The new Immigration Regulation comes into force: we explain the most important changes and updates

This Monday, May 20th, the new Immigration Regulation (RELOEX), approved last November 20th, 2024 by Royal Decree 1155/2024, came into effect. After a six-month period before its implementation, comprehensive training for staff at immigration offices nationwide has been carried out, along with a broad information campaign aimed at social, economic, third sector agents, and the general public.

This new regulation aims to modernize and simplify administrative procedures related to immigration, strengthen legal certainty, and offer more opportunities to migrants and their families. Additionally, it seeks to promote their integration into society and protect them from situations of abuse, fraud, or rights violations.

Among the most prominent purposes are:

• Simplifying and speeding up procedures by reducing unnecessary steps, shortening deadlines, and avoiding repeated submission of documents.
• Clarifying legal aspects of certain types of authorizations.
• Providing greater stability with initial permits of one year and renewals of four years.
• Explicitly recognizing the rights of migrant workers.
• Improving understanding of common rules that apply to all authorizations (such as submitting applications or permit termination).
• More clearly establishing how and when a person and their family can change the type of residence permit.

Some of the most relevant measures included in the new regulation are:

• The figure of “arraigo” is expanded and updated, incorporating new modalities such as the “second chance arraigo.” Additionally, the minimum residence time in Spain is reduced to two years (except in the case of family arraigo), and all persons with a temporary residence permit for arraigo are allowed to work.
• The right to a permit is recognized for those who have worked at least six months irregularly in the two years prior to filing a complaint, provided they can prove it to the labor or judicial authority.
• The regulation of granting residence permits for exceptional circumstances to victims of sexual violence is detailed further.
• The rules regarding the residence of children or wards, as well as the temporary relocation of minors, are improved.

If you have any doubts about how these changes affect you, need personalized advice, or want more information, do not hesitate to contact the Immigration Department of CINC. Our team is available to help you resolve any queries and support you through your procedures clearly and efficiently.