Spain’s NEW Visa Changes 2025 [Full Breakdown]

Summary

Spain has introduced significant updates to its immigration laws, affecting various visas, including the Digital Nomad Visa (DMV), Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV), and family reunification permits. The DMV now offers easier renewal for self-employed workers, while the NLV has stricter residency and financial requirements for retirees. Families of Spanish citizens can bring parents regardless of age, and student visas have been extended for longer durations. These changes focus on encouraging long-term residents who are committed to integrating into Spanish society, offering better stability and flexibility for remote workers, retirees, and families.

Takeaways

• 😀 The new digital nomad visa allows for a 4-year renewal if you apply from your home consulate, simplifying the process compared to previous rules.
• 😀 W2 workers from the US still cannot apply for the digital nomad visa due to Spain's lack of a social security agreement with the US, but contractors can apply.
• 😀 The Perquenta Propia permit offers an alternative for digital nomad visa holders who transition to self-employment or freelance work, with fewer financial requirements.
• 😀 Spain introduced 'second chance' permits for individuals who lose their work contract or can't meet renewal requirements, giving them an opportunity to stay legally in Spain.
• 😀 The non-lucrative visa (NLV) for retirees now has stricter requirements, including proof of living in Spain for over 183 days per year and stricter financial documentation.
• 😀 Retirees or people with passive income on an NLV cannot work remotely, and must switch to the digital nomad visa if they want to engage in remote work for foreign companies.
• 😀 The age limit for dependent children on family visas has increased to 26 years old, and Spanish citizens can now bring their parents, regardless of age, to Spain.
• 😀 The new 5-year permits for family members of Spanish citizens allow them to work immediately while their application is being processed.
• 😀 Student visa holders can now stay for the entire duration of their university degree and work up to 30 hours per week while studying. The post-graduation job search visa has been extended from 3 to 12 months.
• 😀 Spain has become more selective in granting residency, but offers options for those who are committed to living in Spain and contributing to Spanish society, providing peace of mind for long-term residency.

Q & A

What is the main change regarding Spain's Digital Nomad Visa for applicants applying from their home consulate?

The main change is that applicants applying from their home consulate will now receive an initial one-year visa, which can be renewed for up to four years straight, instead of the previous process where they had to renew it twice before applying for permanent residency.

Is the Digital Nomad Visa available to W2 employees from the US?

No, the Digital Nomad Visa does not apply to W2 employees from the US due to the lack of a social security agreement between Spain and the US. While there were isolated cases where W2 employees were approved, this is risky and not recommended.

What is the Perquenta Propia permit and how does it benefit digital nomads?

The Perquenta Propia permit applies to self-employed individuals, freelancers, or business owners operating in Spain. It provides a path for digital nomads to continue living and working in Spain without a strict financial requirement for renewal, offering a more stable route to long-term residency compared to the Digital Nomad Visa.

What are Second Chance Permits in Spain, and who benefits from them?

Second Chance Permits allow individuals, including Digital Nomad Visa holders, to stay in Spain legally even if they lose their remote work contract or fail to meet visa renewal requirements. This provides a backup option to maintain residency while navigating changes in employment status.

What are the new requirements for renewing Spain's Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)?

NLV renewals now require proof that the visa holder has lived in Spain for over 183 days in the past calendar year. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate their worldwide income to Spanish tax authorities and provide detailed financial proof, including account balances and transaction history.

Can retirees or individuals on the Non-Lucrative Visa work remotely in Spain?

No, the Non-Lucrative Visa strictly prohibits any form of employment, including remote work for foreign companies. Those wishing to work remotely must apply for the Digital Nomad Visa instead.

How has Spain's Non-Lucrative Visa policy changed for families bringing parents?

Parents can now only be included in the Non-Lucrative Visa application if they are part of the family unit and depend on the applicant for financial or health reasons. This means that parents must live with the applicant and rely on them for support.

What is the new age limit for dependent children under Spain's immigration laws?

The age limit for dependent children has been raised from 21 to 26 years old, allowing parents to include their adult children as dependents in their residency applications if they are under 26.

What changes have been made for spouses and children of Spanish citizens?

Spouses, partners, and children of Spanish citizens now have more flexibility, with new 5-year permits that allow them to live and work in Spain immediately upon applying. These permits do not require a separate work permit and offer easier paths to residency.

What are the new rules for student visas in Spain?

Student visas in Spain now cover the entire duration of a university degree, removing the need for yearly renewals. Students are allowed to work up to 30 hours per week while studying. However, non-academic programs like casual language courses are no longer valid for student visas, and enrollment must be in a recognized university or accredited program.