Spain's Immigration Law 2026: key changes for foreign residents

The legal framework for immigration in Spain

The main legislation governing the status of foreigners in Spain is Organic Act 4/2000 (known as the Immigration Act), which has been amended on several occasions. Significant changes have been introduced in 2022–2026 through royal decrees and regulatory reforms affecting millions of foreign residents.

1. Social Arraigo: new conditions

Social arraigo (Art. 124 REx) still requires 3 years of continuous presence in Spain and family ties or an integration report, but improvements have been applied since 2023:

• Arraigo for Training (new): Only 2 years of presence + commitment to undertake a vocational training course. This allows temporary residence authorisation and the right to work.
• Social Arraigo with a job offer: It remains possible to provide an employment contract as an alternative to the integration report.

2. Digital Nomads and International Remote Workers

Startup Act 28/2022 created the visa and residence permit for digital nomads (remote workers for foreign companies):

Main requirements:

• Working for a foreign company for at least 3 months before applying
• Minimum income: 200% of the SMI (approx. €2,762/month in 2026)
• Spouses and children may obtain work permits

Duration: 1 year (visa) / 3 years (residence permit, renewable)

Tax advantage: Access to the special IRPF non-domicile regime (flat rate of 24% on income up to €600,000) for 5 years.

3. Family Reunification: reduced timelines

The timelines for requesting family reunification for relatives of long-term residents have been reduced:

• Spouse and minor children: possible from the moment legal residence is obtained (previously 1 year was required)
• Parents aged over 65: possible with long-term residence (5 years)

4. Long-Term Residence (5 years)

To obtain long-term residence (previously called "permanent" residence) 5 years of legal and uninterrupted residence are required. The requirements for demonstrating financial means have been simplified:

• A strict monthly income of 400% of the IPREM is no longer required
• The income of the whole family unit is assessed together

5. Deportation and voluntary return

The reform introduces improvements to the voluntary return procedure:

• Longer deadlines for voluntary return before deportation
• Possibility of administrative mediation

Penalties and irregular status

Penalties for irregular status remain, but regularisation procedures are now prioritised over deportation where the foreigner can demonstrate arraigo and ties to Spain.

Which procedures are affected in 2026?

• NIE and TIE: Process unchanged in substance
• Arraigo for Training: New and in high demand among young people without job offers
• Digital Nomad: High demand; immigration offices have set up a dedicated online appointment system
• EU Long-Term Residence: Can be applied for at police stations and government delegations

Recommendations

1. If you have been in Spain for 2 years without stable employment → look into arraigo for training
2. If you work remotely for a foreign company → apply for the digital nomad visa
3. If you have been here for 3 years → prepare the social arraigo application (having a job offer makes it easier)
4. Any immigration procedure → book your appointment well in advance (demand is high)

---

Use the GovEasy Appointment Radar to find the first available slot at the immigration office in your province.