New Spanish immigration legislation from 2026: what will change for Ukrainians

Spain has updated its immigration legislation, which affects the employment and residence of foreigners. Find out what changes will affect Ukrainians, work, visas, and family reunification from 2026

In January 2026, updated migration legislation, which had been in the works since 2024, came into force in Spain. According to reports by DW, the document was revised and refined several times, and ultimately introduced a number of changes aimed at simplifying legal migration, employment, and residence for foreigners in the country.

The authors of the reform emphasize that the new rules should make procedures faster and more understandable. At the same time, experts note that the key reason for the changes was the difficult situation on the Spanish labor market. For Ukrainians who are considering Spain as a country for work or a longer stay, these changes may significantly affect their chances of legalization.

How the employment of foreigners is changing

Under the new rules, the easiest way to find legal employment in Spain is to sign a contract with a Spanish company while still in your country of residence. As immigration lawyer Angela Garcia explains, an employer in Spain submits an application for a specific specialist, and a candidate who meets the requirements can obtain a work contract before moving.

A similar scheme existed before, but the paperwork often took several months. Under the new legislation, the Spanish authorities promise to significantly speed up this process.

An important condition remains the existence of an intergovernmental agreement. Contracts “at the place of residence” can only be concluded by citizens of countries with which Spain has relevant agreements. Ukraine is included in this list, which opens up additional opportunities for Ukrainian labor migrants.

Job search visas: who is eligible

The updated legislation also provides for job search visas, but they are not granted automatically. According to Angela Garcia, the greatest demand is currently concentrated in the fields of information technology, the hotel and restaurant business, medicine, and construction.

To apply, applicants must submit a package of documents to the Spanish consulate, including:

● proof of education and professional experience;

● a certificate of no criminal record;

● a medical certificate;

● valid medical insurance.

In addition, applicants must not be on the list of persons prohibited from entering the EU and must confirm that they have sufficient funds to live in Spain for one year.

A separate rule applies to foreign students: after completing their studies at Spanish educational institutions, they are entitled to seek employment for two years.

Family reunification: new rules

The changes also affect the family reunification procedure. Migrants who have been living in the country for at least one year on the basis of a permit and have a document valid for at least another year can bring their relatives to Spain.

Mandatory conditions include sufficient financial resources to support the family and appropriate housing.

The law allows reunification with a husband or wife even without official registration of marriage, provided that evidence of stable cohabitation is provided. Children under the age of 18 can also be brought over, regardless of whether they were born in this marriage or a previous one. Age restrictions do not apply to children with disabilities.

If the person reuniting the family has Spanish citizenship, the rules are broader: children up to 21 years of age or up to 26 years of age are allowed to move, provided they are studying.

Despite the simplification of procedures, the new legislation contains many nuances — from document requirements to financial criteria. For Ukrainians who plan to work, reunite their family, or change their residence status in Spain, it is important to correctly assess their situation and choose the optimal path to legalization. In such cases, it may be useful to consult with immigration lawyers at Visit Ukraine, who can help you understand the requirements of Spanish law, prepare documents, and assess the risks of rejection.

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