2025 Expat Guide « Euro Weekly News

So, you’ve fallen in love with Spain? You’re not alone. From sunny beaches to late-night tapas, this country has a way of turning visitors into residents.

But if you’re dreaming of making the move, or you’re already here and wondering what’s changed, Spain’s new immigration reform is something you’ll want to know about. The good news? The latest overhaul finally brings clarity, real opportunities—and even a few surprises—for people from the UK and beyond hoping to call Spain home.

Spain’s 2025 immigration reform: Simpler and clearer rules

Let’s start with the basics. On May 20, 2025, Spain rolled out a big update to its immigration laws, officially known as Royal Decree 1155/2024. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “New laws? That sounds like more paperwork!” But stick with me, because this reform actually makes things simpler for most expats and international residents. If you’re a retiree, a digital nomad, or just someone who dreams of sipping café con leche with the locals, you’ll find life in Spain a little less complicated than before.

The main aim of these new rules? To cut through the confusion, modernise the system, and give people clearer, fairer pathways to settle down in Spain—without jumping through endless hoops.

Non-lucrative visa changes in Spain: What expats should know

If you’ve looked into moving to Spain, you’ve probably heard about the Non-Lucrative Visa. It’s the go-to option for many Brits and other non-EU nationals who want to live in Spain without working here, think retirees, freelancers working for clients outside Spain, or anyone taking a career break.

The big news this year: the government has finally spelled out the rule that’s been confusing everyone for ages. To renew your Non-Lucrative Visa, you now need to spend at least 183 days a year physically in Spain. Before, this “183-day rule” was a sort of unofficial guideline—it popped up in tax advice and residency forums, but wasn’t clearly written into immigration policy. Now it is, and that means no more nasty surprises when it’s time to renew.

Why is this important? Well, it takes the guesswork out of planning your life. If you’re splitting your time between Spain and somewhere else, you know exactly what’s expected. And if you want to put down roots, you can plan ahead—because after five years on this visa, you’re eligible to apply for long-term residency, and you’ll even be allowed to work.

Simpler immigration paperwork for expats in Spain 2025

Another change that will make a real difference: applying, renewing, and even changing your type of permit is now more straightforward. Spain’s infamous bureaucracy isn’t going to disappear overnight, but you’ll find the process has become a bit more logical, and a bit less, well… Spanish.

For example, many forms are now easier to access online, with clearer instructions. Some in-person visits are still required (this is Spain, after all), but the queues and confusion should be a little less daunting. If you’ve ever spent an afternoon wrestling with paperwork at your local Extranjería, this will come as welcome news.

Spain’s new immigration rules: Enhanced rights for families and students

One of the things that’s stood out in this new reform is the focus on families and young people. Here’s what you need to know:

Family Reunification: The age limit for bringing your children over under the “family reunification” route has gone up from 18 to 26. If you have grown-up kids who are studying, working part-time, or just not ready to fly the nest, this gives you a lot more flexibility.
Students Win Too: International students can now work up to 30 hours a week—ideal for covering living costs or getting a taste of working life in Spain. Plus, up to half your coursework can be done online. If you’re juggling studies, a part-time job, and a social life, that’s a huge plus.
A Second Chance for Some: Maybe you lost your residency status, but you’ve stayed in Spain for at least two years. Under the new rules, you may be eligible for a “second opportunity” to regularise your status. It’s a generous step, and a nod to the reality that life sometimes gets in the way of paperwork.

And let’s not forget: the reform strengthens protections for migrants when it comes to employment rights, education access, and the ability to keep families together. The system isn’t perfect, but it’s moving in the right direction.

Spain non-lucrative visa: When can expats legally work?

One common question from people on the Non-Lucrative Visa is, “When can I start working?” The answer, thanks to this reform, is clearer: After five years of legal residency (for example, five years on the Non-Lucrative Visa), you can apply for long-term status and then take up employment.

Until then, the Non-Lucrative Visa doesn’t let you work for a Spanish employer or start your own business in Spain. But remember: remote work for companies or clients outside Spain is still possible, and many people successfully do this from their Spanish base.

Spain’s immigration reform 2025: Adapting to modern expat life

If there’s one theme that runs through Spain’s new immigration rules, it’s this: the system is finally catching up with reality. More and more people want to live, work, and study in Spain, and they don’t all fit the same mould. Maybe you’re a retiree who wants to help out with your grandkids. Maybe you’re a student who needs to balance a part-time job with lectures. Or maybe you’re a family with adult children who still rely on you. The new rules reflect these modern lifestyles.

And Spain’s government has made it clear they want to keep attracting talent, investment, and energy from abroad. By making things more predictable and transparent, they hope to keep the country a top choice for internationals of all ages.

Practical tips for navigating the 2025 changes

Stay Informed: Immigration rules do change, and each region of Spain might interpret the national law slightly differently. Always check with your local Extranjería or a trusted immigration advisor before making big decisions.
Keep Records: Especially with the 183-day rule, keep evidence of your time in Spain—utility bills, bank statements, and flight tickets can all help if you’re ever asked for proof.
Think Ahead: If you’re planning to make Spain your long-term home, get familiar with the five-year timeline for moving from temporary to permanent residency. It’s never too soon to plan.
Ask for Help: There are loads of expat groups, English-speaking lawyers, and forums online. Don’t be afraid to reach out—someone’s probably faced the same challenge before.

A new era for expats in Spain

All told, the 2025 immigration reform is a breath of fresh air. It’s not just about new forms and extra paperwork—it’s about making Spain more welcoming, practical, and open to people from all over the world. Whether you’re already here or still dreaming from afar, this new system is designed to help you put down roots, build a life, and truly feel at home under the Spanish sun.

Stay tuned with Euro Weekly News for more news from Spain