Marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, Spain’s Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration released figures showing that 14,620 foreign women obtained residence authorisations in 2024-25 on grounds of being victims of gender or sexual violence (8,129 in 2024 and 6,491 so far in 2025).
Under Article 31-bis of Spain’s Foreigner’s Law, victims who file a police report or obtain a protective order can access fast-track residence and work permits, valid initially for one year and renewable. The policy aims to remove immigration status as a barrier to reporting abuse and to help survivors gain economic independence.
![Spain grants almost 15,000 residence permits to gender-violence survivors in two years]()
The data highlight Spain’s dual strategy of strengthening migrant protection while tightening controls on irregular entry. Advocacy groups welcomed the numbers but called for quicker adjudication times—currently averaging 45 days—and more funding for legal and psychosocial services.
For employers, the permits expand the pool of work-authorised talent, particularly in care, hospitality and retail, sectors that already employ a high proportion of migrant women. Companies are reminded that labour inspections focus on ensuring that survivors are not channelled into exploitative work arrangements.
The ministry said it will launch an online tracking portal in 2026 so applicants can monitor their case status, a move expected to reduce no-show rates at immigration offices and free up processing slots.
Under Article 31-bis of Spain’s Foreigner’s Law, victims who file a police report or obtain a protective order can access fast-track residence and work permits, valid initially for one year and renewable. The policy aims to remove immigration status as a barrier to reporting abuse and to help survivors gain economic independence.
The data highlight Spain’s dual strategy of strengthening migrant protection while tightening controls on irregular entry. Advocacy groups welcomed the numbers but called for quicker adjudication times—currently averaging 45 days—and more funding for legal and psychosocial services.
For employers, the permits expand the pool of work-authorised talent, particularly in care, hospitality and retail, sectors that already employ a high proportion of migrant women. Companies are reminded that labour inspections focus on ensuring that survivors are not channelled into exploitative work arrangements.
The ministry said it will launch an online tracking portal in 2026 so applicants can monitor their case status, a move expected to reduce no-show rates at immigration offices and free up processing slots.
