We constantly monitor migration trends around the world. The new situation in Spain, linked to the introduction of the EES in Europe and the global amnesty, is one example where "this has been obvious for a long time," but is only now happening.
In short: what happened?
Spain has seen two major events related to immigration: a mass amnesty for undocumented immigrants and the implementation of the EES at borders. Both events have had a significant impact on those seeking residency in the Kingdom.
Let me give you a brief background for those who haven't read our previous articles. Spain is currently one of the most popular relocation destinations in Europe. Residence permits are easy to obtain, taxes are high but easily manageable. There are also good prospects for staying permanently—enjoying the palm trees, sea, and sun. Immigrants have fallen in love with Spain, and this love didn't just happen.
However, while the process was once simple and streamlined, difficulties have now arisen in the Kingdom. The factors influencing the situation are not closely related. But the overall picture has become less rosy.
First: EES implemented at Spanish borders
The introduction of modern tourism and migration control systems in itself poses no problems. The difficulty lies in the fact that they no longer stamp passports with border crossing stamps, and police officers very They are reluctant to issue the Declaration of Entrada, a mandatory document confirming the legality of one's stay in Spain.
Another problem, characteristic of the EES implementation process in Europe, has suddenly emerged. Many of the aforementioned declarations, even if issued by a real police officer at a real police station, are not included in the database and, upon verification, appear false. As a result, many outright refusals have been issued over the past month. All of these are subject to appeal, which means time, stress, and the inability to travel normally during the review period.
Currently, applicants seeking residence permits directly in Spain collect indirect evidence to confirm their presence in the country. This may include boarding passes, itinerary receipts, airport receipts, and so on. There is no extensive experience yet on the success of this approach, but it is recommended by numerous Spanish lawyers as potentially suitable.
Second: illegal immigrants, false documents and royal amnesty.
Spain is awash with all manner of illegal immigrants. The total number of people with "irregular immigration status," according to various estimates, could reach 1,5 million. Although Spain is not the smallest country, even this number represents a heavy burden, making it virtually impossible to address overnight.
Therefore, the Spanish government has made a very interesting decision: all undocumented immigrants who arrived in the country before the end of 2025 will be given the opportunity to re-enter the legal system. To do so, they will need to submit their documents by the end of June, and everyone will be issued a one-year, renewable residence permit.
The country thus rids itself of the problem of migrants and assumes that they will all find jobs and start paying taxes into the state treasury.
The idea is good, but in practice it is:
- has significantly increased the workload on immigration authorities
- increased vigilance among immigration officials, leading to additional inquiries and refusals even for "normal" applications
Why have approval rates for applicants under regular programs become lower? Because the influx of false documents, applicants with shady pasts, and various types of criminals has exceeded all conceivable limits. Consequently, the cases of "honest" applicants are also being scrutinized, and the microscope doesn't always see what it should. This, coupled with the less-than-smooth implementation of the EES in Europe, has begun to create problems.
The result?
Officially, the conditions of the digital nomad program (or anyone else's) have not changed. No new laws, regulations, or amendments have been issued. However, difficulties and surprises have begun to emerge along the previously smooth path.
They can be overcome, but now, to successfully navigate this path, the help of qualified specialists is becoming essential. Like us, for example.
Before trips take a look at our travel plannerThere you'll find tickets, insurance, and hotels all in one place—it's a convenient thing.
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