At the end of 2024, Spain published legislative amendments to the Regulation on the Rights of Foreigners, which will come into effect on May 20, 2025. These changes will bring meaningful updates to Spain’s immigration system, affecting employers looking to relocate international workers to Spain. The new regulations aim to simplify processes, improve worker rights, and provide more flexibility for businesses hiring foreign talent.

This article breaks down the main changes employers should be aware of and their impact.

Quick Overview

• Easier Hiring Process: Simplified visa procedures and reduced bureaucracy will make it faster and simpler to bring international talent to Spain.
• Access to Student Talent: Employers will now be able to hire higher education students for up to 30 hours per week, which is a valuable source of part-time labor.
• Employee Retention: Longer work permits and easier family reunification can help retain skilled workers and improve job satisfaction.

What is changing in Spain’s Immigration Regulations in May?

1. Work Permit Updates

The new regulations introduce changes to work permits that benefit both employers and employees:

• Initial Work Permits: Initial work permits will now be granted for one year, with renewals extending to four years (previously two years). This brings more stability for both employers and employees.
• Long-Term Residency: Employees over 30 will receive a residency card valid for 10 years (up from 5 years), reducing the administrative burden of frequent renewals. For employees under 30, the rules remain unchanged, with cards valid for five years.
• Self-Employment Flexibility: Work permit holders can now freelance alongside their main job without needing an additional permit.

2. Simplified Recruitment Processes

Spain’s new immigration measures are designed to make it easier for businesses to hire international talent.

• Reduced Bureaucracy: The visa application process has been simplified, with clearer requirements and less administrative red tape.
• Flexible Integration Pathways: The new system introduces five integration pathways (social, socio-training, socio-occupational, family, and second-chance), allowing employers to recruit workers with different qualifications and backgrounds.
• Van Der Elst Process: Non-EU nationals already working in another EU country can temporarily work in Spain without needing a separate permit, improving mobility for multinational businesses.

3. Family Reunification Changes

The new rules make it easier for employees to bring their families to Spain, which can improve employee satisfaction and retention:

• Age Limit Increase: The maximum age for children to be included in a parent’s residency application has been raised from 21 to 26, provided the child is financially dependent (e.g., unemployed and studying).
• Expanded Family Reunification Eligibility: Unregistered partners and close relatives, including parents, will now face less bureaucracy, making it easier for employees to reunite with their families.
• New Residence Permit for Non-EU Family Members: Non-EU family members of Spanish nationals, including spouses, children under 26, and parents, can now obtain a five-year residence permit with work rights.

4. Student Residence Permit Changes

The new regulations introduce changes that affect students, including those who may transition into the workforce:

• Higher Education Students:
  
  • Students can work up to 30 hours per week while studying, making it easier for employers to hire part-time international students.
  • Residence permits will now cover the entire duration of the academic program, eliminating the need for annual renewals.
• Language Students:
  
  • Language students will no longer be able to convert their student permit into a work residency after completing their studies. This change mostly affects non-higher education students.

5. Residency by Settlement (Arraigo) Requirement Change

The period of residence required for eligibility under the Arraigo system has been reduced from three years to two, making it easier for long-term residents to get legal status in Spain.

What are the benefits of the new regulations for employers?

1. Simplified Visa Procedures: Reduced bureaucracy and clearer requirements make it easier to hire and relocate international workers.
2. Longer Work Permits: Four-year renewals give both employers and employees more stability.
3. Flexible Recruitment: The new integration pathways let employers recruit workers with diverse qualifications and backgrounds.
4. Family Reunification: Easier family reunification processes can improve employee satisfaction and retention.
5. Student Workers: Higher education students can now work up to 30 hours per week, giving businesses a valuable pool of part-time talent.
6. Easier Mobility for EU-Based Workers: With the recognition of the Van Der Elst process, multinational companies can move employees between EU offices with fewer restrictions.

Conclusion

Spain’s upcoming immigration regulations will bring very interesting benefits for employers looking to relocate international workers. With simplified processes, longer work permits, and easier family reunification, businesses can more effectively recruit and retain global talent.

Hiring international workers in Spain?

If you’re planning to hire or relocate international workers to Spain, it’s important to review these changes carefully and ensure compliance with the new rules. 

For personalized local guidance, talk to our Spanish immigration experts.