On 20 May 2025, Spain’s most ambitious immigration reform in over a decade officially came into effect. The new Immigration Regulation introduces sweeping changes that simplify legal pathways, reduce bureaucracy, and strengthen rights for migrants, families, students, and employers.
At Svelsan International Lawyers, we’ve been following this reform closely and are fully prepared to assist clients under the updated framework.
Key Changes Introduced by the New Regulation
1. Expansion and Clarification of Arraigo Categories
The Reloex establishes a clearer legal foundation for exceptional residence based on arraigo (rootedness), now divided into:
- Social Arraigo – With reduced residency requirements and flexible economic means criteria.
- Labour and Training Arraigo – With streamlined pathways for employment and vocational studies.
- Second-Chance Arraigo – A new category for individuals who previously held legal residency but lost it due to administrative or economic circumstances.
- Family Arraigo – Now includes a wider range of family ties and allows applications from within Spain.
2. Immediate Access to Work
In most cases, residence permits now grant the right to work from day one, removing previous delays caused by separate authorisations.
3. A New Statute for Family Members of Spanish Nationals
A long-standing legal grey area is resolved with the introduction of a specific legal framework for non-EU family members of Spanish citizens. This change brings legal certainty, protection against unnecessary family separation, and—crucially—immediate access to employment in many cases.
4. Reinforced Student Integration
Foreign students now benefit from:
- A hybrid learning model (minimum 50% in-person classes).
- The right to work 30 hours per week.
- A fast-track transition to residence and work permits upon graduation.
5. Administrative Efficiency and Updated Forms
The reform prioritises simplification:
- Shorter processing times and fewer procedural duplications.
- Several application forms have been updated. It is essential to ensure you are using the correct versions.
Why This Reform Matters
Spain faces demographic and labour challenges. International bodies estimate the country will need at least 250,000 new migrants per year to sustain its welfare model. This regulation modernises migration policy to meet that demand while respecting the rights and dignity of foreign nationals.
It also addresses issues of legal insecurity, enhances transparency in education, and aligns Spain more closely with EU standards.
How We Can Help
At Svelsan International Lawyers, our legal team has undergone training on the new regulation and is already working under the revised procedures. Whether you’re:
- Applying for the first time,
- Renewing a permit,
- Changing your status,
- Reuniting with your family,
- Or seeking clarity on your eligibility,
we are here to offer expert legal guidance and complete document handling.
