Spain has announced a major immigration reform to give residency and work permits to about 300,000 undocumented migrants each year until 2027.

Starting in May 2025, this policy aims to tackle labor shortages and an aging population while helping migrants become part of Spanish society.

Migrants gain legal pathways to work, residence

Spanish authorities designed the reform to make it easier for migrants to get legal status. The plan extends job-seeking visas from three months to one year and adds five new ways to gain residency under an updated “arraigo” system.

This system lets migrants qualify for permits based on family ties, work history, or education.

“This reform balances extending migrants’ rights with the rigor required by our legal framework,” said Elma Saiz, Spain’s Minister of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration.

Migrants can now register right away as self-employed or salaried workers, removing delays in joining the workforce. Seasonal workers will get better protections, including clear employment contracts and improved housing.

A response to economic, demographic challenges

Spain faces two major challenges: a low birth rate and a growing demand for workers in agriculture, technology, and hospitality.

Government data shows the economy needs 250,000 to 300,000 new workers each year to maintain its welfare system and economic growth.

In 2022, net migration exceeded the total for the previous decade, adding many people to Spain’s working-age population, according to Fitch Ratings.

“Spain had a choice between being an open, prosperous country or a closed, stagnant one. We chose the former,” Saiz emphasized.

The economic argument is compelling. Spain’s economy grew by 3.4% in the third quarter of 2024, the fastest rate in the European Union. Experts attribute part of this growth to skilled migrants filling critical gaps in the labor market.

Tackling irregular migration

The policy also seeks to tackle irregular migration, a rising problem in Spain. From January to November 2024, more than 54,000 migrants entered the country without authorization, a 15.8% rise from 2023.

The western Mediterranean and Canary Islands are key areas for unauthorized crossings, mostly by migrants from Algeria, Morocco, and Mali.

Officials hope the reform will encourage legal migration and reduce the use of risky routes. “By providing clear pathways to regularization, we aim to close doors to exploitation and open doors to inclusion,” Saiz stated.

Streamlining family reunification, education

The reform broadens family reunification rights, raising the eligible age for children to 26 and adding new groups, such as parents of trafficking victims and survivors of gender-based violence.

Migrants in higher education can work up to 30 hours per week and easily switch to work permits after graduation.

This focus on family and education shows Spain’s commitment to full integration. “Education, employment, and family are the three keys to inclusion,” said Saiz.

Migration reform boosts job prospects

The reform extends the duration of job-seeking visas for short-term visitors, giving them more time and better chances to find work.

This change aligns with the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) and Schengen visa rules, supporting regulated movement.

Migrants already in Spain can access simpler legal pathways, making it easier to move from temporary to permanent status without leaving the country.

In the long term, the reform supports the EU’s migration framework by balancing humanitarian needs with labor demands.

Spain’s approach could guide other member states facing similar issues.

Spain bucks EU trend with migration policy overhaul

The reform takes a different approach from stricter measures in countries like Italy and Germany, where border controls are increasing. Spain views migration as a benefit, not a burden.

By following EU rules and working with groups like NGOs, unions, and local governments, Spain creates a policy that meets international standards and addresses national needs.

A model for inclusive growth

Spain’s immigration reform shows its commitment to a strong economy and social inclusion. By bringing undocumented migrants into its legal and economic systems, Spain emphasizes that migration is an opportunity, not a threat.

As Europe considers its approach to migration, Spain’s policy could offer a model for sustainable and fair solutions, demonstrating that openness can support prosperity.