New Immigration Reform:
Complete Guide 2025-2026
If you live in Spain as a foreigner or are planning your arrival, you are facing the most important legal change of the last decade. The map of immigration in Spain has been transformed.
More digital, faster and more human
With the entry into force of Royal Decree 1155/2024 in May 2025 and the extraordinary regularization process planned for 2026, the system is radically modernized.
In this guide from our law firm, we break down how to get your "papers" under the new system.
Table of contents
Goodbye to the 2011 Law
The old regulation has been replaced to eliminate the administrative collapse. The key points of the modernization are:
- 100% online procedures Mandatory in-person attendance for submitting applications is over.
- Calculation in months Resolution times are now more predictable, making it easier to track your residence application.
- European Standard Spain aligns its rules with the Schengen area, simplifying mobility across the EU.
Work Visas: Direct authorization
The visa now directly enables you to work from the moment of arrival, eliminating duplication.
Job search
Its duration increases from 3 months to 1 full year. You have 12 months to find a legal job offer.
Total simplification
By entering with your visa, you are already documented to reside and carry out a work activity.
Students: Work 30 hours
Spain seeks to retain foreign talent. If you come to study, the advantages are immense.
Automatic permit
You no longer need to apply for a separate authorization. Your study stay allows you to work up to 30 hours a week.
Legal certainty
An official registry of educational centers is created to guarantee that your enrollment is valid to renew your residence.
New Family Statute
The reform gives absolute priority to family unity through its own, preferential statute.
- Free and preferential statute You no longer go through the arraigo route. You have a specific permit that allows you to work (employed or self-employed) on the first day.
- Children up to 26 years old The age to reunify children has been extended, which was previously only up to 21 years old.
The 5 types of Arraigo in 2026
The arraigo system has been restructured into five clear modalities.
Social Arraigo
Requires 2 years in Spain and demonstrated integration.
Socio-labor Arraigo
2 years of permanence with much more flexible contract requirements.
Socio-training Arraigo
Allows you to work 30 hours while doing regulated studies.
Second Chance
For those who had legal residence and lost it for various reasons.
Family Arraigo
For caregivers or relatives of EU citizens (non-Spaniards).
Frequently Asked Questions
Your doubts answered about the new regulations.
Do you need personalized advice for your case?
At Papeles Extranjería we are specialists in the new Regulation. Secure your future with our lawyers.