Spain’s 2025 Immigration Reform: What Expats Need to Know About the New Fast‑Track Paths and Family Reunification Rules
Why This Article Matters
Spain’s Royal Decree‑Law 2/2025—effective 20 May 2025—slashes red tape, widens family reunification, and introduces true fast‑track visas. Our inmigration lawyer has walked hundreds of foreign nationals through Spain’s legal maze. Let us translate the legalese into actionable next steps.
- Five Streamlined “Arraigo” Pathways—One Clear Strategy
The days of conflicting provincial criteria are over. The reform locks in five national “arraigo” routes:
| Route | Minimum Presence | Golden Requirement | |
| Arraigo Laboral | 6 months legal work in last 24 | Past payroll or Labour Inspectorate report | Request a vida laboral histórica plus sworn translations—bullet‑proof proof. |
| Arraigo Social | 3 years | Job offer ≥ 6 months | Draft employer affidavits that pass Madrid’s stricter scrutiny. |
| Arraigo Formativo | 2 years | Enrol in certified training | |
| Arraigo Familiar | None | Family tie to Spaniard/EU minor | |
| Arraigo Emprendimiento | 2 years | Start‑up plan endorsed by ENISA | Draft bilingual business plans aligned with ENISA’s scoring rubric. |
- Fast‑Track Visas: The 30‑Day.
The reform imposes a 30‑day deadline on digital nomad, highly‑qualified, and intra‑company visas—if the application is filed through Spain’s new Carpeta Ciudadana Extranjería portal.
- Family Reunification—Bigger Umbrella, Smaller Burden
What changed?
- Dependent parents < 65 now eligible
- Unregistered partners accepted with 12 months of cohabitation proofs
- Children’s age ceiling raised to 23
Processing time: 60 days instead of 90.
- Form Revolution—Avoid the Hidden Landmines
Every familiar EX‑form is replaced by version 05/2025. Submitting an old EX‑17 after 20 May triggers an automatic refusal.
- Penalties You Didn’t Budget For
| Infraction | Fine | Real‑World Scenario |
| Late registration of remote worker | Up to €60 000 | HR uploads contract on day 31 instead of day 30 → inspection. |
| Repeat overstay | 100–500 € + up to 3‑year entry ban | Tourist forgets to convert to nomad visa → Schengen flagged. |
How Expat&Legal Spain Turn Law Into Your Lifestyle
- 360‑Degree Audit: We map your goals against the reform’s five pathways.
- Legal Peace of Mind: We monitor BOE updates daily and adjust your strategy—before bureaucracy derails it.
Ready to Move from Research to Residency?
Book your consultation—slots fill fast ahead of the 20 May launch.
Sandra Márquez
CEO Expat&Legal Spain