Spain has implemented an ambitious immigration reform aimed at modernizing, streamlining, and humanizing immigration-related processes. This legislative update seeks not only to simplify procedures but also to offer greater legal security, strengthen the protection of workers and employers, and align Spanish regulations with European Union standards.

Visas: More Clarity and Opportunities

A specific framework has been established for visa regulation, clarifying the responsibilities between consulates and immigration offices. From now on, all visas will have a standard duration of one year.

One of the most notable advancements is the introduction of the job search visa, which allows individuals to legally reside in Spain for 12 months with the aim of finding employment. Additionally, it will no longer be necessary to leave the country to apply for long-term residency after holding a temporary one.

Available types of visas:

• Short-term stay
• Long-term stay
• Residence visa
• Airport transit visa
• Extraordinary visa
• Job search visa

Regularization: A Unique Model in Europe

Spain continues to be the only EU country with specific mechanisms to regularize individuals in an irregular administrative situation. The reform expands and flexibilizes the regularization pathways, facilitating access to residency.

Among the most notable new features:

• New second chance regularization, aimed at those who lost their residence permit and wish to recover it.
• Consolidation of socio-labor and socio-educational regularizations.
• The required period of prior residence is reduced from three to two years (except for family regularization, which does not require a minimum period).

Recognized types of regularization:

• Social
• Family
• Second Chance
• Socio-educational
• Socio-labor

Family Reunification and Relatives of Spaniards: Expansion of Rights

The scenarios in which relatives of Spanish citizens can regularize their situation are expanded:

• Spouse or partner, without the need to be legally married or registered as a couple.
• Children up to 26 years old, extending the previous age limit.
• Parents of Spanish children.
• Caregivers of Spanish citizens.
• Extended family, including more dependent family ties.

This reform represents a significant step towards a more inclusive and efficient immigration policy, aligned with European values and standards. With these measures, Spain not only aims to improve immigration management but also to offer new opportunities and greater security to all involved.