Spain Introduces New Updates to Immigration Regulations (2025)
Spain has introduced comprehensive immigration reforms aimed at simplifying visa processes, expanding work opportunities, and promoting family reunification under the Regulations of the Immigration Act through Royal Decree 1155/2024↗. These changes aim to provide greater stability and integration for migrants while aligning with EU directives. Below is a breakdown of the key reforms:
Ready to Start Your Journey to Spain?
Get your personalized relocation checklist, step-by-step guidance, and access to our complete immigration app.
Simplified Visa Processes
All initial visa authorizations are now standardized to a one-year validity, with renewals extending to four years. This reduces administrative burdens and offers stability for migrants. The validity of the job-seeking visa has also been extended from three months to one year, providing more time to secure employment in Spain.
Enhanced Residence Permit System (Arraigo)
Five new pathways to residency have been introduced under the updated arraigo system, including social, socio-labour, family, socio-educational, and 'second chance' arraigo for those who previously held residence permits but failed to renew. The required period of residence has been reduced from three years to two years, facilitating quicker access to legal status. Permit holders can immediately engage in employment or self-employment upon receiving residency. Most residence permits are now valid for one year and renewable for four years, except for family permits, which last five years.
Improved Employment Opportunities
Migrants can now work without requiring a separate work authorization for most permits. Students are permitted to work up to 30 hours per week, enhancing economic and social integration. A new seasonal work permit for specific activities has been introduced, providing greater protections and enabling collective hiring for seasonal labor.
Family Reunification
The family reunification process has been expanded by raising the age limit for dependent children to 26 years, provided they remain economically dependent. The new regulations also recognize unregistered partnerships, reinforcing family unity and supporting broader eligibility for family reunification.
Implementation Timeline
The reforms are set to take effect on May 20, 2025, six months after their official publication in the Official State Gazette.
Ready to Start Your Journey to Spain?
Get your personalized relocation checklist, step-by-step guidance, and access to our complete immigration app.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.