On 20 May 2025, the new Immigration Regulation in Spain (RD 1155/2024, of 19 November) will come into force. This regulation significantly updates the rules concerning the rights and freedoms of foreign nationals and their social integration.
The Spain new immigration law 2025 introduces important changes to visas and residence permits, especially in the areas of study, settlement (arraigo), and residence for family members of Spanish citizens.
Below we explain the key points of the new regulation and what you need to bear in mind if these changes affect you. The new immigration law in Spain 2025 aims to simplify and streamline immigration procedures for non-EU nationals.
Transitional Regime: What Happens to Current Permits?
If you already have a valid residence permit, you don’t need to do anything—your permit will remain valid until it expires. The same applies if you are a family member of a Spanish citizen and already have a permit through arraigo familiar or an EU family member card.
However, if your application is still being processed, you can request to be assessed under the new regulation, which may be beneficial depending on your situation. This is part of the Spain immigration new update aimed at easing the transition.
Some relevant transitional measures include:
● Children over 18 (between 18 and 26 years old) and dependent parents of Spanish citizens may apply for residence from within Spain until 20 November 2025, provided they were already in Spanish territory on 20 November 2024.
● Individuals whose international protection requests have been rejected and who are in irregular status may apply for residence through arraigo during up to one year after the regulation comes into force, provided they can prove they have been in Spain for at least six months before applying. These transitional measures reflect the goals of the Spain immigration law changes 2025.
Student Visas: New Conditions
Student visas are now officially named long-term stays, and have new conditions and requirements. This change is aligned with the new Spanish immigration laws to improve consistency in legal terminology.
Key changes include:
- Applications may be submitted from Spain or the country of origin, depending on the type of study.
- Minimum age of 18 to apply from within Spain.
- Hybrid (online and in-person) study formats are recognised but with restrictions.
- Only higher education, healthcare, or technical studies with professional qualification may be applied for from Spain.
- It will no longer be possible to obtain student visas to study in sports academies (e.g., football schools). The Spain new immigration law 2025 removes eligibility for non-academic programs under student status. We recommend consulting a legal professional to evaluate the eligibility of your course before you pay for it.
- Processing times:
- 2 months if submitted in Spain
- 1 month if submitted from abroad
- 15 working days if submitted directly by a higher education centre
Important: Study periods will continue to count at 50% towards long-term residence, as updated in the new immigration law in Spain 2025.
Settlement (Arraigo): Five Types to Regularise Your Status
The new regulation redefines arraigo authorisations, now grouped into five types, each with a duration of one year, except arraigo familiar, which lasts for five years.
- Second-chance arraigo: For those who held a residence permit in the last two years but could not renew it (except for public order, security, or public health reasons).
- Socio-labour arraigo: For those with one or more work contracts meeting at least the proportional minimum wage for the hours worked and with no fewer than 20 working hours.
- Social arraigo: Requires family ties with legal residents or, if not, an integration report. Applicants must prove they have sufficient economic means in Spain.
- Training-based arraigo: For those enrolled in post-compulsory secondary education or vocational training, with an integration report. This option was introduced as part of the Spain immigration law changes in May 2025.
- Family arraigo: For parents of minor EU citizens, carers of disabled family members, and other specific cases. The Spain immigration new update simplifies documentation for this category.
The minimum period of residence in Spain is unified at 2 years, except for arraigo familiar, which has no minimum stay requirement. This is another example of how the Spain immigration law changes 2025 unify previously scattered regulations.
New Residence Permit for Family Members of Spanish Citizens
One of the major changes is the new five-year residence permit for family members of Spanish nationals, as established by the new Spanish immigration laws.
Who qualifies?
- Spouses, registered partners, or stable partners (in this latter case, proof of cohabitation for at least 12 months is required, unless the couple has children in common).
- Children under 26 (or older if dependent or disabled).
- Direct and collateral dependent relatives (where humanitarian reasons apply).
- Parents or guardians of Spanish minors.
- Carers of disabled individuals (up to second-degree relatives). These additions are also part of the Spain new immigration law 2025.
- Children of individuals who were originally Spanish by birth.
Once the application is submitted, these family members may stay and work legally in Spain. However, the right to work while the application is being processed only applies to spouses, partners, and children. This clause reflects a key feature of the new immigration law in Spain 2025.
Other important requirements and information:
- A criminal record certificate is mandatory.
- Processing time: 2 months.
- If circumstances change (e.g. divorce, death), an independent residence permit may be requested within 6 months. If the requirements for this are not met, a modification application must be submitted within 3 months of the change or denial of the independent permit. These rules are part of the evolving Spain immigration law changes 2025.
Final Notes
In summary, the Spain immigration law changes in May 2025 represent a significant shift in Spain’s immigration system.
At Klev&Vera International Law Firm, we’re ready to help you assess your individual situation and find the best legal pathway to obtain or maintain your residence permit in Spain for you or your family members.
Have questions about how this new regulation impacts you? Get in touch for tailored advice.
