New immigration reform offers non-EU professionals more time to find employment in Spain, supporting economic growth and addressing labor shortages.

In a strategic move to attract global talent and address ongoing labor shortages in key sectors, Spain has officially extended the validity of its job seeker visa from three months to 12 months, giving professionals significantly more time to secure employment within the country.

The updated visa regulation came into effect on May 20, 2025, as part of broader immigration reforms introduced by the Spanish government. These changes aim to modernize the immigration system, make it more flexible, and ease entry for qualified professionals from outside the European Union.

The decision is expected to enhance Spain’s competitiveness in the global labor market, especially as it competes with other European nations offering similar pathways, such as Portugal, which currently grants a 120-day job seeker visa, extendable for an additional 60 days.

Who Can Apply for Spain’s 12-Month Job Seeker Visa?

Not all foreign nationals will automatically qualify for the newly extended visa. Applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria, according to a report by Público:

• Graduated from a Spanish university with an undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral degree

• Be the child or grandchild of a Spanish citizen

• Work in a profession that is currently in demand in Spain

In addition to meeting one of these conditions, applicants are required to demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves during their job search. This includes:

• Proof of at least €600 per month, or €7,200 for the full 12-month period

• Valid health insurance coverage for the duration of their stay in Spain

• Declaration of financial means

• Clean criminal record in Spain and all previous countries of residence

• Timely application, either before the expiration of a student residence permit or within 90 days after it expires

These criteria are part of Spain’s commitment to ensuring that job seekers can sustain themselves without becoming a financial burden on the state while actively contributing to the workforce.

From Job Seeker to Employed Resident: How the Visa Transition Works

One of the key advantages of Spain’s new 12-month visa is its built-in transition pathway. If a job seeker receives a formal job offer during their stay, their visa can be converted into a standard work visa, granting them full working rights under Spanish law.

Once this transition occurs, the individual must fulfill all standard obligations, including registration with Social Security and the Tax Authority.

This conversion process aims to simplify the move from temporary to permanent status and encourages long-term settlement for skilled professionals.

A Response to Labor Market Needs

Spain’s labor market has faced persistent shortages in various sectors, including healthcare, education, IT, engineering, and hospitality. The extension of the job seeker visa is one of several measures the government is taking to address these gaps.

According to immigration experts, these reforms are not just about easing entry but also about improving retention. “This extension provides candidates with a realistic timeframe to understand the job market, network, attend interviews, and ultimately secure employment,” said Fábio Knauer, CEO of Aliança Global Group.

Broader Immigration Reforms Introduced on May 20

The extension of the job seeker visa is part of a larger overhaul of Spain’s Immigration Regulations, also effective from May 20, 2025. These changes aim to streamline the immigration process and better regulate the status of non-EU migrants residing in Spain.

Among the highlights of the reform:

• Simplified residence procedures for third-country nationals

• Greater flexibility in converting student visas to work visas

• Annual regularization of an estimated 300,000 undocumented migrants

These measures align with Spain’s long-term vision of integrating foreign professionals into its workforce and reducing administrative barriers.