situations involving children under specific chapters of the current Immigration Regulation.

Applicants should identify the underlying legal procedure before selecting one of these boxes.

Independent Residence

The current form contains several options for obtaining residence independently from the original sponsor.

These can include qualifying situations involving:

independent financial means;
breakdown of the marriage or partnership;
certain victims of specified offences;
death of the sponsor;
reaching adulthood or ending legal representation;
certain EU mobility circumstances involving EU Blue Card families;
qualifying ascendants with work authorization.

Each situation has separate legal requirements.

Do not select “independent residence” merely because the family member wants a separate TIE.

Work Authorization for Certain Reunited Ascendants

EX-02 also contains a specific option for work authorization for a qualifying reunited ascendant.

The form allows selection of:

employment;
self-employment.

This is a specialized situation.

It should not be confused with the automatic work rights already granted to certain other reunited family members.

Who Submits the Initial EX-02 Application?

For standard initial family reunification, the sponsor in Spain normally submits the application.

The family member abroad does not normally begin the standard process simply by filing EX-02 at a Spanish consulate.

The sequence begins with the residence authorization in Spain.

Where Is EX-02 Submitted?

The initial application can normally be filed:

with the competent Oficina de Extranjería for the province where the sponsor resides; or
electronically through Spain’s Mercurio immigration platform.

Electronic filing can make having a Digital Certificate or appropriate electronic access particularly useful.

EX-02 Application Process Step by Step

The standard initial route can be understood as follows.

Step 1: Identify the Correct Family Route

Determine whether the sponsor is:

a foreign resident;
a Spanish citizen;
an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen;
holder of another special immigration status.

Only then determine whether EX-02 applies.

Step 2: Confirm That the Family Member Qualifies

Identify whether the relative is a:

spouse;
registered partner;
stable partner;
child;
legally represented person;
qualifying parent;
qualifying caregiver child.

Step 3: Check the Sponsor’s Residence History

Confirm that the sponsor satisfies the required residence period.

Step 4: Calculate Financial Resources

Apply the correct financial formula to the actual family composition.

Be particularly careful where minors are involved.

Step 5: Obtain the Housing Report

Request the appropriate adequate-housing report early because this step can take time.

Step 6: Prepare Family Documents

Obtain civil-status, custody, dependency and other relationship evidence.

Arrange apostilles, legalization and sworn translations where required.

Step 7: Complete EX-02

Select the correct family relationship and legal procedure.

Step 8: Submit the Application

Submit through the competent immigration office or electronically through Mercurio.

Step 9: Pay the Fee

For the standard initial family-reunification authorization, the applicable immigration fee is processed through Modelo 790 Código 052 under the corresponding family-reunification category.

Step 10: Wait for the Decision

The official maximum decision period for a standard initial family-reunification authorization is generally two months.

If no decision is notified within the applicable statutory period, the application may be treated as refused through negative administrative silence.

What Happens After EX-02 Is Approved?

Approval of EX-02 is usually not the final step where the family member is still abroad.

The family member normally moves to the consular stage.

Family Reunification Visa

After approval, the qualifying family member generally has two months from notification of the authorization to apply personally for the corresponding visa through the competent Spanish consular authority.

Additional documents can be required at the visa stage, including:

valid passport;
criminal-record certificate for adults where applicable;
medical certificate;
original documentation proving the family relationship.

Visa Decision

The competent Spanish consular authority generally has a maximum period of one month to notify the visa decision.

Collecting the Visa

Once granted, the visa normally needs to be collected within one month after notification.

Entering Spain

After collecting the visa, the reunited family member generally has a maximum of one month to enter Spain.

Applying for the TIE

After entering Spain, the new resident normally needs to request the physical Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) within one month.

Read our TIE Card Spain guide before completing the fingerprint and card procedure.

Can Family Members Reunited Through EX-02 Work?

For important categories, yes.

A reunited:

spouse;
qualifying partner;
child of working age;

is generally authorized to work in Spain without obtaining a separate work authorization.

They can generally work:

as an employee;
as self-employed;
throughout Spain;
in different occupations and sectors.

This is an important benefit of the general family-reunification regime.

The same rule should not automatically be applied to every family category, particularly ascendants, because specific work rules can apply.

How Long Is Initial EX-02 Residence Valid?

The residence authorization of the reunited family member is linked to the residence authorization held by the sponsor.

Under the current rules, its validity generally extends to the same expiry date as the sponsor’s authorization at the time the family member enters Spain, with a minimum initial duration of one year.

The family member’s TIE will reflect the corresponding residence authorization.

Can EX-02 Be Renewed?

Yes.

The current EX-02 includes a renewal option.

For an ordinary temporary family-reunification renewal, the application can generally be submitted during:

the two months before expiration; or
the three months following expiration.

Applications filed after expiry can expose the applicant to possible sanction proceedings, so filing before expiration is preferable.

The renewal can be submitted through the competent immigration office or electronically through Mercurio.

Who Applies for the Renewal?

Unlike the standard initial application, where the sponsor normally applies, the reunited family member generally applies for renewal personally or through an authorized representative.

There are also special rules allowing other qualifying family members to submit certain renewals in particular situations.

How Long Is a Renewed Family-Reunification Authorization Valid?

Under the current rules, a standard renewed temporary family-reunification authorization is generally valid for four years, while remaining connected to the sponsor’s qualifying residence status.

Where long-term residence becomes applicable, a different form and procedure may be required.

EX-02 vs EX-24

This distinction is particularly important after Spain’s immigration reform.

Form	Main purpose
EX-02	Family reunification exercised by a qualifying foreign resident
EX-24	Residence for qualifying foreign family members of Spanish citizens

Example:

Foreign resident in Spain + foreign spouse → EX-02 may apply

Spanish citizen + foreign spouse → examine EX-24

Read our EX-24 Spain guide if the sponsoring family member is Spanish.

EX-02 vs TIE

EX-02 and the TIE have different purposes.

Document	Purpose
EX-02	Family-reunification residence procedure
EX-17	Physical TIE application
TIE	Physical foreigner identity card
NIE	Foreigner identification number

Approval of EX-02 does not automatically produce a physical residence card.

The TIE stage follows separately after the relevant residence authorization becomes effective.

Common EX-02 Mistakes

Using EX-02 for a Spanish Citizen’s Family

The specific Spanish-citizen family regime may require EX-24 instead.

Using the Wrong Family Category

Spouse, partner, child, parent and caregiver cases have different supporting requirements.

Applying Too Early

The sponsor must satisfy the applicable residence-history requirement.

Using Only the General IPREM Formula for Children

Special reduced financial rules can apply where minors or represented persons are involved.

Weak Financial Evidence

The sponsor must demonstrate stable and regular resources, not merely reach a number on one bank statement.

Requesting the Housing Report Too Late

Housing documentation can become one of the slowest parts of the preparation process.

Weak Stable-Partner Evidence

An unregistered partnership should be documented properly.

Weak Parent Dependency Evidence

For parents, dependency and the reasons for relocating to Spain can be central issues.

Missing Custody Documentation

Where only one parent brings a minor child, custody or authorization from the other parent can be crucial.

Missing Apostille or Legalization

Foreign public documents may require authentication before Spain accepts them.

Missing Sworn Translation

Foreign-language documents may need official translation.

Confusing EX-02 Approval With the Visa

Residence authorization in Spain is normally followed by a separate consular stage for relatives living abroad.

Missing the Visa Deadline

The family member generally has two months after approval notification to begin the visa stage.

Missing the TIE Deadline

After arrival, the reunited resident generally has one month to request the TIE.

EX-02 Initial Application Checklist

Before submitting a standard initial application, confirm:

EX-02 is the correct family route;
the sponsor has qualifying Spanish residence;
the required residence period has been satisfied;
the family member belongs to an eligible category;
passports are valid;
the family relationship is documented;
financial resources meet the applicable requirement;
the correct calculation has been used where minors are involved;
adequate housing has been demonstrated;
healthcare coverage is documented;
custody documentation is ready where applicable;
dependency is documented where required;
foreign documents have been apostilled or legalized where necessary;
sworn translations are prepared where required;
the correct EX-02 category has been selected;
the applicable fee has been paid;
copies of the entire application have been saved.

Frequently Asked Questions About EX-02

What is EX-02 in Spain?

EX-02 is the official Spanish immigration form used for family-reunification residence procedures under the general immigration regime.

Is EX-02 only for initial family reunification?

No. The current form also contains options for renewal, certain independent-residence procedures and other specified family-related situations.

Who normally submits the first EX-02 application?

For standard initial family reunification, the foreign resident already living in Spain normally submits the application personally or through an authorized representative.

Can I use EX-02 for my spouse?

Potentially yes, where the sponsor is a qualifying foreign resident in Spain and the spouse satisfies the general family-reunification requirements.

Can a Spanish citizen use EX-02 for a foreign spouse?

The dedicated family-member-of-a-Spanish-citizen procedure should normally be examined instead. EX-24 is generally the relevant form for that framework.

Can I use EX-02 for an unmarried partner?

Yes, potentially. Registered partners and qualifying stable unregistered partners can fall within the family-reunification regime.

How long must an unregistered couple have lived together?

Current rules generally recognize a proven stable relationship where at least 12 continuous months of comparable cohabitation are demonstrated. The prior cohabitation requirement is not required in the same way where the couple has common children and the relationship continues.

How much income is required in 2026?

Under the general formula, a two-person household consisting of the sponsor and one reunited family member requires 150% of monthly IPREM.

With monthly IPREM at €600, this equals €900 per month.

Each additional qualifying family member generally adds 50% of IPREM, or €300 per month.

Special reduced rules can apply where minors or represented persons are involved.

Do I need a housing report?

For the ordinary initial family-reunification route, adequate housing normally must be demonstrated.

Can a reunited spouse work in Spain?

Yes. A spouse or qualifying partner obtaining residence through ordinary family reunification generally has the right to work as an employee or self-employed person without obtaining a separate work authorization.

Can children work?

Children of working age who hold qualifying family-reunification residence are generally authorized to work without a separate work permit.

How long does EX-02 take?

The official maximum decision period for the standard initial family-reunification residence authorization is generally two months.

What happens after EX-02 is approved?

A qualifying family member living abroad normally proceeds to the Spanish consular visa stage, enters Spain after obtaining the visa and then applies for the TIE.

Can EX-02 be renewed?

Yes. The current form includes family-reunification renewal.

How long does a renewal last?

Under the current regime, the standard renewed temporary family-reunification authorization is generally valid for four years, subject to the applicable conditions.

Does EX-02 give permanent residence?

No. EX-02 concerns temporary family-reunification residence and related procedures. Long-term residence is a separate status.

Need Help With Family Reunification in Spain?

EX-02 is only one part of the complete family-reunification process.

The correct sequence is generally:

Sponsor status → Eligible family member → Financial requirements → Housing → EX-02 → Immigration decision → Consular visa → Entry into Spain → TIE → Renewal

Start with our complete Spain Family Reunification Visa guide to compare the different family residence routes.

You can also review all the forms in our Spain Immigration Forms guide.

If your sponsor is a Spanish citizen, see our EX-24 Family Members of Spanish Citizens guide.

For assistance with immigration documentation and relocation, contact Newcomer.es.