Spain Relaxes Immigration Policies for Families and Job Seekers Effective May 20

Spain is set to transform its immigration system on May 20, 2025, with significant reforms. These changes aim to expand work rights for families, extend jobseeker visa validity, and simplify the regularization process for undocumented migrants. This initiative will make Spain a more welcoming destination for those looking to live and work in this vibrant nation.

New Immigration Rules in Spain

Spain is introducing several key updates to its immigration policies, which include:

• Family Immigration: Easier Pathways for Relatives
• Extended Jobseeker Visa Validity
• Simplified Rules for Undocumented Migrants
• Additional Immigration Updates

1. Family Immigration: Easier Pathways for Relatives

The new reforms prioritize family unity and make it easier for family members to join Spanish residents. A significant introduction is a five-year temporary residence permit for certain non-EU family members of Spanish nationals. This includes:

• Spouses
• Children up to age 26
• Parents

These permit holders will automatically have work rights, making Spain an attractive option for families.

Expanded Family Reunification for Non-EU Residents

The family reunion permit for non-EU residents will now include de facto partners who:

• Have lived together for at least 12 months
• Share a child (cohabitation is not required)

Permit holders will also enjoy automatic work authorization, allowing them to integrate more smoothly into Spanish society.

Impact for Travellers and Future Residents

These changes aim to strengthen communities and attract individuals who value family support. This could lead to longer stays and enriched cultural exchanges in Spain.

2. Jobseeker Visa Validity Extended: More Time to Find Work

Good news for job seekers! One of Spain’s jobseeker visas will now have a validity period of one year, up from three months. This change is targeted at specific groups, including:

• Descendants of Spanish citizens who lost their nationality
• Applicants in government-approved sectors

Why This Matters for Aspiring Workers

The extended timeframe allows applicants more time to network and find suitable employment. This flexibility can lead to better job matches and smoother integration into the Spanish workforce.

3. Easier Regularization for Undocumented Migrants

Spain is simplifying the residency process for undocumented migrants with ties to the country. Individuals can now more easily gain legal residency by demonstrating connections through:

• Family ties
• Social integration
• Employment history

Potential Impact on the Labour Market

This reform is expected to increase the pool of legally authorized workers, helping to alleviate current labour shortages in various sectors.

4. Additional Immigration Updates Worth Noting

Spain’s reforms include several additional highlights:

• Self-Employment Made Simpler: Employment permit holders can now engage in self-employment without a separate permit, as long as it remains secondary to their main job.
• Long-Term Residence Clarified: Spain will align long-term residence rules with EU standards, ensuring greater clarity for migrants.
• Van Der Elst Process Formalized: Non-EU nationals can now work temporarily in Spain without needing a new permit, following the Van Der Elst rule.

Fighting Labour Shortages

These reforms aim to address labour shortages across various sectors. Additionally, Spain plans to regularize up to 900,000 undocumented migrants over the next three years, further boosting the labor supply.

What This Means for Travellers, Expats, and Employers

For those looking to move to Spain, bring their families, or seek employment, these changes open new opportunities. Employers will also benefit from a broader talent pool and more flexible hiring options.

Final Thoughts

Spain’s 2025 immigration reforms represent a significant effort to modernize policies and promote inclusive mobility. Whether you are a job seeker, family member, entrepreneur, or undocumented migrant, these updates offer new pathways to legal residence and meaningful opportunities in Spain.