Spain to Increase Job Seeker Visa Duration from 3 to 12 Months

Key Takeaways

1. Spain will extend the validity of its job seeker visa from three to 12 months.
2. The one-year visa validity will enhance opportunities for foreigners seeking employment and relocation to Spain.
3. Spain plans to regularise approximately 300,000 undocumented migrants annually through 2027.

As part of its strategy to address labour market needs, Spain has announced an extension of the job seeker visa duration starting next year.

Under the reformed Immigration Law, Spanish authorities revealed that the validity of the job seeker visa will increase from three months to one year.

Although the exact implementation date has not been confirmed, the extended stay period will significantly benefit both foreigners looking to secure employment in Spain and the country itself.

The new one-year validity period will provide improved opportunities for foreign nationals to find employment and establish residency in Spain.

With a job seeker visa, foreign nationals can enter Spain to search for work. Once a job is secured, they must complete the necessary procedures to legally remain in the country.

Spain will also introduce several other reforms related to foreign nationals by May 2025.

Spain to Regularise 300,000 Migrants Annually Through 2027

Another component of the Immigration Law reform includes a plan to regularise a large number of undocumented migrants residing in Spain.

As announced by Spain’s Minister of Migration, Elma Saiz, the country aims to regularise 300,000 migrants per year until 2027.

This policy means that approximately 900,000 irregular migrants will be granted residence and work rights in the next three years.

The reform opens new pathways for migrants through three key areas: education, employment, and family.

Elma Saiz, Spain’s Minister of Migration

Through the regularisation of migrants, Spain aims to address its labour shortages. Data indicate that the country needs about 250,000 workers to sustain its economy.

Given the large number of migrants arriving annually, the Spanish government has decided to focus on integrating those already present in the country rather than bringing in additional foreign workers.

In line with the new rules, which will take effect in May 2025, residence and work permits will be granted to migrants through an expedited process.