If you're living in Spain as an expat—or planning to make the move soon—you’ve probably already heard about the major changes coming to Spain’s immigration law. Well, the wait is almost over: the updates officially take effect on May 20, 2025—just weeks from now.
These changes to the Foreigner’s Law (Ley de Extranjería) aim to modernize and simplify the immigration process, improve access to work and education, and better reflect the needs of Spain’s growing international community.
Here’s a breakdown of the key updates that will impact expats, including students, professionals, and family members of Spanish citizens.
Student Visas: More Work Flexibility, But a Stricter Application Process
If you’re coming to Spain to study—or already here on a student permit—these changes may directly affect you:
- Language School students (those enrolled in Spanish language courses) will no longer be able to apply for their student visa from within Spain. Instead, you must apply from your country of origin or legal residence before entering Spain.
- Students in higher education programs, such as universities or vocational schools, will now be allowed to work up to 30 hours per week—a welcome increase from the previous 20-hour limit. This change makes it easier to balance part-time work with studies and manage living expenses.
- In a significant improvement, family members of international students will now be allowed to apply for their residency permits from within Spain, rather than needing to apply through the Spanish consulate in their home country.
- Language School Students are the exception to this improvement
These updates aim to make Spain more attractive to international students while ensuring that immigration pathways are clear and consistent.
Family Reunification: More Flexibility for Expats with Loved Ones Abroad
The new law introduces several changes to how expat families can reunite in Spain:
- Unregistered couples can now apply for residency as long as they can prove a stable cohabiting relationship. This benefits couples who may not be formally married but live together long-term.
- The age limit for dependent children applying for family reunification increases from 21 to 26 years, as long as they are financially dependent on the sponsoring parent.
- For dependent parents or grandparents, the age threshold to apply as a dependent increases from 65 to 80 years—a more restrictive change that will mainly affect expats hoping to bring elderly family members to Spain.
- Family members of Spanish citizens (such as spouses, children, or parents) will now follow a separate, more streamlined process for residency authorization. Applications can be made either from within Spain or through the Spanish consulate abroad, depending on the situation.
These reforms provide more legal clarity and flexibility for expat families navigating life transitions in Spain.
Why These Changes Matter for Expats
For legal residents—especially professionals, students, and retirees—these updates are part of Spain’s broader effort to:
- Attract global talent and students by offering better opportunities to work and study;
- Support family life by simplifying reunification processes for foreign residents;
- Clarify legal pathways for long-term residence and integration.
Expats who are already living in Spain or planning a move should review their current visa status, explore how these changes might affect them, and prepare any necessary documentation ahead of the May 20 implementation date.
Want to Learn how these Changes will effect you?
If you’re part of Spain’s expat community—or planning to join it—these changes are worth watching closely. Staying informed now could save you time and stress later.
Need help navigating the new rules or starting your application? Let our team guide you every step of the way—reach out today and take the guesswork out of the process.