Spain Announces Significant Immigration Reforms

Key Changes in Spain’s Immigration Policy

Extended Job Seeker Visa

Starting in May 2025, job seekers will have 12 months instead of three months to gain employment in Spain, making it easier for foreign nationals who come to Spain without a job offer to stay permanently.

Student Visa Flexibility & Employment Pathways

Spain is developing straightforward programs for international students to progress easily from education to the labour market. These measures allow:

• Students to study and work for up to 30 hours per week
• Graduates have a more straightforward legal route to employment and residency after graduation

New Integration Goals: Simplified Family Reunification

The new immigration reforms in Spain are designed for the long-term economic and social integration of migrants.

• The reformed processes have refined and shortened the immigration process so the applicants’ families can join them in Spain.
• The change aligns with Spain’s dedication to humane migration practices within the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (GCM) framework. 
• Authorities believe family reunification contributes greatly to stable, well-functioning communities and lessens the legal and financial uncertainty for many migrants.
• The reforms address barriers to cultural and social inclusion, particularly by providing migrants with more significant resources for integration into Spanish society, ranging from language programs to legal support.

Regularisation of Undocumented Migrants

Spain’s strategy is to register 300,000 migrants yearly over the next five years until 2027. If successful, the plans will address labour shortages in crucial sectors like agriculture, construction, and hospitality, providing undocumented migrants a chance to fill the gaps.

End for the Golden Visa

Forecast Golden Visa End Date – 31st December 2024.

It’s official—Spain has finally set a date on the extinction of its coveted Golden Visa program, one of the most popular investment visas in the world. This visa is especially popular because it allows for property investment. 

Phased End to Golden Visa – Overview

• On January 1st, 2024, all pathways, including real estate investments, government bonds, and business shares, will be abolished.
• The action is a severe step to halt housing speculation, leading to inflated prices for locals.
• Parliament is set to finalise the abolishment on 31st December, with ongoing discussions into exceptions to the provisions.