Spanish Senate backs creation of an Australian-style points-based visa system
Deadline passes for Spain’s ‘Grandchildren Law’ citizenship scheme
Government drafts decree to widen public healthcare access for non-resident foreigners
Latest News
Brussels threatens Spain with court action over ‘discriminatory’ second-home tax on non-residents
On 23 Oct 2025 the European Commission gave Spain two months to scrap or amend a property-tax rule that makes non-resident owners pay capital-gains tax up-front. Failure to comply could send Spain back to the EU’s top court and force large reimbursements to foreign homeowners.
Report: 400,000 immigrant-run businesses power Spain’s economy
A study released 23 Oct 2025 counts almost 400,000 self-employed foreigners in Spain, dispelling myths that migrants displace local labour. Immigrant entrepreneurs now account for 12 % of jobs, underlining the business case for streamlined visa and qualification-recognition procedures.
Foreign demand for Spanish property climbs despite tax headwinds
Notaries’ figures published 23 Oct 2025 reveal foreign buyers snapped up over 71,000 Spanish homes in H1 2025, a 2 % rise despite looming tax reforms. High demand is intensifying housing competition in Madrid and the islands, signalling higher relocation costs.
Last Chance for ‘Grandchildren’s Law’: Spain Closes Democratic Memory Citizenship Window
Spain’s Democratic Memory Law, which let descendants of Civil-War and Franco-era exiles reclaim nationality, stopped accepting new applications at 23:59 on 22 October 2025. Existing applicants with a confirmed appointment can still file documents, but no new cases may be opened. The closure removes a popular fast-track citizenship route for Latin-American talent and prompts calls for a permanent ancestry scheme.
Spanish Senate Backs Points-Based Visa Proposal and Faster Deportations
The Spanish Senate approved a motion on 22 October urging the government to create a points-based visa system and speed up deportations. While not yet law, the vote highlights political momentum for merit-based immigration and could foreshadow substantial rule changes that would affect talent acquisition and global mobility programmes.
Ground-Staff Strike Threatens Disruptions at A Coruña Airport on 27 October
Ground-handling staff at A Coruña Airport will strike for 24 hours on 27 October, with a rally planned inside the terminal. The alert, issued 22 October, warns of possible check-in, ramp and baggage delays that could ripple to Madrid and Barcelona connections. Travellers should reconfirm flights and consider alternative Galician airports.
EU Entry/Exit System: First-Week Report Highlights Spain’s Smooth Airport Rollout
A 22 October EUCrim briefing says Spain’s airports handled the first week of the new biometric Entry/Exit System with minimal disruption, averaging 87 seconds per non-EU traveller. Attention now turns to land and maritime borders, where infrastructure is still being installed.
Valencia Digital Summit Opens, Spotlighting Spain’s Remote-Work Ecosystem
The Valencia Digital Summit kicked off on 22 October with record attendance, underscoring Spain’s growing appeal to digital nomads following recent visa and tax reforms. Corporate mobility teams are using the event to scout talent and learn best practices for on-boarding remote workers.