This hub tracks important changes affecting expats in Spain, including visas and permits, taxes, essential documents, and lifestyle rules. Each update links to sources and affected guides/tools.
Complete overview of Spain’s 2025 new rules for residency and immigration reform under Royal Decree 1155/2024, covering new work visa rules, student visa changes, family reunification, Arraigo pathways, and tourist entry requirements.
Traveling to Europe? Learn how to apply for the new ETIAS visa waiver for U.S., Canadian, UK, and other passport holders in 2026. This guide covers the ETIAS application form, process, requirements, exemptions, and how it's different from the old system.
Spain is rolling out major legal reforms in 2025. This guide highlights the most important new and proposed laws - from shorter work weeks to a potential 100% housing tax on foreign buyers.
Key updates on visa processes, job-seeking visas, and new residence permit pathways in Spain.
| Option | Status | Impact | Effective | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RD 1155/2024 - Immigration Reform | Effective | Work permits up to 4 years, family reunification expanded, student visas allow 30h/week work | 2025-05-20 | BOE |
| ETIAS Travel Authorization | Proposed | New €7 travel authorization required for visa-exempt travelers to Schengen Area | 2026-Q4 | EU Regulation |
| 37.5-Hour Work Week | Proposed | Reduces legal work week from 40 to 37.5 hours with digital time tracking | 2025 | Parliament |
| 100% Housing Tax | Proposed | Doubles property transfer tax for non-EU, non-resident buyers of second-hand homes | Parliament | |
| Vacant Home Tax | Enforced | Local councils can charge up to 150% more IBI tax on homes vacant over 2 years | 2023-Enforced | Housing Law |
| Immigration Regularization | Proposed | One-year residence permit for migrants who lived in Spain before March 31, 2025 | Citizen-led initiative |
Complete guides for all Spanish visa types including Non-Lucrative (NLV), Digital Nomad (DNV), Student, Job Seeker and family visas. Find the right permit for your situation.
Complete tax guide for expats in Spain including Beckham Law, IRPF, Modelo forms, and tax obligations. Understand your tax residency and filing requirements.
Step-by-step guide to essential documents: NIE, TIE, empadronamiento, Cl@ve, and administrative tasks. Complete your Spanish bureaucracy efficiently.
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