Spain introduced significant changes to its immigration framework in May 2025 through amendments to Ley Orgánica 4/2000 and the Real Decreto 1155/2024 regulation. These reforms affect how non-EU nationals apply for work permits, how long they remain valid, the pathway to long-term residence, employer obligations, and the rights of family members. Below is a clear overview of the main updates that employees and employers need to know.
Work permit validity and renewal changes
- Initial non-EU work permits now last one year. Previously the length of the first permit varied, with some granted for only six months.
- Renewals can now be granted for up to four years, doubling the previous two-year limit.
- A proposed 37.5-hour standard work week is still awaiting final approval.
- All changes under Royal Decree 1155/2024 came into force on 20 May 2025.
Impact on long-term residence applications
The route to long-term residence has been simplified:
- After five years of continuous residence (initial + renewal), a worker may qualify for a long-term permit.
- Under the old rules, applicants often needed two separate extensions to reach the required five years.
- Long-term residence permits remain valid for up to ten years, after which applicants may pursue Spanish citizenship if they meet the eligibility requirements.
Changes for family members of work permit holders
The new rules provide increased flexibility and expanded rights for family members:
- Children up to age 26 can now be included in residency applications, provided they are financially dependent (e.g., studying or not working).
- Unmarried partners and certain close relatives, including parents, can now join the work permit holder more easily.
- Family members of Spanish citizens or long-term residents can now obtain residence permits that also allow them to work.
- Students may work up to 30 hours per week, and work permit holders can undertake limited self-employment activities.
How this affects family reunification
These changes make it easier for families to join a work permit holder in Spain. The recognition of unmarried partnerships simplifies reunification for couples who are not legally married. The increase in the dependent child age limit to 26 will benefit families with older children who are transitioning between education and early adulthood. Parents of work permit holders also face fewer administrative barriers.
Family members of Spanish nationals and long-term residents benefit even more: their residence permits now give them direct access to the labour market.
Visa closures and updated salary requirements
Several important financial and visa-related changes came into effect:
- The Golden Visa route officially closed in 2025.
- Existing holders can continue to renew and progress towards permanent residence.
- New applicants must consider alternative visa categories.
- The minimum interprofessional salary (SMI) increased to €1,184 in 2025, which affects permits tied to this benchmark.
- For example, the Digital Nomad Visa now requires 200% of the SMI (€2,762 per month, €33,144 annually).
- Salary thresholds for high-skilled routes were updated:
- €40,000 for technical, scientific and intellectual professions
- €54,000 for managerial or director-level roles
New employer compliance obligations
From October 2025, employers must meet stricter labour standards:
- Companies must use certified digital systems to record employee working hours, including senior executives.
- Employers must maintain real-time access to these records.
- Additional obligations include:
- pay-equity reporting
- explaining gender pay gaps
- equality and LGBT+ protocols for firms with 50+ employees
- increased penalties for non-compliance
- The reforms also widen access for employers to recruit foreign talent, including from shortage sectors such as STEM, healthcare, hospitality, construction, agriculture, renewable energy, and fishing.
Contact LawSentis
For personalised guidance on Spain work permits, family or long-term residency applications, or Spanish citizenship routes, you can contact LawSentis via WhatsApp at +44 7733 648414. You can also book a consultation with our team.