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Royal Decree 1155/2024, of November 19, approves the new Regulations of Organic Law 4/2000, on the rights and freedoms of foreigners in Spain and their social integration. It introduces a range of substantive and procedural updates aimed at simplifying administrative processes, aligning Spanish legislation with EU law, and enhancing the rights and legal certainty of foreign nationals in Spain. (This is a domestic law , an amendment to Organic Law 4/2000 — and does not affect EU citizens, who are covered by separate EU legislation).
Initial residence authorisations now have a standard duration of one year.
Renewals . Certain residency renewals will be granted for four years, increasing legal stability for both migrants and employers.
The residence and work permits are now unified, streamlining the process for legal employment
The new regulation recognizes five types of arraigo: social, socio-laboral, family, socio-educational, and second-chance arraigo.
All permits under these categories now authorize work.
Second-chance rootedness allows those who previously held permits and could not renew them to regain legal status.
Family-based rootedness authorizations now last five years.
The age limit for regrouped children has been raised to 26 years, if dependent.
Unregistered partners and other dependent relatives (e.g., victims of human trafficking or gender violence) are now eligible for reunification.
A new chapter regulates the temporary residence of family members of Spanish nationals, expanding rights and clarifying eligibility.
Holders of study-related authorizations can now work up to 30 hours/week.
The transition from study permits to work permits is simplified.
Definitions around study stays, volunteering, and training activities are clarified to ensure consistency with EU Directive 2016/801.
A Registry of Higher Education Institutions and Centers is created to provide legal certainty regarding where such activities can be undertaken.
Title V introduces individual residence and work permits for seasonal activities with guaranteed worker rights.
Title VI regulates collective hiring at the country of origin, allowing the joint processing of multiple permits (minimum of 10).
Expanded eligibility for temporary residence under exceptional circumstances, including:
Victims of sexual violence, hate crimes, or labor exploitation.
Individuals cooperating with authorities or facing humanitarian concerns.
The legal scope of family-rooted permits is now limited to parents of EU citizens.
Victims of gender-based and sexual violence, along with their dependent children or minors under guardianship, are explicitly covered under revised provisions.
Title I & II modernize entry/exit and visa processes, aligning closely with Schengen and EU norms.
Title III & IV reform the regime for short and long-term stays, and temporary residence permits.
Title X addresses long-term residence to align with Directive 2003/109/EC and partially transposes Directive (EU) 2021/1883.
Title XI introduces a single application procedure in line with Directive (EU) 2024/1233, enhancing clarity around residence/work modification procedures.
Title XII outlines common procedural rules, including application submission, jurisdiction, and expiration conditions.
Title XIII to XV regulate foreigner documentation, immigration offenses, and the functioning of immigration offices.
Spain’s approach to migration is grounded in the Constitution, aligned with EU law, and shaped through inter-ministerial cooperation and social dialogue via the Tripartite Labor Commission on Immigration. The decree supports a comprehensive migration policy, integrating humanitarian aid, prevention of irregular immigration, and the promotion of legal channels, in accordance with instruments like the UN Global Compact for Migration (2018).
Additionally, it serves as a preparatory step toward adapting Spain’s migration framework to the New Pact on Migration and Asylum adopted by the EU in December 2023. The government is mandated to introduce further regulatory reforms to protect vulnerable populations facing serious political, ethnic, or religious threats.
The regulation comprises:
265 articles, organized into 15 titles
19 additional provisions
1 transitional provision
5 transitional provisions (in the Royal Decree itself)
1 repealing provision and 4 final provisions
Entry into force on May 20, 2025, and replaces Royal Decree 557/2011, marking a major regulatory shift in Spain’s immigration system.
Here’s a simple before vs. after comparison table for Royal Decree 1155/2024 to highlight what’s actually changed:
| Area | Before (RD 557/2011) | After (RD 1155/2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Residence & Work Permits | Separate processes for residence and work | Combined: residence permit includes work rights |
| Arraigo Types | 3 main types (social, labor, family) | 5 defined types incl. educational and 2nd chance |
| Job Search Visa Duration | 3 months | 1 year |
| Work While Studying | Max 20 hours/week, limited permission | 30 hours/week, more flexible access |
| Transition from Student to Work Permit | Cumbersome, required separate process | Streamlined: easier switch after graduation |
| Family Reunification Age Limit | Children under 21 (strict) | Raised to 26 if dependent |
| Definition of Family | Spouse and minor children | Expanded: includes domestic partners and other dependents |
| Permit Duration (Initial) | Varies by case, sometimes less than 1 year | 1 year initial, then renewable for 4 years |
| Victim Protections | Limited scope | Expanded: includes victims of sexual violence, hate crimes |
| EU Directive Alignment | Partial | Full alignment with Directives 2016/801, 2021/1883, 2024/1233 |
Please open the link below for the full law.
