Bringing Family on a Spanish Student Visa
Only students in higher education, or in specialised health training, can bring family members to Spain. Family means a spouse or partner, unmarried children under 18, and adult children who need support because of disability or illness. Family members can join while at least 90 days of the student's authorisation remain. The student shows extra means for each person.
Which students qualify
The family rules apply to students authorised for:
- higher education at a recognised institution, on a full-time programme leading to a recognised qualification;
- specialised health training.
They don't apply to language courses, other training activities, post-compulsory secondary studies, mobility programmes or volunteering.
Who counts as family
- your spouse, registered partner, or a stable partner. The relationship must be durable: in any case, at least a year's continuous cohabitation, or proven stable cohabitation if you have children together;
- your unmarried minor children, or those of your spouse or partner;
- unmarried adult children, or those who haven't formed their own family, who need specific support because of disability or illness.
Means for the family
On top of the student's 100% of the IPREM, you show 75% of the IPREM per month for the first family member and 50% for each further person: €450 and €300 a month in 2026. See financial evidence and sponsors.
Filing together or later
Family members can apply alongside the student, and joint applications are granted at the same time. They can also apply later, provided at least 90 days remain on the student's authorisation. Their permission lasts for the remaining validity of the student's.
What each family member needs
- a passport and the application form;
- documents proving the relationship, legalised or apostilled and translated where needed;
- health insurance (seguro de enfermedad);
- if they're an adult and the stay is longer than six months, evidence of no criminal record in Spain and the countries where they've lived in the last five years;
- the fee.
The ministry's criteria apply the same insurance standard to family members: comprehensive, with no copayments, reimbursements or waiting periods. The International Students policy is designed for the student. We'll check the appropriate cover for any accompanying family members separately. See our student visa insurance guide.
Common mistakes
- Applying on a course that doesn't allow family. Check the course type first.
- Leaving it too late. At least 90 days must remain on the student's authorisation.
- Assuming one policy covers everyone. Check the cover for each person separately.
My Spanish Student Visa
A guide to bringing family on a higher-education student stay.
- Who can join a student
- Help for the whole family
Opens provider website. No details shared.
Platinum Legal Spain
A guide to family members joining a student in Spain.
- Joint or later applications
- The extra means for each family member
Opens provider website. No details shared.
We don't pass your details to either service. Choosing one opens its website in a new tab, where you start a separate enquiry.
Frequently asked questions
Can my partner come if I'm studying Spanish at a language school?
No. The family rules cover higher education and specialised health training only.
Do we have to be married?
No. A registered partner or a stable partner can qualify, with proof of the relationship.
Can my partner work in Spain?
No. Family members of a student aren't authorised to work while they hold this permission.
Can my parents come?
Parents aren't included in the family members listed for students. Separately, a person who supports a student with a disability or illness can be granted a stay.