In May 2025, Spain’s new Immigration Regulation (implementing the Immigration Law) came into force. It reorganises several procedures and introduces new categories for family members.

If you are a retired foreigner living in Tenerife or planning to move here, these are the key steps to reunite with your spouse, children or parents, taking into account how the process works specifically in the Canary Islands.

1) What has changed (and why it matters)

• Entry into force: the regulation was approved in late 2024 and took effect on 20 May 2025 after a six-month transition period. Since then, forms, deadlines and procedures at Immigration Offices have been progressively updated.
• New residence authorisation for “family members of Spanish citizens”: a specific residence permit has been created, replacing the previous mixture of “family roots” and EU family cards in most cases. The goal is to unify criteria and provide greater legal certainty for spouses, registered partners, children and other close relatives.
• Additionally, forms, timelines and documentation requirements have been standardised across Spain so that all Immigration Offices follow the same approach.

2) Common scenarios in Tenerife

A) You are an EU citizen (or a British citizen with an “Article 50 TIE”) and want to bring your non-EU spouse

Your partner must apply for the Residence Card for Family Members of an EU Citizen through the Police or Immigration Office. You will need to prove your marriage or registered partnership, show sufficient financial means and health insurance coverage (either through the S1 form or private insurance), and be registered as a resident (empadronado) on the island.

B) You are a non-EU resident in Spain (for example, with a non-lucrative or long-term permit)

In this case, the general family reunification procedure applies. You must first apply for authorisation at the Immigration Office, then your spouse applies for a visa at the Spanish consulate in their home country. Once they enter Spain, they must apply for the TIE (residence card) within one month.
You will need to prove financial resources based on the IPREM index (150 % for two family members, plus 50 % for each additional member) and show evidence of suitable accommodation.

C) Family of a Spanish citizen (new 2025 category)

If you are Spanish (or your child or spouse is), the new unified residence permit for family members of Spaniards simplifies the process. Applications are handled directly at the Immigration Office in Tenerife, with the traditional requirements still in place: proof of the family link, sufficient means and valid health insurance.

3) Healthcare in the Canary Islands: how to prove coverage

In Tenerife, the way you access healthcare depends on your status:

• EU or UK pensioners with exportable rights: register your S1 form with the Social Security (INSS) to obtain public healthcare through the Canary Islands Health Service (SCS). In some cases, your spouse can be included as a beneficiary.
• If you do not have an S1: you must hold a valid private health insurance policy or consider the Convenio Especial (a public healthcare scheme with a monthly contribution).
• Regional update 2025: the Canary Islands Health Service introduced an Instruction (2025) allowing temporary healthcare access for certain foreigners without legal residence. It helps avoid coverage gaps while residence applications are being processed.

4) Practical steps (checklist)

1. Identify the right legal pathway: EU regime, general regime or family of Spanish citizen (new 2025). This determines which documents and fees apply.
2. Prove the family relationship: marriage or registered partnership certificate (legalised/apostilled and translated if necessary).
3. Prove financial means: pension statements, savings; for the general regime, ensure you meet the IPREM thresholds.
4. Healthcare: register the S1 if you can, or prepare private insurance; check whether you qualify for public coverage under the SCS.
5. Municipal registration: register your residence (empadronamiento) in the local town hall in Tenerife.
6. Appointments: book early with the Immigration Office (Santa Cruz de Tenerife) for applications and with the National Police for TIE and fingerprint collection, as demand has increased since the reform.

5) Common questions

• What about the age limit for dependent children or extended family? The reform broadens some categories for dependent children and extended relatives, but you should confirm how these are applied in practice by the Santa Cruz Immigration Office.
• Processing time and decisions. The procedures now have clearer deadlines and standardised resolutions. Always check your acknowledgement of receipt and follow up on notifications.
• Can the spouse apply from Spain or must they do it abroad? It depends on the legal regime (EU, general or family of Spanish citizen) and their current stay or entry status.

6) How we can help you in Tenerife (and why now matters)

• We assess your situation and select the appropriate legal pathway (EU, British, non-EU, or family of Spanish citizen).
• We coordinate healthcare registration (S1, SCS, Convenio Especial or private insurance).
• We handle all documentation, sworn translations, fees and appointments with Immigration and Police.
• We accompany you throughout the process until your family obtains legal residence in Spain.

Conclusion: The 2025 Immigration Regulation has streamlined and clarified family reunification procedures. In Tenerife, success depends on careful planning—particularly regarding healthcare, documentation and registration—to ensure a smooth, worry-free process.