On November 19, the Council of Ministers approved the new Immigration Regulation, after almost a year of waiting. The Regulation was published in the Official State Gazette (BOE) on November 20 and will come into effect in May 2025.
Immigration Regulation 2024: Key Aspects
The new Immigration Regulation introduces fundamental changes aimed at modernizing and simplifying immigration processes in Spain. The main objectives of this reform are:
- Simplifying administrative procedures.
- Ensuring greater legal certainty.
- Increasing the speed of application management.
- Protecting workers and employers.
- Opening more regular channels for entry and residence.
- Aligning the regulations with European Union policies.
New Visas and Improved Management
One of the most notable advancements is the creation of a specific title for visas, which redefines the competences between consulates and immigration offices. Additionally:
- All visas will initially be granted for one year.
- The job search visa is established as a residence visa valid for 12 months.
- It will no longer be necessary to leave the country to apply for long-term residence after holding temporary status.
Types of Visas:
- Short-stay visa.
- Long-stay visa.
- Residence visa.
- Airport transit visa.
- Extraordinary visa.
- Job search visa.
Changes in Residency (Arraigo)
Spain continues to lead Europe by maintaining specific figures that allow individuals in irregular situations to regularize their status. With this reform:
- It is estimated that 300,000 people will be regularized per year for the next three years.
- A “second chance residency” is created for those who lost their residence authorization.
- The waiting time to access residency is reduced from three to two years, except for family residency, where there is no minimum stay requirement.
Types of Residency:
- Social residency.
- Family residency.
- Second chance residency.
- Socio-educational residency.
- Socio-laboral residency.
Family Members of Spaniards
The reform expands and clarifies the situations in which family members of Spanish citizens can obtain residence permits, ensuring greater clarity and protection in these cases.
This reform marks a step forward in the integration and regularization of foreigners in Spain, strengthening a more efficient, inclusive system aligned with European standards.
- Spouse: No longer applicable for domestic partners.
- Children: The age limit is extended to 26 years old.
- Dependent relatives or family members.
- Parents of Spanish children.
- Caregivers of Spaniards.
- Extended family.
Would you like to review the new regulation?
Access it via this link:
Real Decreto 1155/2024 – BOE
