Spain’s immigration system has just undergone a major update that will affect how companies, professionals, and remote workers plan short-term assignments in the country. As of July 25, 2025, Spanish authorities have changed the rules for certain work permits, allowing them to be issued for less than 90 days. This update is immediate and applies to new applications under the streamlined Entrepreneurs Law pathway. Here’s a detailed look at what’s changed, who is affected, what actions are needed, and what this means for people with pending or future applications.
Summary of What Changed
Until now, Spain required a minimum stay of 90 days for most work permits, including those for Highly Qualified Professionals, EU Blue Card holders, Researchers, Intra-company Transfers, and Digital Nomads. This rule made it hard for companies and individuals to arrange short-term work assignments, research visits, or remote work periods in Spain 🇪🇸. The new policy removes this 90-day minimum for these specific permit types, making it possible to get a work permit for any length of time—even just a few days or weeks.
Who Is Affected by the Change
The update affects people applying for the following work permits under the Entrepreneurs Law:
- Highly Qualified Professional permits: For people with advanced degrees or specialized skills.
- EU Blue Card: For highly skilled non-EU workers who meet certain salary and education requirements.
- Researcher permits: For those coming to Spain 🇪🇸 to carry out research projects.
- Intra-company Transfer permits: For employees of multinational companies being sent to Spain 🇪🇸 for a short period.
- Digital Nomad permits: For remote workers who want to live and work in Spain 🇪🇸 for a limited time.
If you are applying for a General Regime work permit (such as standard employment, non-lucrative, or family reunion permits), the old rule still applies. These permits still require a minimum stay of at least 90 days.
Effective Dates and Immediate Actions
- Effective Date: The change took effect on July 25, 2025.
- Who Can Benefit: Anyone applying for the affected permits after this date.
- What to Do: If you are planning a short-term professional assignment, research visit, or remote work period in Spain 🇪🇸, you can now apply for a permit that matches the exact length of your stay—even if it’s less than 90 days.
What Hasn’t Changed
- Eligibility Requirements: You still need to meet all the usual requirements for the permit you are applying for. This includes having the right qualifications, meeting salary thresholds, and providing all required documents.
- Application Process: The steps for applying remain the same, but you can now specify a shorter duration for your stay.
- General Regime Permits: These are not affected by the change and still require a minimum stay of 90 days.
Background: Why This Change Matters
Spain’s work permit system has often been seen as too rigid for today’s fast-moving global workforce. The 90-day minimum stay rule made it hard for companies to send experts for short projects or for digital nomads to try out life in Spain 🇪🇸 for a short time. The Entrepreneurs Law, first created to attract investment and talent, has been updated several times to make Spain 🇪🇸 more attractive to skilled workers and investors.
The introduction of the Digital Nomad Visa in 2023 was a step forward, but it still required a stay of at least 90 days. The same was true for the EU Blue Card and Highly Qualified Professional permits. This new update finally allows for true short-term work and professional visits, making Spain 🇪🇸 more flexible and competitive in the global market.
Details of the Policy Change
- Permits Affected: Highly Qualified Professional, EU Blue Card, Researcher, Intra-company Transfer, and Digital Nomad permits under the Entrepreneurs Law.
- Permits Not Affected: General Regime work permits, non-lucrative visas, and family reunion permits.
- Other Requirements: All other eligibility rules remain the same—only the minimum stay requirement has changed.
- How It Was Done: The change was made through updated administrative guidelines, not a new law. This allowed the government to act quickly without waiting for a long legislative process.
Practical Implications for Different Groups
For Employers and Companies:
– You can now bring in specialists, trainers, or project managers for short assignments without having to commit to a 90-day stay.
– This is especially useful for multinational companies, research institutions, and tech firms that need to move talent quickly for short-term needs.
– You no longer need to rely on the Schengen short-stay visa, which does not allow work, for these assignments.
For Digital Nomads and Remote Workers:
– You can now apply for a Digital Nomad permit for stays of less than 90 days, giving you more flexibility to split your time between Spain 🇪🇸 and other countries.
– You still need to meet the income requirement (at least 200% of Spain’s minimum wage, which is about €2,400 per month in 2025) and other conditions.
For Researchers and Academics:
– It’s now easier to come to Spain 🇪🇸 for short-term research projects, conferences, or guest lectures.
– You can get a permit that matches the exact length of your engagement, making planning and budgeting simpler.
For Immigration Lawyers and Advisors:
– The change reduces paperwork and makes Spain 🇪🇸 a more attractive destination for global talent.
– It’s important to remind clients that General Regime permits are not affected and still require a 90-day minimum stay.
Step-by-Step Application Process for Short-Term Work Permits
While each permit type has its own specific requirements, the general process for applying under the new guidelines is as follows:
- Check Eligibility: Make sure your assignment fits one of the affected permit categories (Highly Qualified Professional, EU Blue Card, Researcher, Intra-company Transfer, Digital Nomad).
- Prepare Documents: Collect all necessary paperwork, such as proof of qualifications, an employment contract or remote work agreement, and evidence that you meet the salary threshold.
- Submit Application: Apply at the relevant Spanish consulate or immigration office. Clearly state the exact duration of your stay, which can now be less than 90 days.
- Wait for Approval: Processing times can vary, but applications under the Entrepreneurs Law are usually faster than those under the General Regime.
- Travel and Start Work: Once approved, you can enter Spain 🇪🇸 and begin your work or project for the approved period.
Tip: Always check the official Spanish immigration website for the latest forms and requirements. For example, if you need the application form for a Highly Qualified Professional permit, you can find it directly on the government’s site.
Analysis from Stakeholders
Government Viewpoint:
– The Spanish government says this change is part of a bigger plan to modernize immigration rules and attract top talent.
– It fits with other recent updates, like making it easier for students to switch to work permits and lowering salary requirements for the EU Blue Card.
Business and Employer Groups:
– Companies and industry groups have welcomed the change, saying it removes a big barrier for short-term assignments.
– They expect it will help Spain 🇪🇸 compete for talent in technology, research, and professional services.
Immigration Lawyers:
– Legal experts say the change is positive but limited to certain permit types.
– They advise clients to check carefully which pathway fits their situation and to watch for more updates, as Spain 🇪🇸 is making changes quickly.
Worker and Employee Advocates:
– Some groups worry that short-term permits could be used to avoid labor protections.
– The government says all other requirements, like salary and qualifications, still apply, so protections remain in place.
Key Numbers and Facts
- Number of Permit Types Affected: 5 (Highly Qualified Professional, EU Blue Card, Researcher, Intra-company Transfer, Digital Nomad).
- Minimum Stay Requirement: No longer applies for these permits; stays can be any length, even just a few days.
- Income Requirement for Digital Nomads: At least 200% of Spain’s minimum wage (about €2,400 per month in 2025).
- Processing: Applications under the Entrepreneurs Law are generally faster, but no official change in processing times has been announced.
What This Means for Pending Applications
If you have already applied for one of the affected permits and your application is still being processed, you may be able to adjust the requested duration to less than 90 days. It’s important to contact the relevant immigration office or your legal advisor to see if you can benefit from the new rule.
If you are applying now or in the future, you can specify the exact length of your stay, even if it’s less than 90 days, as long as you meet all other requirements.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
The Spanish government has said it plans to keep updating and simplifying its immigration system. More changes could be coming soon, including:
- Further digitalization of application processes.
- Possible expansion of the new rule to other permit types.
- Efforts to make Spain 🇪🇸 more connected to EU-wide talent programs, especially for EU Blue Card holders.
Employers, workers, and advisors should keep an eye on official updates and be ready to adjust their plans as new rules are announced.
Official Resources for More Information
For the latest updates and detailed instructions, check these sources:
- Spanish Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration: Official site for immigration rules and forms.
- Spanish consulates and embassies: For country-specific application steps.
- Qualified immigration lawyers: For advice tailored to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work in Spain 🇪🇸 for just a few weeks on a Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes, as of July 2025, you can get a Digital Nomad permit for less than 90 days, as long as you meet all other requirements.
Does this change apply to all work permits?
No, only to Highly Qualified Professional, EU Blue Card, Researcher, Intra-company Transfer, and Digital Nomad permits under the Entrepreneurs Law. General Regime permits still require a minimum stay of 90 days.
Are income or qualification requirements different now?
No, all other requirements remain the same. Only the minimum stay rule has changed for the affected permits.
Can my family come with me on a short-term permit?
Family reunification rules are unchanged. Family members can still join you if you meet the usual requirements.
What if I already applied for a permit before July 25, 2025?
If your application is still being processed, contact the immigration office or your lawyer to see if you can change the duration of your stay.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Spain’s July 2025 update to its work permit system is a big step toward making the country more welcoming to global talent. By allowing Highly Qualified Professional, EU Blue Card, Researcher, Intra-company Transfer, and Digital Nomad permits to be issued for less than 90 days, Spain 🇪🇸 is opening its doors to short-term projects, research visits, and remote work in a way that matches the needs of today’s workforce. All other requirements remain in place, so applicants must still meet the usual standards.
If you’re planning a short-term assignment or remote work period in Spain 🇪🇸, check the official immigration website, gather your documents, and apply for the permit that fits your needs. Employers and advisors should review their mobility strategies and inform their teams about the new flexibility. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this change is part of a wider trend in Spain’s immigration policy, and more updates may be on the way. Stay informed and be ready to take advantage of new opportunities as Spain 🇪🇸 continues to modernize its approach to global talent.
For more details and the latest forms, visit the official Spanish immigration portal.
Learn Today
Entrepreneurs Law → A Spanish legal framework simplifying immigration for investors, highly skilled workers, and startups.
Highly Qualified Professional → Work permit category for advanced degree holders with specialized skills under Spain’s Entrepreneurs Law.
EU Blue Card → A European work permit for highly skilled non-EU workers meeting salary and education criteria.
Intra-company Transfer → Permit allowing multinational employees to work temporarily at Spanish branches or subsidiaries.
Digital Nomad → Permit for remote workers living and working temporarily in Spain without a long-term contract.
This Article in a Nutshell
Spain’s immigration update removes the 90-day minimum for select work permits, boosting flexibility for short-term assignments and remote workers. Applicable to Entrepreneurs Law permits, this change modernizes Spain’s system and attracts global talent, empowering employers and professionals with tailored short-duration permits starting July 2025.
— By VisaVerge.com
