A Guide to Spain’s 2025 Immigration Reform

Spain has introduced a sweeping immigration reform that officially came into effect on May 20, 2025, reshaping how foreign nationals can live, work, study, and reunite with family across the country. This reform, seen as a major turning point in the country’s approach to immigration, affects both newcomers and those already living in Spain, particularly individuals in irregular status, students, and family members of Spanish citizens. Whether you’re planning your move, renewing your permit, or exploring residency options, understanding the new immigration law in Spain is key to navigating your next steps with confidence.

Main Changes and Objectives about Spain’s Laws on Immigration

The new legislation reflects a commitment by Spanish authorities to simplify the Spain immigration laws, align legal pathways with economic and social realities, and support the integration of foreigners in Spain. One of the core objectives of the reform is to make the immigration process more transparent and accessible to all, including those who have been living in Spain without regular status. Additionally, the law reduces unnecessary bureaucracy and introduces practical solutions that reflect the needs of today’s workforce and family structures.

With these updates, the Spanish government aims to increase legal security for immigrants, speed up application processing times, and address long-standing issues with family reunification and work access. These changes not only affect those coming from within the EU but also have significant implications for non-EU nationals in Spain, as well as British citizens adjusting to post-Brexit residency requirements.

Spain’s Arraigo Program Redefinition

A cornerstone of the reform is the redefinition of the arraigo process, which has long served as a vital path to legal residency for undocumented individuals. Previously considered complex and inaccessible by many, the updated program introduces four distinct types of arraigo, each tailored to different circumstances, thus making the regularization process for migrants in Spain more inclusive and attainable.

The most notable update is to Arraigo Social, which now requires just two years of continuous residence, down from three. This adjustment opens the door for many who were previously ineligible. Applicants still need to prove integration through community ties and sufficient income, but the reduced timeline significantly lowers the barrier to entry.

Arraigo Sociolaboral, on the other hand, is for individuals with a valid job offer and enables them to start working legally from the outset. Meanwhile, Arraigo Socioformativo allows those enrolled in approved training programs to work part-time, up to 30 hours per week, providing an essential bridge between education and the labor market.

The newly introduced Arraigo de Segunda Oportunidad is a welcome addition for individuals who previously held legal status in Spain but lost it, offering them a chance to regain residency in Spain under certain conditions. It symbolizes this new spirit of inclusion and fairness in the immigration law in Spanish legislation.

Beyond reducing residency time, the updated arraigo process now embraces different forms of integration—social, professional, and educational. It recognizes that people contribute to society in various ways and shouldn’t be excluded from legal pathways because of rigid criteria. Each arraigo type has been crafted to accommodate different life situations, which makes Spain’s approach much more adaptable.

Recent Changes to the Spanish Foreigners Act and Their Implications

The reform also brings significant changes to the Spanish Foreigners Act (Reglamento de Extranjería), modernizing the country’s legal framework on immigration. The revised legislation simplifies document requirements, reduces approval timelines, and clarifies legal categories, making it easier for residents and newcomers to navigate the system. These updates reflect a shift toward more flexible immigration rules in Spain, particularly when it comes to adapting to evolving social dynamics and workforce needs.

Importantly, these changes benefit both employers and employees. Spanish companies can now recruit foreign talent more easily, while non-EU nationals find it less difficult to formalize their presence.The reform also supports regional development by encouraging settlement in less populated areas through new types of work and residence permits. Overall, this evolution in immigration law in Spain signals a broader move toward inclusivity and fairness.

New Residence Permit for Family Members of Spanish Citizens

The reform introduces a new residence permit in Spain specifically designed for family members of Spanish citizens. This new five-year permit offers a streamlined process for spouses, registered partners, children under 26 years of age, and dependent parents. One of the most important features is that this permit includes automatic work authorization, eliminating the need for separate applications or additional waiting periods.

This is a particularly significant development for mixed-nationality families living in Spain, many of whom previously faced administrative delays and legal uncertainty. By creating a clear and accessible legal framework, Spain aims to strengthen family unity and provide more stability for citizens and their loved ones. These updates reflect a more modern understanding of family life and greatly enhance the family residence permit Spain process.

What Are the Main Benefits of New Immigration Law in Spain for Students?

International students also stand to benefit significantly from the new immigration law in Spain. The law now allows students to work up to 30 hours per week, giving them the financial flexibility to support themselves while completing their studies. Furthermore, the new regulations permit students to complete up to 50% of their coursework online, providing greater flexibility and access to remote learning.

Another major improvement is the simplified process for transitioning from a student residence to a work permit, making it easier for graduates to stay in Spain and work in Spain long-term. These updates are designed not only to attract more international talent but also to help retain it. For many young professionals, this means they can build a life in Spain without facing unnecessary legal and logistical barriers.

Are There Any New Types of Residence Permits Introduced by the Law?

Yes, several new types of residence permits have been introduced to better match the realities of today’s global migration patterns. These include seasonal work permits, which allow foreign workers to be employed in Spain for up to nine months per year—particularly useful for the agricultural and tourism industries. There are also residency options for individuals in exceptional circumstances, such as denied asylum seekers who have lived in Spain for at least six months.

Additionally, the law supports training-based residence permits, providing a bridge between education and employment for individuals participating in approved vocational programs. These additions reflect a more comprehensive, long-term residence in Spain toward effective immigration management.

Finally, for anyone living in Spain, obtaining a TIE card in Spain (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is essential. This card serves as proof of legal residence and is required for everything from healthcare to opening a bank account. Documents needed for TIE in Spain requirements include a valid passport, your residence resolution (favorable decision), proof of address (padrón), and the completed EX-17 application form. Visit our how to get a TIE in Spain page for step-by-step instructions.

Spain’s 2025 immigration reform is one of the most ambitious and socially progressive changes in recent years. It addresses the needs of workers, students, families, and undocumented residents with a level of flexibility and fairness that sets a new standard. Whether you’re looking to apply for a TIE in Spain, secure a family residence permit, or benefit from the new residence permit options, now is the time to act.