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For many people, the dream of working abroad isn’t just about career—it’s about building a new life with family. Spain and Portugal, two of Europe’s most popular destinations, not only attract seasonal and skilled workers but also provide options for spouses and dependents. If you’re planning to move to Spain or Portugal for work in 2025, here’s how your spouse (and family) can join you—and in many cases, work as well.

1. Can You Bring Your Spouse to Spain or Portugal?

Yes. Both Spain and Portugal have family reunification visas and dependent permits that allow foreign workers to live with their spouses, children, and in some cases, parents.

• If you already have a residence/work permit, you can apply for family reunification.
• Your spouse typically receives a residence card, and in many cases, a work authorization.
• The process requires proof of income, accommodation, and health insurance.

2. Work Permit + Spouse Options in Spain

Spain offers multiple residence and work visas, and most allow spouses to join the main applicant.

Main Pathways (2025):

• Regular Work Permit (Contrato de Trabajo): Once approved, you can apply to bring your spouse.
• Highly Skilled Professional Visa: Quicker processing, ideal for IT, engineering, healthcare, and managerial roles. Spouses gain immediate work rights.
• Student → Work Transition: If you switch from student to work residence, your spouse can also apply for reunification.

Requirements for Family Reunification in Spain:

• Proof of stable income (meeting Spain’s IPREM benchmark—approx. €600+ per family member/month).
• Accommodation that meets local housing standards.
• Marriage certificate (legalized/apostilled + translated).
• Health insurance coverage.

Rights of Spouses in Spain:

• Spouse receives a residence card.
• In most cases, spouses can work without needing a separate work permit.
• Children can attend public schools and access healthcare.

3. Work Permit + Spouse Options in Portugal

Portugal is known for its welcoming immigration policies. Workers on valid residence permits can bring their spouses under Family Reunification Visa (Visto de Reagrupamento Familiar).

Main Pathways (2025):

• Work Residence Permit: Issued after securing a job offer + SEF (immigration authority) approval.
• EU Blue Card (Highly Skilled Workers): Easier route for professionals; spouses gain full work rights.
• D7 Visa (Passive Income) → Work Transition: If you switch to work permit status, family members can stay and access services.

Requirements for Family Reunification in Portugal:

• Proof of income (at least the Portuguese minimum wage—€820/month in 2025—plus additional amounts for each family member).
• Proof of housing/accommodation.
• Marriage certificate (legalized/apostilled + translated).
• Valid work/residence permit of the main applicant.

Rights of Spouses in Portugal:

• Residence permit (renewable with the main applicant).
• Full right to work in Portugal.
• Access to healthcare, education, and social benefits.

4. Spain vs Portugal: Key Differences

Feature	Spain	Portugal
Processing Time	2–6 months	1–3 months
Spouse Work Rights	Allowed (with residence card)	Allowed (full rights)
Income Requirement	Based on IPREM benchmark (€600+/month per member)	Based on minimum wage (€820+/month in 2025)
Language Advantage	Spanish required for most jobs	Portuguese required, but English is more accepted in tech/tourism
Residency to Citizenship	10 years (2 years for Latin Americans, Philippines, Andorra, etc.)	5 years for citizenship eligibility

5. Tips for Applying with a Spouse

• Prepare documents early: Marriage certificate must be legalized/apostilled and translated.
• Meet income requirements: Authorities will check your financial stability before approving family reunification.
• Apply soon after your permit: The earlier you start, the smoother the process.
• Consider job markets for spouses: Tourism, IT, healthcare, and services sectors are more open to foreign workers.

Conclusion

Moving to Spain or Portugal for work doesn’t mean leaving your spouse behind. With the right permits and documentation, your partner can live—and in most cases—work alongside you legally. Spain offers stability and cultural richness, while Portugal provides faster residency-to-citizenship pathways.

If you’re planning a move in 2025, start by securing your work permit, then apply for family reunification so your spouse can share the journey with you.