What is the change? Spain is experiencing delays in resident permit processing, especially involving permits for highly skilled professionals and intracompany transfers.

What does the change mean? Foreign nationals should anticipate that processing in these categories will take longer than the 20 business days required by statute and should adjust their business schedules accordingly.

  • Implementation time frame: Ongoing.
  • Visas/permits affected: Resident permits for highly skilled professionals, ICT permits.
  • Who is affected: Employers and non-EU nationals applying for the resident permits listed above.
  • Impact on processing times: Processing times are longer than the standard 20 business days. Current processing times may range from 1 ½ to two months.

BAL Analysis: The delays are largely due to an influx of applications and reduced staff. Spanish employers should plan for longer timelines for resident permit applications. Businesses may need to adjust timelines or start dates because of the delays.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and Sagardoy Abogados located in Spain. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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