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This comprehensive guide explains the types of residency permits in Spain, the 2025–2026 updates, and practical legal advice to help you maintain your status and live securely in Spain.
Why Staying Updated on Residency Permits in Spain Matters in 2026
Spain continues to attract expats, investors, digital nomads, and retirees from around the world, but with this growing demand comes a complex and evolving immigration landscape.
In 2025, Spain introduced one of the most significant immigration reforms in recent years through Royal Decree 1155/2024, of 19 November, which came into effect on 20 May 2025. This legal change reshaped key areas such as arraigo permits, work authorizations, student stays, and family reunifications.
As we move into 2026, understanding these reforms is essential to avoid legal mistakes, delays, or even the loss of residency rights.
Mayor Immigration Law Changes in Spain (2025-2026)
Between 2025 and 2026, Spain’s immigration framework experienced its biggest transformation in decades. The following changes affect both new applicants and current residents.
End of the Golden Visa Based on Real Estate Investment
The Spanish government announced its intention to eliminate the real estate–based Golden Visa in 2025. However, as of December 2025, the investment route based on real estate remains legally valid under Article 63 of Law 14/2013.
This means that residency applications based solely on property investment are still being accepted for now, although the policy is under review and may change in the near future.
Alternatives include:
- Digital Nomad Visa
- Non-Lucrative Residence
- Work-based permits
- Entrepreneur visas
This makes strategic immigration planning more important than ever.
Reform of Arraigo Permits
Under Royal Decree 1155/2024, the arraigo system was restructured into the following categories:
- Social Arraigo
- Sociolaboral Arraigo
- Socio-Formative Arraigo
- Family Arraigo
- Second Opportunity Arraigo
The goal: to facilitate legal integration while increasing documentary control and legal transparency.
Updates to the Digital Nomad Visa
The 2025 reform introduced stricter criteria regarding the Digital Nomad Visa, particularly in the following areas:
- Minimum annual income: €33,152 for a single applicant; €45,584 for two people; €49,728 for three; and €53,872 for four.
- The job must be fully remote, performed through digital means.
- Applicants must prove that they hold a university or vocational degree related to the job, or have over three years of professional experience in the same field.
These conditions apply to both employees and freelancers working with non-Spanish companies or clients.
Changes in Student Residence Permits
The 2025 reform brought key changes to the student residence system in Spain, including:
- Stricter deadlines: Applications for student stay permits must be submitted no later than 2 months before the start of the course if applying from abroad. If applying from within Spain, the request must be made within the first 60 days of legal stay in the Schengen Area.
- Clearer eligibility conditions: The educational program must be full-time, authorized or recognized by the competent Spanish authority, and lead to a degree or certificate.
- Extension and modification pathways: Upon completing their studies, students may apply for residence permits for job searching or to work directly, as provided under the updated regulation.
These changes aim to reinforce legal certainty, prevent irregular stays, and improve the transition from study to employment in Spain.
Implementation of the European Entry/Exit System (EES)
The EES digitally records entries and exits of all non-EU travelers in the Schengen Area.
Its main functions include:
- Automatic stay calculations
- Detection of overstays
- Improved border security
Compliance with stay limits will become fully automated by 2026.
Legal Security for Foreign Residents in Spain 2026
2026 marks a new era in Spanish immigration law — one that prioritizes compliance, transparency, and coordination with tax authorities.
With the end of the Golden Visa, reformed Arraigo system, EES implementation, and tightened renewal controls, legal residency in Spain now requires meticulous planning.
At HolaExpat, we help you stay compliant every step of the way — from your first visa application to renewals and tax coordination.
Contact us today for personalized assistance and start your 2026 in Spain with full legal confidence.