The Royal Decree 1155/2024which will come into force on May 20, 2025introduces important changes in the regulation of visas in Spain. This decree establishes new criteria and procedures for the application and processing of visas, facilitating international mobility and adapting to the current needs of immigration and residence in the country.
Below, we explain the types of visas available available, the requirements to apply for them and the main novelties introduced in this reform.
Where and how are visa applications submitted?
Visa applications may be submitted in the following ways:
- Personallyat the consular office corresponding to the applicant's residence.
- Through an external service providersuch as BLS Internationalwhich collaborates with several embassies and consulates in the reception of documentation.
- Electronicallythrough official platforms enabled for processing.
- By a duly accredited representativeIn exceptional cases, when the applicant has mobility difficulties, medical reasons or lives far from the consular office.
Reasons for visa refusal
A visa may be denied for the following reasons:
- Failure to comply with the requirements.
- Submitting false documents or inaccurate information.
- Causes of inadmissibility according to current regulations.
- Doubts about the identity of the applicant, validity of documents or reasons for the application.
- Spouse or partner:
- In the case of marriage, provided there is no divorce or annulment of the bond.
- Domestic partners registered in a member state of the EU or the European Economic Area.
- Unregistered couples, but who can prove a stable relationship of at least 12 continuous months or who have common offspring.
- Children of the Spanish citizen or of his/her spouse or partner:
- Children under 26 years of age or over 26 years of age if they are dependents.
- In case of disability, no age limit.
- In the case of adopted children, the adoption resolution must be valid in Spain.
- Direct ancestors (parents or grandparents) of the Spanish citizen or his or her partner:
- Provided they are dependents and lack family support in their country of origin.
- When there are justified humanitarian reasons.
- Parent of a Spanish minor:
- When the applicant is in charge of the minor and lives with him or her or is up to date with his or her obligations towards him or her.
- A single relative up to the second degree:
- In case the Spanish citizen requires care due to a recognized situation of dependency.
- Children of Spaniards of origin.
- Other family members:
- Other members of the family may be included if they can prove that they are dependent on the Spanish citizen.
Types of visas under the Alien Reform 2025
1. Airport Transit Visa
Allows the holder to transit through the international zone of a Spanish airport without entering the national territory. Applies only in cases of stopovers or flight connections.
2. Short Term Stay Visa
Authorizes stays of up to 90 days in a period of 180 dayswithout permission to work.
Types:
Uniform VisaValid for all countries in the Schengen Area.
Limited Territorial Validity VisaRestricted to certain Schengen countries.
Can it be extended? Yes, in cases of humanitarian reasons, force majeure o serious personal reasons.
3. Long Term Visa
For stays longer than 90 days for reasons of study, volunteering or training activities.
Examples of beneficiaries:
Students in higher education programs.
High school students in school exchanges.
Volunteers in non-profit programs.
It has an initial term of 5 years and may be renewed if the conditions that gave rise to its concession are maintained.
National employment status is not taken into account in granting the permit.
Holders may apply for family reunification family reunification of other relatives under the terms of the law.
4. Residence Visa
Aimed at those who wish to reside in Spain for non-work reasons. for non-work reasonssuch as family reunification or humanitarian reasons.
Key requirements:
Valid passport (valid for at least one year).
No criminal record.
Medical insurance and sufficient financial means.
Payment of administrative fees.
5. Extraordinary Visa
Granted in special circumstances related to foreign policy, national security or public health. May be valid for a maximum of one year.
6. Job Search Visa
Allows foreigners to reside in Spain for 12 months to look for work.
Types of job search visas:
For children or grandchildren of Spaniards of origin.
For specific occupations according to the needs of the labor market.
What happens if the applicant finds employment? The employer may apply for a residence and work authorization without the need to obtain another visa.
The Foreigners Reform 2025 introduces important improvements in the management of visas in Spain, offering greater clarity and options for different applicant profiles.
If you need legal advice for the processing of your visa, at Molinares Abogados we have a team specialized in foreigners that can help you in the whole process.
📞 Contact us and schedule a consultation!
