A new regulation was recently enacted to update Spain’s immigration laws and will take effect May 20.

Key Points:

  • On Nov. 19, 2024, Royal Decree 1155/2024 approved the Regulation of Organic Law 4/2000.
  • The regulation elaborates on the rights and freedoms of foreign nationals, with an emphasis on social integration, and aims to better facilitate the processing of residence and work permits that align with national regulations and European directives.
  • The regulation will go into effect on May 20, providing a six-month period for all stakeholders to adjust to the new legal environment.
  • Key features include:
    • Visas — All initial visa authorizations will be for one year and renewals will be for four years.
    • Residence — The time of residence required is reduced from three to two years. Additionally, the requirements have been made more flexible and apply to those who work both as an employee and are self-employed.
    • Work — Officials stated that permits now enable individuals to work immediately without having to expressly request an initial work authorization as an employee. This includes people who migrate to study, who will be able to work up to 30 hours a week.

Background: In recent months, the Spanish government has approved measures to streamline the visa process as well as raise the minimum wage and work on an Integration Plan. The new regulation is designed to clarify visa procedures while establishing five types of integration that strengthen the rights of migrant workers and provides guarantees for companies. A wide range of areas and processes are covered in this regulation, including visa types as well as temporary and long-term residence. BAL will continue to monitor developments and will provide more information as it becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

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