Effective May 20, 2025, Spain has implemented a comprehensive reform of its immigration regulations under Royal Decree 1155/2024. This new framework aims to modernize procedures, enhance integration, and address labor market needs. Below is an overview of the significant changes.
Streamlined Work Permits and Extended Validity
Initial Work Permits: Now granted for one year, with renewals extending up to four years, reducing administrative burdens for both applicants and employers.
Long-Term Residency: Applicants over 30 can now obtain residency cards valid for 10 years, up from the previous five-year validity.
Self-Employment Flexibility: Holders of work permits can engage in freelance activities alongside their primary employment without needing an additional permit.
Expanded Family Reunification Rights
New Five-Year Residence Permit: Available to non-EU family members of Spanish citizens, including spouses, children under 26, and dependent parents, granting immediate work rights.
Broadened Eligibility: Unregistered partners who have cohabited for at least 12 months or share a child are now eligible for family reunification.
Reformed Student Visa Regulations
Work Authorization: Higher education students can now work up to 30 hours per week while studying.
Permit Duration: Student residence permits will cover the entire duration of academic programs, eliminating the need for annual renewals.
Application Process: Students enrolling in language courses must apply for visas through Spanish consulates in their home countries.
Simplified Regularization through “Arraigo”
Reduced Residency Requirement: The required continuous residence period in Spain has been reduced from three years to two for eligibility under the “arraigo” system.
New Modalities: Five distinct pathways have been established, including social, family, and employment-based arraigo.
No Employment Contract Needed: Applicants can now demonstrate sufficient financial means instead of providing a job offer.
Extended Jobseeker Visa Validity
Validity Period: The jobseeker visa is now valid for one year, up from the previous three months.
Eligibility: Targeted towards specific groups, including descendants of Spanish citizens and applicants in government-approved sectors.
Termination of the Golden Visa Program
Spain has officially ended its Golden Visa program, which previously allowed non-EU citizens to obtain residency through real estate investments. This change reflects a strategic shift towards more traditional pathways for residency.
National Regularization Plan
The Spanish government plans to regularize approximately 300,000 undocumented immigrants annually over the next three years. This initiative aims to address labor shortages and support the welfare state amidst an aging population.
These reforms represent a significant shift in Spain’s approach to immigration, focusing on integration, labor market needs, and streamlined processes. For personalized advice or assistance with visa applications, please feel free to reach out.
