How Spain sets the income you must show to reunify family — the IPREM index, scaling by family size, employment / self-employed / pension evidence, and where health insurance sits. Always verify current figures.
IPREM
Spain usually calculates family reunification income using the IPREM index, and the amount rises with each family member being reunited. Exact figures change, so verify the current threshold — prepare stable, recurring income evidence (employment, self-employed or pension) and health insurance for each member.
Spain expresses the family-reunification income threshold as a multiple of the IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples), a public reference index set each year. The sponsor must show stable income above a level based on IPREM, and that level increases as the household grows. The logic is simple: the more people you are supporting, the more income you must demonstrate.
Because IPREM is updated periodically, any specific euro figure dates quickly. Treat the structure below as a guide and confirm the current amount and multiples with the authorities or a qualified specialist before applying.
Scaling
The requirement is generally built up in two parts:
| Household | Typical basis (verify current) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor + first family member | A set multiple of IPREM (commonly cited around 150%) |
| Each additional member | An added share of IPREM per person (commonly cited around 50%) |
So a sponsor bringing a spouse needs more than one bringing only a child-free partner, and bringing several children or a parent raises the bar further.
Employment
If you are employed in Spain, the strongest evidence is a current employment contract plus recent payslips, supported by bank statements showing the salary arriving consistently. A permanent or stable contract reads better than short, irregular work. Recent tax documents (such as your annual declaración de la renta) help corroborate ongoing income.
Self-employed
Self-employed (autónomo) sponsors typically evidence income through tax filings — quarterly returns and the annual declaration — plus business bank statements and, where relevant, social-security contribution records. Because self-employed income can fluctuate, showing a consistent track record over time strengthens the case. If you are an autónomo, see also health insurance for autónomos.
Pension
Pension and passive income (rental, investments) can count where it is stable and well-documented — pension award letters, regular statements, and bank records showing the income arriving. Passive income is common for sponsors on routes such as the Non-Lucrative Visa, though family reunification has its own income test on top of any visa-stage requirement.
Statements
Bank statements are central to almost every case. Officials look for a clean, consistent history: regular inflows that match your stated income, stable balances, and no unexplained large one-off transfers used to inflate the picture just before applying. Provide enough months to show a pattern, with names and account details matching your other documents.
Savings vs income
Some offices accept savings as part of the picture, but stable recurring income is usually the strongest evidence — a healthy balance with no income behind it is weaker than steady monthly inflows. If your income is borderline, options include waiting until it is more clearly above the threshold, strengthening the evidence (longer track record, additional documented income), or, where allowed, combining household income. Take advice before relying on a borderline application.
Insurance alongside
Income and health insurance are separate requirements — meeting one does not satisfy the other. Each family member still needs their own named health-insurance certificate regardless of your income evidence. Budgeting for the policy alongside your income proof is sensible, and arranging cover early means the certificate is ready when the beneficiary applies. See family reunification health insurance and family health insurance, or get a quote.
Avoid these
Important information
While you prepare income evidence, we can prepare the health-insurance side for each family member. We help with the health-insurance part of your application. Acceptance and exact policy terms depend on the insurer’s rules; visa decisions rest with the Spanish authorities.
English-speaking Sanitas specialists can help with the health-insurance part of your visa or residency application.
FAQs
Common questions about this Spanish visa route and the health-insurance requirement. Always confirm current rules with the official authorities or a qualified immigration specialist.