Residency & Work Permits Now Easier for Foreigners

SGM Abogados Insights: New Immigration Reforms in Spain to Ease Residency and Work Permits for Foreigners

Spain is setting the stage for significant changes in its immigration policies, aiming to streamline the process for foreigners seeking residency and work permits. The recent approval of new immigration reforms by the Spanish cabinet promises to simplify the journey for those living irregularly in the country and enhance opportunities for students and workers alike.

Key Highlights of the Reforms:

Easier Transition from Study to Work: Foreigners who have completed their studies in Spain can now transition more seamlessly to a residence and work permit, provided they secure an employment contract in their field of study.
Extended Job-Seeking Visas: Previously valid for only three months, job-seeking visas will now extend to one year. This is particularly beneficial for descendants of Spaniards or individuals in specific industries or regions.
Simplified Regularisation Process: The reforms aim to regularize approximately 300,000 migrants annually over the next three years. This includes simplified procedures for undocumented migrants and changes in the rules for family reunification and temporary work permits.
Introduction of a New Transitional Regularisation for Asylum Seekers: Asylum seekers who have been denied protection but remain in Spain illegally will have a new pathway to regularisation.

Focus on Arraigo System Modifications:

The arraigo system, crucial for non-European citizens living in Spain without proper status, has undergone significant modifications:

Arraigo Socioformativo (Student Arraigo): Students can now work up to 30 hours a week and automatically qualify for a work permit without needing a specific contract.
Arraigo Social (Social Arraigo): The waiting period for applying has been reduced from three to two years of irregular residence.
Arraigo Laboral (Labour Arraigo): Applicants must present work contracts ensuring at least a 20-hour work week and prove six months of employment in Spain, even if it was previously undocumented.
Arraigo Familiar (Family Arraigo): Now limited to parents or guardians of minors or individuals supporting a disabled person from other EU states, with more streamlined regulations tied to family members with Spanish nationality.
Arraigo de Segunda Oportunidad (Second-Chance Arraigo): A new category for individuals who previously held a residence permit but were unable to renew it.

Looking Ahead:

These reforms, expected to take effect six months after publication as state law, represent a proactive approach by the Spanish government to address labor shortages and integrate an undocumented workforce into the legal economy. SGM Abogados is closely monitoring these developments and is prepared to assist clients in navigating the new legal landscape.

Stay tuned for further updates as we continue to provide expert guidance on these transformative immigration reforms. For more information or assistance with immigration and residency queries, feel free to contact our team at SGM Abogados in Benijófar.