Spain’s Points-Based Visa Debate in 2025: What Applicants Should Expect

Spain is once again under the microscope for its immigration policies, with politicians and the media sparking new debate about how foreigners should be allowed to settle, work, and build lives in the country. If you’re an expat currently in Spain or considering a move, the possibility of a points-based visa system could significantly affect your long-term prospects. Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s happening, how this might change immigration as we know it, and what actions expats should consider right now.

Why Is Spain Considering Changing Its Immigration Rules?

For years, Spain has depended on a mix of EU open borders and an array of national visa categories—retirement, student, digital nomad, and the well-known non-lucrative residency. With the population aging and chronic shortages in sectors from agriculture to healthcare and technology, there is growing pressure to update the country’s approach to welcoming newcomers. Many believe Spain needs a smarter, more strategic filter to meet labour market needs and boost integration in Spanish communities.

Recent political trends—echoing moves in countries like Canada, Australia, and the UK—have amplified calls for a “points-based” system, where applicants are assessed on their total value to Spanish society, not just their finances or paperwork. This is becoming a central plank for the main opposition party and has triggered intense debate ahead of next year’s elections.

What Would a Points-Based Spanish Visa Look Like?

Unlike the current system, where different types of visas often mean entirely separate hoops to jump through, a points-driven framework would weigh a range of applicant characteristics. It could look at level of education, professional experience, age, proof of Spanish language skills, prior residency, integration in the local community, and criminal record. The idea is that a young nurse who speaks Spanish and has local work contacts would find it much easier to get approval than, for example, an older retiree with no language skills or job.

Labour shortages—already a fact of life in many Spanish regions—would play a big role. The new system is being designed to fast-track those willing to work in understaffed fields, such as healthcare, construction, and even hospitality. Meanwhile, applicants from countries with closer cooperation on legal and security matters might get bonus points. At the same time, crime and legal compliance would matter: applicants with certain offences could be excluded outright, and integration into Spanish society would be a core factor, not an afterthought.

How Does This Differ From Spain’s Current Approach?

Spain’s patchwork of visas—whether work permits, the non-lucrative residency, student status, or family reunion pathways—often prioritise personal circumstances or employer sponsorship. Under the points proposal, value to society and economy become dominant. The points-based model would aim to collapse bureaucracy and merge categories, while putting applicants through a more thorough, ranked assessment.

What’s truly new is that integration would be at the heart of the system. Mastery of Spanish, proof of participating in local clubs, sporting groups or volunteer work, and even endorsements from neighbours could count towards a successful application. The country’s politicians are making it clear: social harmony and public order matter just as much as filling job vacancies.

Who Would Be Most Affected?

If you’re an EU citizen or currently hold a valid TIE, green residency certificate, or protections under the Brexit withdrawal agreement, you’re in the clear for now. However, anyone hoping to apply, renew, or upgrade a visa in the next few years may soon need to provide a fuller “profile,” not just a bank statement or employment contract.

Expats from non-EU countries—especially the UK, post-Brexit—could be most impacted. Future arrivals could be scored on Spanish proficiency, job sector, age, skills, and even willingness to move to less-populated or high-need regions. Digital nomads and retirees may also see extra hurdles, with language and integration documentation joining standard requirements.

Where Do Politics Come In?

The party currently driving this proposal is the Partido Popular, backed by some major regional leaders. They’re proposing a blend of what’s seen as the best bits from systems overseas, but with a Spanish twist: more focus on language and compliance, and much less tolerance for applicants who struggle to settle or commit crimes.

Supporters say this will make visas easier for those who “get” Spain and want to invest in the community, while critics warn it could be arbitrary, create extra barriers for those without resources, and risk introducing bias around culture and nationality. Debate in parliament is expected to stretch into 2026, but the momentum for change is clear.

What Practical Changes Could Expats See?

If the scheme becomes law, expect official requirements to shift away from paperwork only. Expect:

• Official Spanish language testing to become standard for most residency permits.
• Proof of employment or willingness to work in high-need jobs to become a major application bonus.
• Background checks—on criminal history and community integration—become stricter, with renewals tied to local civic involvement.
• Fewer, consolidated permit categories, but more thorough application checks and personal interviews.
• The introduction of digital tracking at border entry and exit, with much less leeway for overstaying or “visa hopping.”

What Should You Do As an Expat?

Start learning Spanish now, even if it’s just for day-to-day transactions—you’ll likely need to show some proficiency.

Hang on to proof of community involvement and work history, as these could be application boosters.

Clean up your paperwork in advance. Prepare for possible interviews or written statements about your integration into Spanish life.

Watch for government updates and consult immigration lawyers to keep up with the rapidly changing requirements.

Final Word

Spain’s move toward a points-based immigration system isn’t a done deal, but everything points to stricter, more transparent requirements in the very near future. If you’re planning a move, want to stay long-term, or help a friend or family member relocate, get ahead by understanding the values and skills that will count. In the end, your ability to prove your language skills, positive contributions, and willingness to blend into Spanish society will be more important than ever.

Related reading: Spain's 2025 Immigration Overhaul: Key Changes You Need to Know

Looking to secure residency? Explore Sanitas No Copayment Health Insurance — a residency-compliant plan trusted by thousands of expats in Spain, with no surprise fees or co-payments.