A Guide To Spain's Non-EU Citizen Minor Visa Application

Spain remains a top relocation destination for many families, and understanding how to bring a child to Spain legally is essential for anyone applying for family-based residency.

The Spain Non-EU minor visa is for minors under 18 who want to live with their parents in Spain. The parents should be non-European Union citizens living legally in Spain for at least a year, with permission to stay another year. If a single parent wants to bring their spouse and children to Spain at the same time, they use the family reunification visa.

This visa lets foreign children join their parent(s) in Spain for the duration of their parent's residency. The requirements and benefits of the Non-EU minor and Spouse visas are quite similar.

Minors do not need to provide a criminal certificate because they are not legally responsible yet. This makes the application process easier for families wanting to reunite in Spain.

For official guidelines, see the Ministry of Inclusion.

How Does the Spain Non-EU Minor Visa Process Work?

To bring your children to Spain, the first step is to request authorisation for family reunification at your local Oficina de Extranjería (immigration office) in Spain. Once you receive a positive resolution, your child can then apply for a visa to enter Spain. The minor needs to apply for a Non-EU Citizen minor visa at the Consulate General of Spain in their home country.

After arriving in Spain, the minor can request their residence card to officially live as a family member of a foreigner with legal residency in Spain. If you, as a Non-EU citizen parent, hold a residency card under the Entrepreneurs Law, your children can also apply for a residency card to stay in Spain as dependents of a legal resident under the Entrepreneurs Law.

Minors travelling to Spain under the Non-EU minor visas have access to benefits, including compulsory education for children under 16 years of age. This entitles them to attend public primary and secondary schools in the country.

Related reading: Family Reunification visa Spain Guide

Eligibility Requirements: Who Qualifies?

• The Non-EU citizen residing in Spain must provide legal documentation proving their biological parentage of the dependent minor.
• The minor must be 18 years of age or younger.
• For adopted children, relevant adoption documents must be provided as evidence of the relationship with the minor.
• The minor must have legal dependence on the Non-EU citizen who is legally residing in Spain.
• The minor can also be a grandchild for whom a non-EU citizen Spanish resident serves as a legal guardian.
• The Non-EU citizen must hold legal custody of a grandchild or act as the primary caregiver for an adopted grandchild.
• The minor may also be the grandchild of a Non-EU citizen who has a disability preventing them from living independently.

Are There Any Restrictions with the Non-EU Minor Visa?

• The minor seeking reunification must be 18 years of age or younger.
• The Non-EU minor visa does not grant independent residency. Minors arriving in Spain under this visa are permitted to stay only for the duration of their parent's valid residency.

What Is the Cost of a Non-EU Minor Visa?

Each visa application involves the payment of a visa fee determined by the Spanish consulate in the country where the application is submitted. The fee amount may vary, so it’s important to confirm the exact cost directly with your local consulate or embassy before applying.

Official consulate listings: MAEC – Spanish Consulates

What Documents Are Required for a Non-EU Minor Visa Application?

Identity Documents

The Non-EU citizen residing in Spain who wishes for their children (minors) to join them, must provide a valid residence permit allocated by the Delegación in Spain. Within 2 months of the Non-EU minor visa application being granted, the minor must apply in person.

Family Relationship Documents

• A valid passport or recognised travel document with a minimum validity of four months.
• Original documents verifying family relationships, de facto unions, and dependency.

Health & Insurance Requirements

• A medical certificate confirming the minor does not suffer from conditions posing public health risk. Some consulates may waive this requirement.
• Proof of valid health insurance. Most parents use their own private policy if it includes dependents.

Related reading: Health Insurance Requirements for Spanish Visas

Financial Proof

• Notarised copy of the Spanish residence card of the parent in Spain.
• Notarised copy of all pages of the parent's passports.
• Proof of financial support (e.g., Ria, Western Union, Small World receipts).
• If the parent in Spain is married to someone else, an “Acta de Manifestaciones” from the spouse or partner is required.

Additional Requirements for the Non-EU Minor Visa

Custody & Guardianship Evidence

• A government-issued birth certificate, or sworn affidavit if unavailable.
• Visa application form signed by both parents.
• Court order granting custody if only one parent has legal custody.
• Guardianship approval if the minor travels alone, with one parent, or with a third party.

What Is the Duration of the Non-EU Minor Visa?

The validity aligns with the parent’s residence permit. Temporary residency = temporary minor visa. If the parent holds long-term residency, the minor's visa matches the TIE expiration.

After 5 years of legal residency, both parent and child may request permanent residency.

What Is the Processing Time for the Non-EU Minor Visa?

Standard Timelines

Most applicants receive a decision within 15 calendar days.

Why Some Applications Take Longer

Processing may extend to 45–60 days due to security checks. These cannot be expedited.

When Should You Submit Your Visa Application?

Timing depends on your residency validity and financial stability. Applications are usually forwarded to the consulate the next working day, so applying at least 15 days before travel is recommended to avoid delays.

Need Private Health Insurance for Spanish Visa Applications?

Choosing compliant private medical cover is essential for visa approval. Before you submit any documents, make sure you have health insurance that meets Spain’s strict immigration rules.

If you’re applying for a Non-EU Minor Visa — or any type of Spanish residency — having compliant private health insurance is a must. At HealthPlan Spain, we offer a full range of Sanitas Spain health insurance plans that are 100% approved for Spanish visa and residency applications.

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Understanding the Non-EU Minor Visa process helps ensure a smooth, legally compliant relocation for your family — and the right documentation is the key to approval.