Relocating to Europe with your family in 2026: residence permits for spouses and children — where it’s easier and faster

Moving alone is difficult. Moving with a family is twice as challenging. It’s not just about having double or triple the paperwork — it’s about the stakes being much higher. Every delay means not just waiting for bureaucracy, but months of separation, children without school, and a spouse without the right to work.

The good news: most European countries provide family reunification as a standard, well-established procedure.

The challenge: the rules differ significantly. What works in Germany may not apply in Portugal, and Serbia operates under its own framework.
This guide outlines the specific requirements, timelines, and nuances for four of the most popular destinations among CIS families: Germany, Portugal, Spain, and Serbia.

Before comparing countries, it’s important to understand the general principle.

The right to family reunification in the EU is regulated by Directive 2003/86/EC for individuals legally residing in an EU country with a valid residence permit of at least one year.

To apply, the main applicant must demonstrate:

• Stable income sufficient to support the family without state assistance
• Suitable housing
• Valid health insurance

In practice, this means the primary applicant first obtains their own residence permit. Only afterward can they apply for reunification with their spouse and children.

Trying to apply for the entire family simultaneously without the main applicant holding legal status is a common mistake that significantly delays the process.

Family members typically eligible:

• Spouse or registered partner
• Minor children (including adopted children)
• Dependents under the main applicant’s legal custody

The possibility of including parents or adult children depends heavily on national legislation.

Portugal was traditionally considered one of the most family-friendly destinations. However, significant changes in 2025–2026 have tightened the rules.

Waiting Periods
Under Lei n.º 61/2025 (effective October 2025), the standard waiting period for family reunification is two full years from the date the main applicant receives residence status.

This applies, for example, to holders of the D7 visa.

However, important exceptions exist:

• Couples with minor or dependent children may apply immediately.
• Couples with documented cohabitation of at least 18 months must wait 15 months.
• Highly qualified professionals (D3 / EU Blue Card equivalent) and Golden Visa investors are exempt from waiting periods.

Key takeaway: Families with minor children retain the right to immediate reunification — a crucial detail often overlooked.

Financial Requirements (D7)

• Main applicant: 100% of minimum wage (€920/month)
• Spouse: +50% (€460/month)
• Each child: +30% (€276/month)

A family of four must show at least €2,472/month.

For D8 (Digital Nomad), the base threshold is €3,680/month, with similar percentage increases.

Schools in Portugal

• Public schools: Free for residents
• International schools in Lisbon: €10,000–€15,000/year
• Around 51 international schools nationwide

Spain stands out for its expanded reunification rules and relatively affordable international schools.

Who Can Join You?
As of 2026:

• Dependent children eligible up to age 26
• Parents eligible up to age 80
• Residence permit valid for 5 years
• Immediate right to work for family members

For non-EU residents, family reunification typically becomes available after the first residence permit renewal (approximately one year).

Income requirement guideline:

• 150% of IPREM (~€1,166/month in 2025) for a couple
• +50% per additional family member

Schools in Spain
Spain remains one of Europe’s most affordable destinations for international education:

• Madrid/Barcelona: ~$9,000/year
• Tenerife: from ~$4,900/year

For families not limited to EU destinations, Serbia offers unmatched speed and flexibility.

Simultaneous Applications
The key advantage: family members can apply together with the main applicant.

If the basis is company registration, the spouse and minor children can receive residence permits simultaneously.

Notably, proof of sufficient funds and health insurance may not be required if the foreigner is a family member of a Serbian citizen or an officially employed foreign resident.

Processing Time

• 4–8 weeks total processing (Compared to Germany: 3–6 months; Portugal: 3–6+ months)

Required documents:

• Marriage certificate or birth certificate
• Apostille
• Certified Serbian translation

Important: Both parents must be present when applying for minor children. If one parent is absent, notarized consent is required.

Visa Dan specializes in Serbian residence permits, including family applications, and provides full support — from document translation to residence card issuance.

For all countries:

• Birth certificate with apostille and certified translation
• Child’s passport (if available)
• Proof of legal relationship if parents are unmarried
• Notarized consent from the non-relocating parent (often apostilled)

Adult dependent children (students) may qualify if financially dependent and enrolled in education.

Public school:
Best for long-term relocation and language immersion. Initial adaptation may be difficult.

International school:
Ideal for teenagers or temporary relocation. €6,000–€12,000/year in most EU capitals.

Bilingual private schools:
Compromise option, widely available in Portugal, Spain, and Serbia.

For spouse:

• Passport valid 12–18 months
• Marriage certificate (apostilled and translated)
• Criminal record certificate
• Proof of housing
• Health insurance

For each child:

• Passport or apostilled birth certificate
• Proof of dependency (if over 18)
• Notarized parental consent (if applicable)
• Previous education records

Timely apostille is critical. Most documents are valid only 3–6 months.

Family relocation requires precise planning, document discipline, and country-specific strategy.
The team at Visa Dan helps families design a relocation plan that accounts for every member’s situation — documentation, schooling, insurance, timelines, and legal nuances.
Contact us for a personalized consultation.

Visa Dan is an international company with a strong legal team and experience in assisting more than 1,000 clients. We offer:

• Individual selection of solutions and strategies for obtaining a residence permit.
• Complete transparency and support at every stage.
• A strong team in Europe: lawyers, translators, operators, notaries.
• Support until you receive your ID card, as well as assistance with renewal and integration in the country.

The Visa Dan team will help you navigate this journey from start to finish. Get personalized advice and start your new life in 2025!