Spain Immigration Law Changes 2025 Explained – Work Visas, Residency, Arraigo & Entry Rules (Royal Decree 1155/2024)
Spain has introduced landmark changes to its immigration system and new rules for residency via Royal Decree 1155/2024, published in the Boletín Oficial del Estado on February 5, 2024. These reforms modernize the Reglamento de Extranjería and reflect the country’s commitment to improving integration, responding to labor shortages, and simplifying immigration procedures.
Key Takeaways
- Work permits now allow renewals up to 4 years and include both freelance and salaried work.
- Long-term resident cards now renew every 10 years for residents aged 30 and older.
- Family reunification eligibility extended to children up to age 26, unregistered partners, and parents.
- Student visas allow 30-hour workweeks; language course visas limited to 2 years with stricter rules.
- New Arraigo categories: Formativo (vocational students) and Reincorporación (returning residents).
- Travelers to Spain must prove €118/day or €1,065+ for longer stays, with accommodation and return travel.
- Collective hiring processes are now possible and registry for valid academic institutions created.
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Background and Purpose of the Immigration Law Changes
Spain's previous immigration framework had not been comprehensively updated since 2011. Long processing delays, narrow eligibility for permits, and rigid rules made legal immigration burdensome. The updated regulation seeks to:
- Match migration flows with real labor market demand
- Improve legal certainty for migrants
- Facilitate integration and social cohesion
- Respond to demographic trends and an aging population
New Rules For Work Visa and Residency Permit in Spain
Spain has simplified and expanded access to work permits by extending renewal periods and allowing more flexibility in employment type.
| Aspect | Before | After (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Permit duration | 1-year initial + 2-year renewals | 1-year initial + renewals up to 4 years |
| Freelancing | Required separate permit | Allowed under same permit as salaried work |
Why it matters: This promotes job stability and accommodates modern employment trends, such as gig work and side income.
New Rules For Long-Term Residency Card Validity in Spain: 10-Year Option Introduced
The new law introduces longer renewal intervals for long-term residents over 30 years old, reducing bureaucracy for stable residents.
| Resident Age | Renewal Period (Before) | Renewal Period (Now) |
|---|---|---|
| All ages | Every 5 years | Every 5 years until age 30 |
| 30 and older | Every 5 years | Every 10 years (Art. 178) |
Why it matters: Reduces administrative burden and helps residents settle more securely.
New Rules For Family Reunification Visa in Spain
Family reunification rules have been significantly expanded to include more dependent and unregistered relatives.
| Criteria | Before | After (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Children age limit | Under 21 | Up to 26 if dependent |
| Partner status | Only registered spouses | Includes unregistered partners |
| Parents (ascendants) | Not allowed | Allowed under new flexibility |
| Non-EU family of Spanish citizens | No dedicated permit | 5-year residence and work permit introduced |
Why it matters: Aligns with modern family structures and supports integration of transnational families.
New rules for Student Visa in Spain 2025
Changes to student visas enhance academic and work opportunities for higher education students, while tightening rules for short-term language students.
| Category | Before | After (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Work hours for students | 20 hours/week | 30 hours/week |
| Permit duration | Annual renewal | Covers full academic program |
| Language course applications | From Spain | Must be applied from abroad |
| Renewal for language students | More flexible | Only 1 renewal allowed, max 2 years |
| Conversion to work permit | Possible | Not possible from language course status |
| Language requirement | None | Must show DELE or SIELE exam registration/completion |
Why it matters: These changes aim to prioritize long-term academic and professional integration while discouraging misuse of short-term study permits.
New Arraigo Pathways Introduced in 2025
Arraigo now includes additional legal paths for undocumented migrants based on labor, education, or prior residence history.
What is Arraigo? "Arraigo" means "rooting", a legal pathway for undocumented migrants to obtain residency based on ties to Spain (social, family, or employment).
| Type | Before | After (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Arraigo Laboral | 3 years of residence | 2 years residence + 6 months work |
| Arraigo Formativo | Not available | For migrants enrolled in vocational training |
| Arraigo por Reincorporación | Not available | For former legal residents returning to Spain |
Why it matters: Makes regularization more accessible and supports migrants' professional development.
Entry Requirements for Travelers to Spain in 2025
Spain clarified entry requirements for tourists and short-term visitors, including updated financial minimums and required documents.
| Requirement | Before | 2025 Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum daily funds | Similar but less defined | €118/day per person |
| Minimum total (9+ days) | Less consistently applied | €1,065 |
| Supporting documents | Basic | Passport, visa, accommodation, return ticket or invitation letter |
Protections for Vulnerable Groups under Spain’s 2025 Immigration Reform
Spain has expanded the scope of exceptional residence authorizations for people facing social or humanitarian risks. These reforms aim to offer legal pathways and protection for individuals in vulnerable situations.
| Category | Eligible Cases |
|---|---|
| Gender-based violence | Victims of domestic or gender-based abuse |
| Labor exploitation | Workers subject to exploitative or unsafe working conditions |
| Hate crimes | Victims of racial, religious, or gender-related attacks |
| Cooperation with authorities | Individuals who support law enforcement investigations |
| Humanitarian/health risk | People with severe medical needs or risk if returned to home country |
This update improves access to legal status and social protections for at-risk individuals.
Collective Hiring and the New Registry of Educational Institutions
Spain introduced two important systemic tools to modernize the labor and education-based migration frameworks.
1. Collective Hiring at Origin
- Employers can now process job offers for multiple non-resident workers abroad in one application.
- This benefits sectors with seasonal labor demand or talent shortages.
2. Registry of Higher Education Institutions
- Student visas will only be granted for programs in certified academic institutions.
- This ensures compliance with quality standards and EU Directive 2016/801.
Implementation Timeline
These reforms became effective 20 days after publication: February 25, 2024. Immigration offices, consulates, and employment authorities are currently operating under the new framework.
At a Glance: Key Immigration Changes in Royal Decree 1155/2024
The following table summarizes the most important updates introduced by the reform:
| Area | Change Summary |
|---|---|
| Work Permits | Renewals up to 4 years; freelancing allowed under same permit |
| Long-Term Residency | TIE renews every 10 years after age 30 |
| Family Reunification | Includes unregistered partners, parents, and dependent children up to age 26 |
| Student Visas | 30-hour workweek; longer permits; restrictions on language programs |
| Language Student Rules | Max 2 years; DELE/SIELE proof; no conversion to work permits |
| Arraigo | Laboral reduced to 2 years; new Formativo and Reincorporación pathways |
| Entry Requirements | €118/day; return ticket, accommodation proof, or invitation required |
| Vulnerable Groups Protection | Expanded access for victims and humanitarian cases |
| Collective Hiring & Registry | Employers can hire multiple foreign workers; visas tied to registered schools |
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Gerard B.
An expat who's done it, so you don't have to!
After spending years in Spain and thousands of euros on lawyers, tax advisors, and residency applications, only to realize that doing it yourself is often easier, cheaper, and just as effective. Gerard is an expat on a mission to help others avoid the same costly mistakes. By creating LiveLoveSpain, Gerard aims to share first-hand experiences, practical tips, and plenty of "Why didn't anyone tell me this?!" moments. Whether it's filing taxes, understanding visas, or just mastering the art of the sobremesa, he's here to help fellow expats integrate seamlessly without breaking the bank.