Family of a student in Spain: estancia for a spouse and children

Who can get a family estancia

Article 56 of the regulation (Real Decreto 1155/2024) covers the families of estancia holders under article 52.1 a): higher education on a full-time or hybrid programme leading to a recognised qualification. It also extends to the families of those doing specialised medical training under article 58 [1]. If the student is at school, on a post-compulsory secondary programme or on a language course, the family cannot be processed under article 56 [1][2]. So buying an ordinary language course does not give you the right to bring your family under the same scheme.

First step: check the exact basis of your estancia, how long it has left and where your relatives are. This decides whether to apply together, later or look at another procedure. The general procedure for students is described in the article student visa for Spain: step-by-step application, and you can read about the types of estancia in the article on study estancia.

Who counts as a student's family

The student’s parents are not on this list, and neither are adult children without special needs. For these relatives you need to look for another basis. To prove a marriage, registration or birth you need an official document; explain any differences in surnames and transliteration before you apply.

Funds, insurance and documents

For each family member, show the relationship, legal stay (if the person is already in Spain), insurance and that they are no threat to public order. Adults staying longer than six months also need a certificate showing no criminal record for the last five years in the countries where they lived [1]. Funds are calculated for the whole family: the student proves 100% of the IPREM a month for themselves, 75% of the IPREM for the first family member and 50% of the IPREM for each additional one.

Money for tuition fees is not counted, so the cost of studies does not replace the relatives’ living funds [1][2]. The IPREM is reviewed every year. As at 2 October 2026, the Seguridad Social gives the IPREM as €600 a month [6]: that makes €600 for the student, €450 for the first family member and €300 for each additional one, if accommodation has not been paid in advance. Check the current figure before you apply.

Every person needs health insurance; the consulate or the oficina de extranjería checks it against the requirements of article 56.3 [1]. Foreign official documents need an apostille or legalisation and a sworn translation [2]. If a child is moving with only one parent, deal separately with the powers, custody documents and the other parent’s consent. This is a question of family law, not just a migration form. More on amounts and proof: funds for a student visa.

How to apply: together with the student or later

1. Check the student’s period. The family can apply while the student’s estancia still has at least 90 days to run [1][2].
2. Choose an option. At the same time as the student, later from abroad (visa) or from Spain (authorisation) if the relative is in the country legally [1].
3. Prepare a set for each person. Passport, relationship, funds, insurance, certificates, fee [1][2].
4. Apply. The procedure is the same as for the student: a visa at the consulate or an application to the oficina de extranjería where the student studies [1][2]. The consulate checks the relationship, funds, insurance and certificates.
5. Wait for the decision. The timescales are the same as in the student’s procedure: for an application from Spain, two months at most, and no reply means refusal [1][2].
6. Get the card. If the estancia is longer than six months, the TIE is applied for in person within one month [1][2].

Step-by-step details and deadlines for the student: renewal of a study estancia.

Work and deadlines: what is not allowed and how to keep track of dates

A family estancia does not allow work. Article 56.6 says so directly, and Hoja 1 repeats that the student’s family members may not work [1][2]. The main student’s rights (up to 30 hours a week in higher education under article 57) do not carry over to the family: working with a student permit. So plan the family budget without assuming that the accompanying person will earn money straight away. If they have their own basis for working, it is assessed separately; you do not just change the name of the activity in the documents.

A family estancia lasts for the rest of the student’s period, and the stay itself is linked to the main status [1]. Article 56 does not directly describe how family estancias are renewed when the student renews, so keep a calendar for each family member, not just for the student. If the student’s status changes, check how this affects everyone. A child born in Spain to a student automatically gets a family estancia for the parent’s period, but the parent must apply for it in person within six months of the birth [1].

What happens after the studies end

If the graduate changes basis under article 190, they can apply at the same time for the family living with them, provided they have sufficient funds and suitable housing; the family will get a family reunification permit, and its validity depends on the main applicant’s permit [1]. The application window under article 190.6 as amended by RD 316/2026: two months before the estancia ends or within three months after [1][5]. If the graduate applies for a job-search permit, only those who already accompanied them during their studies can stay with them; they also do not get the right to work [3][4]. More: what to do after your studies.

Common mistakes

• Assuming any student can have a family estancia. It applies to higher education and specialised medical training [1].
• Including parents. Article 56.2 does not name them.
• Calculating funds for the student only. You need 75% and 50% of the IPREM for family members, and tuition payments do not cover them [1][2].
• Building the budget on the spouse’s work. A family estancia does not allow work [1][2].
• Forgetting the student’s period. If less than 90 days are left, the family cannot apply [1][2].
• Applying DNV rules. A family under Ley 14/2013 is processed under a different rule and may work: family on a DNV.

When you need an individual review

An individual review is needed if you are not sure whether your estancia covers a family, if a child is moving with one parent, if the couple is not married, if you need an option for parents or adult children, or if the student is finishing their studies and plans to change basis.

How we can help

The ReloVictory team in Barcelona plans the family’s application, checks the student’s deadlines and each family member’s documents, arranges apostilles and sworn translations, and supports the application and the stages that follow. We do not choose study programmes or sell insurance, and we are not responsible for how long the authorities take to reply. Consultation: the first 15 minutes are free. Service: family residence permit. General procedure: residence permit in Barcelona, route cards for study and family.

Frequently asked questions

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ReloVictory · Sources reviewed 02.10.2026 · Not a substitute for individual legal advice.