Spain continues to be a top destination for expatriates, retirees, digital nomads, and investors seeking a vibrant lifestyle, rich culture, and favorable climate, here we look at Spain Residency Updates 2025 and the recent changes to Spain’s immigration policies including the key updates for 2025.
This blog post, brought to you by SpainResidency.com, outlines the key updates for 2025, including visa options, application processes, and important deadlines. Whether you’re an EU citizen, non-EU citizen, or a UK national navigating post-Brexit rules, this information will interest you.
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In this post we cover the following: (click any section to see its content)
Spain Residency Updates 2025:
- TERMINATION OF THE GOLDEN VISA PROGRAM »
- SIMPLIFIED RESIDENCY PROCEDURES »
- STRICTER RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS »
- NEW RULES FOR STUDENTS »
- CITIZENSHIP UPDATES »
- RESIDENCY OPTIONS FOR NON-EU CITIZENS »
- PERMANENT RESIDENCY »
- PATH TO CITIZENSHIP »
- PRACTICAL TIPS FOR APPLICANTS »
- WHY CHOOSE SPAIN IN 2025? »
- ALL TYPES OF RESIDENCY AVAILABLE IN SPAIN »
- SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A SOLICITOR »
TERMINATION OF THE GOLDEN VISA PROGRAM:
The Spanish Golden Visa, which allowed non-EU citizens to gain residency through a minimum €500,000 real estate investment, officially ended on April 4, 2025. This decision, announced in Spain’s Official State Gazette (BOE) on January 3, 2025, was driven by concerns over rising housing costs, particularly in major cities, as 94% of these visas were linked to real estate investments. If you’re considering investment-based residency, alternative programs in countries like Portgal or Greece may be worth exploring. Contact our team at SpainResidency.com for tailored advice on other pathways.
SIMPLIFIED RESIDENCY PROCEDURES:
Starting May 20, 2025, Spain’s immigration framework will see significant reforms aimed at streamlining processes and enhancing migrant rights. These changes include:
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Digitalization of Applications: The new unified immigration portal allows online document uploads, fee payments, and application tracking, reducing the need for in-person appointments.
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Faster Processing Times: Residency applications, particularly for arraigo (roots-based residency) and family reunification, now target a 3-6 month processing period, a marked improvement from previous delays.
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Reduced Arraigo Period: The residency-by-settlement (arraigo) program now requires only two years of continuous residence in Spain (down from three years) for undocumented individuals to apply for legal status. This change is expected to grant legal residency to approximately 300,000 people annually over the next three years.
STRICTER RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS:
While initial residency applications have become more efficient, renewals now face stricter criteria:
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Proof of Economic Stability: Non-lucrative visa renewals require robust evidence of income, with a minimum of €26,000 per year for a single applicant and an additional €6,500 per dependent.
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Residency Continuity: To maintain long-term residency, you must not spend excessive periods outside Spain. For temporary permits, absences cannot exceed six months within a year. For long-term or permanent residency, absences must not exceed 10 months over five years, or 12 months for work-related reasons.
NEW RULES FOR STUDENTS:
Starting May 20, 2025, student visa regulations have tightened:
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Age Restrictions: Language course applicants must be at least 18 years old.
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Application Process: Student visa applications must now be submitted through a Spanish consulate abroad, not from within Spain.
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Limited Extensions: Language course permits can only be extended once, capping the total study period at two years. However, students with a job offer can still transition to a work residence permit.
CITIZENSHIP UPDATES:
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Spanish of Origin Citizenship Deadline: The provision allowing citizenship for descendants of Spanish exiles (due to political, ideological, or belief-based reasons) or children of Spanish women who lost nationality before 1978 ends in October 2025. Act now to secure the necessary documents and translations. Our team at SpainResidency.com can assist with this process.
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Language Test Exemptions: Citizens of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, and Sephardic Jews are exempt from the DELE A2 Spanish language test for citizenship if they can prove long-term residence or education in Spanish-speaking institutions.
RESIDENCY OPTIONS FOR NON-EU CITIZENS:
Non-EU citizens, including UK nationals post-Brexit, must apply for a visa before arriving in Spain. Popular options include:
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Non-Lucrative Visa: Ideal for retirees or those with passive income, requiring a minimum income of €26,000 annually (€2,400 monthly) plus €6,500 per dependent. Comprehensive private health insurance from a Spanish provider is mandatory. Common rejection reasons include insufficient income, inadequate insurance, or lack of proof of long-term intent to reside in Spain.
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Digital Nomad Visa: Allows remote workers to live in Spain for up to one year, renewable. Applicants must prove income from non-Spanish employers or clients.
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Student Visa: Permits study at registered Spanish institutions and allows up to 30 hours of work per week. Applications can be made from within Spain as a tourist, with responses expected within 30 days.
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Self-Employed Visa (Autónomo): For those starting a business or freelancing in Spain, requiring a viable business plan and sufficient financial means.
PERMANENT RESIDENCY:
After five years of continuous legal residence, non-EU citizens can apply for permanent residency, valid for five years and renewable. Student visa years count as half toward this requirement. Permanent residents enjoy the same rights as Spanish nationals, including work and access to public services, but must not be absent from Spain for more than six months per year (or 10 months total over five years).
PATH TO CITIZENSHIP:
Spanish citizenship typically requires 10 years of legal residence (five years as a permanent resident after five years of temporary residency). Exceptions include:
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One year for those married to a Spanish citizen.
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Two years for citizens of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, or the Philippines.
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Five years for refugees.
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR APPLICANTS:
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Act Early: With the Golden Visa ending and the Spanish of Origin citizenship deadline approaching, submit applications well before deadlines (April 4, 2025, for Golden Visa; October 2025 for Spanish of Origin).
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Secure Comprehensive Health Insurance: Non-EU applicants must have private health insurance from a Spanish provider, equivalent to public healthcare coverage. Travel insurance is not accepted.
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Prove Financial Stability: Ensure you meet income requirements and have clear documentation, such as bank statements or pension records.
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Consult Experts: Immigration rules change frequently. SpainResidency.com, part of the Lawbird Legal Group, offers personalized assistance to navigate these processes. Contact us for a free consultation.
WHY CHOOSE SPAIN IN 2025?:
Spain remains a global leader in tourism, education, and quality of life. With its world-class universities, vibrant culture, and top-ranked healthcare system, it’s an ideal destination for expats. The 2025 immigration reforms make it easier to legalize your stay, especially for those already in Spain under arraigo provisions. However, stricter renewal and student visa rules require careful planning.
ALL TYPES OF RESIDENCY AVAILABLE IN SPAIN:
- Digital-Nomad visa Spain (Remote worker in Spain)
- Non-Lucrative visa Spain (Spanish visa non lucrative)
- Student-Visa Permit (Student-Visa & up-to 30 hours work per week)
- Self-Employed visa Spain (Self employed expats in Spain)
Please see-here our video-blog with options and legal-advice to obtain residency in Spain.
Remember that immigration procedures and immigration regulations change regularly, so it’s crucial to stay updated with the latest information from reliable sources. If you have specific questions or concerns about your situation, it’s advisable to consult with immigration authorities or legal professionals specializing in immigration matters, to do this, please click-here »
DO YOU REQUIRE ASSISTANCE TO APPLY FOR RESIDENCY IN SPAIN?
We are a Spanish Solicitor and assist our clients with all types Spanish legal processes.
Permanent residency is obtained after 5 years of Spanish Residency through Self-Employed Residency, Digital-Nomad, Non-Lucrative Residency or Golden-Visa. This followed by 5 years as a permanent resident in Spain and means you can then obtain Spanish Citizenship with a Spanish Passport.
