What changed in Spain's 2025 immigration rules, and why old advice misleads

Key rules

• Start date: Advice written before 20 May 2025 is out of date.
• Renewals: An old permit stays valid, but the new rules apply when you renew.
• Arraigo: Every arraigo type needs 2 years of continuous stay in Spain plus its own condition; for labour arraigo that is 6 months of work.

Anything you read, watch or hear that was written before that date may describe routes, time limits or steps that no longer apply.

Which rules apply to you

• You file now: the new rules apply.
• You filed before 20 May 2025: your application is decided under the old rules, unless the new ones are more favourable.
• You hold a permit granted under the old rules: it stays valid until it expires. When you renew, the new rules apply, so check them before you plan the renewal.

Videos and forum posts from the six months between publication and the start date may already describe the new system, but it was not yet in force.

The reform covers non-EU nationals. EU citizens and UK citizens with Withdrawal Agreement rights follow their own residence rules and are not covered by it.

The reform has no fee of its own; each route keeps its own fee and form.

If your application is refused, the appeal deadlines are on The map of Spanish residence routes.

What changed

Arraigo. Arraigo is a residence permit based on your ties to Spain. The routes were reorganised:

• Social arraigo: 2 years of continuous stay in Spain, for a 1-year permit.
• Socio-labour arraigo: 2 years of stay and at least 6 months of work.
• Socio-formative arraigo: 2 years of stay and a training course.
• Family arraigo: 2 years of stay and a qualifying family tie.
• Second-chance arraigo: 2 years of stay, for people whose earlier permit lapsed.

Old advice that quotes a longer stay or work period for these routes is out of date.

Students. Study permits allow part-time work of up to 30 hours a week. Students can switch to a work permit after one year of studies, or apply for the 12-month job-search permit after they finish.

Work and business.

• Employers hiring for jobs on the shortage-occupation list get a faster route.
• A new 2-year residence-and-work permit lets people who have held a non-work residence permit, such as non-lucrative, for one year start working.

Family and young people. Family reunification now also covers an unregistered partner with a stable relationship (1 year living together, or a child in common). People who arrived as minors can regularise their status when they reach adulthood.

Speed. The reform sets a target of 3 months for a decision; treat any older waiting time you read as a guide to the past.

How to use old advice safely

Check the date on any article, forum post or video, and be most careful with advice on arraigo, student work, and renewals.