Spain Residency Law Changes May 2025: Complete Guide to Royal Decree 1155/2024
Key Highlights of Spain’s New Immigration Laws
- Effective Date: May 20, 2025
- Work Permits: Initial 1-year duration followed by 4-year renewals
- Family Reunification: Age limit for dependent children increased to 26
- Arraigo: Residency requirement reduced from 3 years to 2 years
- Golden Visa: Officially terminated as of April 3, 2025
- Processing: Digital applications targeting 3-6 month resolution times
Introduction: Understanding Spain's Immigration Reform
Spain is on the verge of implementing its most comprehensive immigration reform in over a decade. Royal Decree 1155/2024, published in the Official State Gazette (BOE) on November 20, 2024, will come into force on May 20, 2025, introducing significant changes to Spain’s immigration and residency framework.
As Mr. Isaac Abad Garrido, Senior Partner at ABAD Abogados explains:
“This reform represents a fundamental shift in Spain’s approach to immigration, focusing on integration, administrative simplification, and addressing Spain’s labor market needs. Both current residents and those planning to move to Spain should understand these changes to make informed decisions about their immigration journey.”
This comprehensive guide outlines the key changes and what they mean for you, whether you’re planning to move to Spain, already living here without legal status, or seeking to bring family members to join you.
Table of Contents
Work Permits and Residency: Enhanced Stability and Flexibility
Extended Permit Durations
The new regulation standardises work permit durations, providing greater stability for both foreign workers and their employers:
- Initial Work Permits: Valid for 1 year (previously variable, often 6-12 months)
- Permit Renewals: Valid for 4 years (previously 2 years)
- Long-Term Residency Cards: Individuals over 30 years old will receive 10-year cards (previously 5 years)
For example, a professional who receives an initial work permit in June 2025 will only need to renew once after the first year, then not again for another four years, significantly reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
Self-Employment Flexibility
A groundbreaking change allows holders of standard employment permits (cuenta ajena) to engage in self-employment activities without requiring a separate authorisation. This means you can maintain your primary job while legally developing a side business or freelance career.
“This change recognises modern work patterns and removes barriers for residents who want to pursue entrepreneurial activities alongside their primary employment,” notes Mrs. Maite Molina, Commercial and International Law specialist at ABAD Abogados.
Family Reunification: Expanded Eligibility and Options
New 5-Year Permit for Relatives of Spanish Nationals
A dedicated 5-year residence and work authorisation is created for non-EU family members of Spanish citizens, offering a streamlined pathway with immediate work rights. Eligible relatives include:
- Spouses and registered partners
- Unregistered partners (with proof of a stable relationship)
- Children under 26 years (previously 21)
- Dependent parents and ascendants
Key Improvements to Family Reunification
- Increased Age Limit: The maximum age for dependent children is raised from 21 to 26 years, provided they remain financially dependent
- Recognition of Unmarried Partners: Unregistered partners can now qualify with proof of a stable relationship (typically 12 months of cohabitation or common children)
- Simplified Requirements: Less bureaucracy for demonstrating financial means and other eligibility criteria
These changes make it significantly easier for families to reunite and remain together in Spain, recognising diverse family structures and addressing the needs of young adults pursuing higher education.
Student Pathways: Supporting Education and Work Integration
Extended Study Permits
Higher education students will benefit from several significant improvements:
- Full Program Duration: Study permits now cover the entire duration of academic programs, eliminating annual renewals
- Work Authorisation: Students can work up to 30 hours per week alongside their studies
- Simplified Transition: Easier pathway to work permits after graduation
“These changes are designed to attract international talent and allow students to gain valuable work experience during their studies,” explains Mr. Fco Javier Cabañas de Pablo, Real Estate and Immigration specialist at ABAD Abogados.
Language Student Restrictions
In contrast, students coming primarily for language courses face new limitations:
- Minimum age requirement of 18 years
- Generally cannot apply from within Spain
- Maximum stay limited to two years (one extension)
- Cannot convert to work residency after completion
Arraigo Reforms: Path to Legal Status
The “Arraigo” system, which allows individuals in irregular situations to obtain legal residency based on demonstrated ties to Spain, undergoes substantial reforms:
Reduced Residency Requirement
The most impactful change reduces the required period of continuous prior residence in Spain from three years to two years for most Arraigo categories. This significantly accelerates the timeline for regularisation.
Immediate Work Rights
Authorisations granted under the main Arraigo categories now generally include the right to work (either employed or self-employed) from the moment the permit is granted, eliminating previous waiting periods.
Five Distinct Arraigo Pathways
- Arraigo Social (Social Ties): Requires 2 years of prior residency and demonstration of social integration or family connections.
- Arraigo Sociolaboral (Labor Ties): Requires 2 years of prior residency and a work contract offering at least 20 hours per week.
- Arraigo Formativo (Training Ties): Allows regularisation through commitment to vocational training while permitting work up to 30 hours per week.
- Arraigo Familiar (Family Ties): Focused on family links to Spanish or EU citizens, granting a 5-year authorization without requiring minimum prior residency.
- Arraigo de Segunda Oportunidad (Second Chance): A new category for those who previously held legal status but could not renew for reasons unrelated to public order or security.
“The reformed Arraigo system represents a pragmatic approach to integrating individuals already contributing to Spanish society,” says Mr. Isaac Abad Garrido. “
“It brings people out of irregular situations more quickly, allowing them to participate fully in the formal economy and social security system.”
Golden Visa Termination and Property Purchase Proposals
Golden Visa Program Officially Ended
Spain’s “Golden Visa” program, which allowed non-EU nationals to obtain residency through significant investments (typically €500,000 in real estate), has been officially terminated. The program ended on April 3, 2025, with Organic Law 1/2025 repealing the relevant provisions.
Individuals who already hold a Golden Visa can continue to renew it, provided they maintain the qualifying investment.
Proposed Property Purchase Restrictions
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has proposed restrictions on property purchases by non-resident non-EU citizens, potentially including a 100% tax or an outright ban on purchases deemed speculative.
However, these proposals face significant political and legal hurdles and have not been enacted into law. They would primarily affect buyers from countries like the UK, US, Norway, and Switzerland.
“These proposals are still under debate and face substantial obstacles to implementation,” cautions Mrs. Maite Molina. “We are monitoring developments closely, but at this stage, they represent proposals rather than imminent legal changes.”
Find out more about Spain’s proposed property tax increase
Processing Improvements: Digitalisation and Efficiency
Digital Application Process
RD 1155/2024 promotes increased use of digital platforms for immigration procedures:
- Online submission for most permit applications and renewals
- Electronic notifications to speed up communication
- Unified criteria across different immigration offices nationwide
Targeted Processing Times
The reforms aim to resolve applications more efficiently, with targets including:
- 3-6 months for standard residency applications
- 2 months for the new 5-year permit for relatives of Spaniards when applied for from within Spain
- 1 month for certain visa issuance steps
“While the move toward digitalisation is promising, the expected surge in applications, particularly for Arraigo, may challenge administrative capacity,” notes Mr. Fco Javier Cabañas de Pablo. “
Applicants should still prepare for potential delays, especially in the initial implementation period.”
How ABAD Abogados Can Help You Navigate the New Immigration Landscape
At ABAD Abogados, our multilingual team of immigration specialists can provide expert guidance through Spain’s changing immigration framework. Our services include:
- Comprehensive Assessments: Evaluating your specific situation to identify the optimal immigration pathway
- Application Preparation: Gathering and preparing all necessary documentation
- Representation: Representing you before immigration authorities
- Strategic Planning: Advising on timing and approach to maximize your chances of success
With offices in Murcia, Orihuela Costa (La Zenia), and Los Alcázares, our team is strategically positioned to support clients throughout the process.
Conclusion: Planning for Spain’s New Immigration Reality
Spain’s immigration reform represents a significant modernisation that will affect thousands of current and prospective residents. The changes generally favour integration, family unity, and meeting Spain’s labour market needs, with specific benefits for those already in Spain, students, and family members.
For personalised advice on how these changes affect your specific situation, contact ABAD Abogados to schedule a consultation with our immigration specialists.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the new immigration rules take effect?
Royal Decree 1155/2024 takes effect on May 20, 2025. Applications submitted before this date will generally be processed under previous rules unless you opt into the new system.
I’m currently in Spain without legal status. How can I benefit from these changes?
The reformed Arraigo system may provide a faster path to regularisation, reducing the required residency period from three years to two. Contact ABAD Abogados for a confidential assessment of your situation.
How will the changes affect family members of Spanish citizens?
Family members of Spanish citizens will benefit from a new 5-year residence permit with immediate work rights. The age limit for dependent children increases to 26, and unmarried partners are now formally recognised.
Is the Golden Visa program still available?
No, Spain’s Golden Visa program ended on April 3, 2025. The deadline for submitting new applications was April 2, 2025.
Will non-EU citizens be banned from buying property in Spain?
While proposals have been made to restrict property purchases by non-resident non-EU citizens, these have not been enacted into law and face significant political and legal obstacles.
How long will it take to process my application under the new rules?
The target processing time is 3-6 months for most applications, though actual times may vary depending on application volume and administrative capacity.
Can I work while studying in Spain?
Higher education students can now work up to 30 hours per week alongside their studies. Language students face more restrictions on work authorisation.
If I am a Spanish resident and I married a British person after Brexit, will my spouse be allowed to stay in Spain under the new law?
Yes. Under the new immigration reform, your British spouse will benefit from the new 5-year residence permit specifically created for family members of Spanish citizens. This permit includes immediate work authorisation and is significantly more streamlined than previous options. Your spouse can apply either through the Spanish consulate in the UK or directly at the immigration office in Spain if they’re already legally present. This new permit offers greater stability and simplified requirements compared to pre-reform options.
About Mr Isaac Abad Garrido
Mr Isaac Abad Garrido is the Senior Partner at ABAD & ASOCIADOS Lawyers & Accountants, with over 25 years of experience specialising in Real Estate Law, Tax Law, Corporate Law, Bankruptcy Law, Business Restructuring, and Community Administration.
He has been consistently recognised among The Best Lawyers in Spain™ from 2020 to 2025 for excellence in Tax Law, and in 2022, he was named “Lawyer of the Year” in Tax Law (Murcia, Spain).
A member of the International Bar Association, he is also an Associate Partner of the Spanish Royal Academy of Jurisprudence and Law. Additionally, he serves as a Professor at the University of Murcia, teaching Tax Law, and is a regular contributor to leading international tax law publications, including Newsweek.
Mr Abad Garrido holds degrees in Law, Business Administration, and Accounting, complemented by postgraduate studies at IE Business School. He is a Certified Auditor registered with the Official Registry of Auditors (ROAC).
For legal enquiries, visit abadabogados.com or connect with Mr Abad Garrido on LinkedIn.
