With the publication of Royal Decree 1155/2024, approving the Regulation of Organic Law 4/2000, the landscape of international mobility in Spain is evolving to meet current needs. This reform not only simplifies procedures but also introduces new pathways for regularization and promotes labor and social integration of foreign nationals.

Below, we highlight the key updates of the Regulation and how you can take advantage of them for your regularization process.

 

More information

 

New types of rooting permits

Regarding rooting, Article 125 of the Royal Decree (hereinafter R.D.) defines the types of rooting, while Article 127 establishes the specific requirements applicants must meet. The Regulation introduces three new types of rooting, expanding the options for regularizing your status:

  1. Second chance rooting: Designed for individuals who had a previous residence permit and lost it in the two years prior to the application, as long as it was not for public order, security, or public health reasons. However, those who have been acquitted in a judicial process or have a refusal sentence may apply. This route aims to offer a new opportunity for regularization to those who legally resided in Spain and lost their status for reasons beyond their control.
  2. Sociolaboral rooting: Allows regularization with a valid work contract. The foreigner must present one or more work contracts guaranteeing at least the minimum interprofessional wage or the wage stipulated in the applicable collective agreement, with a minimum of 20 hours per week. In cases of seasonal or temporary work, multiple consecutive contracts may be submitted. It also allows partial and simultaneous work for different employers.
  3. Socio-formative rooting: Previously known as formative rooting, now focused on promoting vocational training as a means of integration. This type of rooting is available to those already enrolled or attending educational activities. To apply for socio-formative rooting, it is mandatory to be enrolled in post-obligatory secondary education studies or in training at an authorized center. Furthermore, the enrollment certificate must be submitted to the immigration office within three months of the approval notification. The regulation also allows for applications two months before formalizing the enrollment.

Additionally, the well-known types of rooting remain in place:

  • Family rooting: For parents and caregivers of EU citizens, as long as they prove residency in Spain, care for a minor, and live with them or are fulfilling their parental obligations. For caregivers of individuals with disabilities, the law requires that they be relatives and live with them.
  • Social rooting: Focused on community ties and social integration. Available to foreigners with family ties in Spain or those who can prove integration through an official report from the corresponding regional government.

 

What key changes stand out?

  • Reduction of the prior stay requirement: from three to two years.
  • Eligibility to work from day one, both as an employee and self-employed.
  • Duration of authorizations:
    • Family: Five years.
    • Other types: One year, renewable, as long as active job search is demonstrated and proper registration with the public employment service is maintained. Notably, to renew residence based on socio-formative rooting, the individual must also demonstrate academic progress or, if they have completed the training, show active job search.

The second chance rooting is one of the most relevant advances, as it offers a solution for those who lost their previous authorization.

 

Work, education, and family

Work authorizations from day one
The new regulation allows foreigners to begin working immediately without additional paperwork. This includes those with temporary residence permits, rooting, or student permits. This authorization has no geographic or occupation restrictions. In other words, individuals can work anywhere in the country and in any sector or profession. However, not everyone with a temporary residence permit can work without restrictions. According to Article 131 of the R.D., there are two important exceptions:

  • Minors who have not reached the legal minimum working age in Spain.
  • Individuals with socio-formative rooting can only work a maximum of 30 hours per week.

More opportunities for students

  • Students can now receive a stay authorization that covers the entire period of study.
  • They are authorized to work up to 30 hours per week while studying.
  • Additionally, upon completion of their studies, they will have a fast track for obtaining a work authorization.

Protected seasonal work

  • A specific authorization has been created to regulate working and residency conditions for seasonal workers, both individually and in collective contracts.
  • Improved rights: housing conditions, workplace safety, and flexibility to change employers in case of abuse or exceptional situations.

Strengthening family reunification

  • Children can be reunited until the age of 26 years (formerly 21).
  • Includes unmarried partners who can demonstrate a relationship akin to marriage.
  • A new specific residence authorization for relatives of Spanish citizens.

 

New visa rules

The Regulation introduces a clearer and more organized scheme for visas, with updates such as:

  • Job search visa: Extended from three months to one year, allowing job hunting in specific occupations within designated sectors.
  • All initial authorizations are now one year, and renewals will last four years.
  • Streamlined procedures, reducing paperwork and processing time.

These measures are designed to facilitate international mobility, ensure labor integration, and foster foreign talent.

 

✅ Plan ahead today: get ready for May 2025

Although these changes will come into effect on May 20, 2025, it is crucial to start preparing now:

  • Evaluate your case with a personalized analysis.
  • Prepare your documentation in advance.
  • Explore immediate alternatives in the meantime, such as social rooting or humanitarian reasons.

At Adlanter, we are experts in international mobility. We provide comprehensive advice and guide you step by step toward regularizing your status.

📞 Request a free initial call and start planning your future in Spain. Click here for more information.

Related tags