On May 20th, 2025, the new Aliens Act, approved by Royal Decree 1155/2024, came into force, and with it, the most ambitious reform of the Spanish immigration system in more than a decade. It aims to modernise, streamline and make fairer the management of immigration in Spain, adapting it to the current social, labour and demographic reality, as well as to European directives on the matter.
This new regulation affects both foreigners who reside, work or study in Spain, as well as companies that want to hire international talent. Next, we break down the most relevant changes to the regulation, its practical implications and the main challenges posed by its application.
A comprehensive reform that is committed to digitalisation and legal certainty
One of the pillars of the new regulation is the digitalisation of immigration procedures. Many procedures, such as applications for residence or work, can be carried out entirely online, which is a substantial improvement over traditional office saturation. The notifications will be issued preferably online, and work has been done on the clarification and standardisation of the required documentation in order to reduce disparities between provinces and offices.
To address these changes, the Government has carried out an intensive training campaign among immigration personnel and implemented a transitional regime for applications submitted before the rule takes effect.
New figures of roots and requirements flexibility
One of the areas that has been transformed the most is that of authorisation for roots, one of the primary mechanisms for the regularisation of foreigners in an irregular situation. The new regulation recognises up to five modalities of roots: social, socio-labor, socioformative, family and second chance.
Among the most outstanding innovations is the reduction of the required stay period for most of these figures, which goes from three to two years, as well as the possibility of working from the first day with the new permits. More flexible criteria are also introduced to prove family ties, social integration or training.
Special mention deserves the so-called "second chance rooting", which allows those who had a residence permit in the last two years and could not renew it to regularise. This figure aims to provide a legal pathway back into the system for individuals who, due to work or administrative reasons, found themselves in an irregular situation.
Visas and work permits: more options, less barriers
The regulation also reforms the visa regime, expanding and reorganising its categories. Among them, the job search visa stands out, which will allow foreigners to legally stay in Spain for twelve months to look for work without the need to leave the country to change their immigration status.
In addition, a single permit is established that simultaneously authorises residence and work from the first day, in line with Directive (EU) 2024/1233. This change significantly reduces the time and complexity of the procedures, facilitating planning for both citizens and companies.
The regime for self-employed and employed workers has also been made more flexible, allowing for greater compatibility and better regulation of fixed-term contracts.
Impact on international students and attraction of talent
The new regulation has a clear focus on retaining foreign talent, and that is why it has profoundly modified the rules applicable to international students. From now on, students from third countries will be able to work up to 30 hours per week during their stay for studies, and once they finish their studies, they will be able to directly access a residence and work permit without having to leave the country.
Additionally, the job search visa is extended to 12 months, and an official registry of valid educational institutions is established to facilitate legal stay.
All this points to a strategy that not only facilitates the academic and professional life of international students but also responds to the needs of the Spanish labour market, which is experiencing a structural shortage of skilled labour in specific sectors.
What companies should know: opportunities and precautions
For companies, the new Immigration Regulations represent a clear opportunity to incorporate international talent more quickly and safely. The unification of permits, the simplification of procedures, and the possibility of carrying out collective contracts at source are tools that enhance planning and contracting capacity.
However, the reform also requires companies to pay greater attention to documentation and deadlines, and it is recommended to have legal advice to avoid errors that may lead to denials or sanctions.
Criticisms and challenges: vulnerable groups in the blind spot of the reform
Despite the progress, the reform has not been without criticism. Various social and legal organisations have warned of the risk of exclusion posed by the express exclusion of asylum-seekers from the new regularisation pathways. Many of these people, after years of waiting and with legal employment, could fall into an irregular situation if they are denied asylum and do not yet meet the new deadlines required.
The lack of technical and human resources in the immigration offices has also been warned, which could hinder the effective implementation of the new processes, especially if digitisation is not accompanied by sufficient investment in infrastructure and technical support.
A necessary reform that requires legal accompaniment
The new Immigration Regulations represent a significant step towards a more orderly and transparent migration system adapted to the needs of the 21st century. Its measures, if applied correctly, can facilitate the integration of thousands of people and strengthen the competitiveness of Spanish companies.
However, as with any complex reform, its success will depend to a large extent on how it is interpreted and applied in each case. Therefore, both foreigners and companies must act with foresight, have reliable information and, if in doubt, resort to professional advice.
