Best Spain Visa for Families (2026)

Moving your family to Spain is an exciting decision. The good news: Spain has multiple visa paths for families, and choosing the right one depends on your household income and employment situation. This guide walks you through the family-friendly options.

The Three Main Family Visa Paths

Most families moving to Spain use one of three residence routes. The main applicant qualifies, and the spouse or partner and children apply as family members on the same route. Each family member needs their own documents and their own health insurance, and the income threshold rises with each person.

Non-Lucrative Visa — passive income, no work in Spain

For families living on pensions, investments, rental income or savings. The main applicant needs €2,400 a month (400% of IPREM in 2026) and each family member adds €600 a month. Nobody on the NLV may work in Spain. NLV for families · NLV with children.

Digital Nomad Visa — remote work for employers or clients outside Spain

The main applicant works remotely and needs €2,442 a month (200% of the 2026 monthly minimum wage). The first family member adds €916 and each further member €305. A spouse can join as a family member — they do not need their own remote job. DNV for families · DNV with a spouse.

Student Visa — study at a Spanish institution

A student needs €600 a month (100% of IPREM), plus €450 for the first family member and €300 for each further member. Family members can join students in higher education. Bringing family on a Student Visa.

Minimum Monthly Income by Household (2026)

Children and Family Members

Children apply as family members of the main applicant. You will need each child’s birth certificate, apostilled and translated, and proof that they live with and depend on you. Spouses and registered partners need the marriage or partnership certificate. Adult family members usually also need a criminal record certificate and a medical certificate.

Health Insurance for the Whole Family

Every family member needs private health insurance from an insurer authorised in Spain, with full cover, no co-payments and no waiting periods. Holders of the Non-Lucrative Visa are not automatically entitled to Spain’s public health system, so the policy stays in place for renewals. One family policy can cover everyone, with each person named on the certificate.

Health insurance quotes come from Spanish Health Insurance, an exclusive Sanitas insurance agent.

Practical Considerations for Families

Schooling

Public schools are free and teach in Spanish (and a regional language in some areas); international schools charge fees. Younger children usually adapt to Spanish quickly. Residence renewals ask for proof that school-age children are enrolled.

Timing

Apply together where you can, so the whole family travels on the same timetable. Gather apostilled certificates early — they are usually the slowest documents.

Which Path Fits Your Family?

• Living on pensions or investments, not working: Non-Lucrative Visa.
• One parent works remotely for a non-Spanish employer or clients: Digital Nomad Visa, with the family joining as family members.
• A parent is starting a course in Spain: Student Visa, if the course is higher education and you meet the family figures.
• Not sure: take the eligibility quiz or speak to our team.

FAQ: Family Visas in Spain

At what age do children need their own visas?

Children under 18 apply as family members of the main applicant. Adult children can sometimes be included if they still depend on you financially; otherwise they need their own visa, such as a Student Visa. We check your case.

Can one parent stay home with kids on a family visa?

Yes. On the Non-Lucrative, Digital Nomad and Student routes, the spouse or partner joins as a family member and does not need their own income, but the main applicant's income must cover the higher family threshold.

Do kids need to speak Spanish to attend school?

Public schools teach in Spanish, but don't require fluency at entry. Kids learn quickly (ages 6-12 especially). Older teens may struggle; international schools are an option.

What if we want to move back home—can we?

Yes. Visas don't lock you in. You can return to your home country anytime. You just give notice to Spanish authorities and cancel your residency. No penalties.