Resident permits taking longer than normal

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? All resident permit applications processed through the Large Companies Unit (Unidad de Grandes Empresas) are experiencing significant delays.

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

• Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
• Visas/permits affected: Resident permits.
• Who is affected: All applicants processed through the Large Companies Unit, including intracompany transferees, highly qualified professionals, investors, entrepreneurs and others.
• Impact on processing times: Processing is taking at least one week longer than normal. Additionally, immigration authorities recently excluded Saturdays as a processing day, further lengthening all processing.
• Business impact: Businesses and foreign nationals applying for resident permits may need to adjust their schedules in response to the delays.

Background: The current delays in resident permit processing are due to a backlog caused by high volume and delays during the busy summer season.

BAL Analysis: Spanish employers should plan for longer timelines for all resident permit applications processed by the Large Companies Unit.

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

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