Spain Raises Income Threshold for Parent Family-Reunification Applications
Arraigo Social Waiting Time Cut from Three to Two Years
‘Cita Previa’ Appointment Crisis Delays On-Boarding of Foreign Talent
Latest News
Palma de Mallorca Airport Switches On EU Entry/Exit Biometric System
Palma de Mallorca has become Spain’s second airport to deploy the EU’s new Entry/Exit biometric border system, meaning non-EU travellers face fingerprint and facial scans and potentially longer queues during the rollout period.
Spain Announces Digital Overhaul of Backlogged Residency System
Madrid has unveiled a nationwide digital platform that will replace Spain’s fragmented, paper-based residency procedures, aiming to cut appointment backlogs and harmonise document requirements from 2026.
Spain Shortens Arraigo Social Regularization Period to 2 Years
Spain has lowered the continuous-residence requirement for Arraigo Social/Sociolaboral permits from three to two years, effective 19 November 2025. The reform lets employers regularize undocumented staff sooner, helping close skills gaps while reducing compliance risk. HR teams should review employee populations to spot newly eligible cases.
Cita Previa Backlog Hits Employers as Spain’s Immigration Appointment System Buckles
Spain’s online immigration-appointment platform is overwhelmed, with slots in major cities sold out weeks in advance. The shortage disrupts onboarding and renewals for foreign staff, forcing employers to start cases earlier, scout appointments in secondary provinces or use tech intermediaries. Government fixes are promised but not immediate.
Palma de Mallorca Becomes Second Spanish Hub to Activate EU Entry/Exit System
Palma Airport activated the EU’s biometric Entry/Exit System on 19 November, digitising border checks for non-EU visitors. The change means extra processing the first time travellers register, but it promises faster, stamp-free crossings in future. Business-travel programmes should allocate additional airport time during the bedding-in phase.
Spain Tightens Income Rules for Family-Reunification of Parents, Effective 20 November
From 20 November 2025, employees who want to reunite parents in Spain must show 25 % more income and stronger dependency evidence. HR teams should revise checklists, budget for higher salary proofs and warn staff that applications filed after 19 November will be assessed under tougher criteria.