Legal updates
We summarise the changes that affect your applications and explain what they mean in practice.
The Official Gazette publishes the Supreme Court judgment of 8 July 2026 (STS 868/2026), with its correction order of 1 September, annulling parts of Royal Decree 1155/2024. Economic dependence of parents of Spanish citizens may now have arisen in Spain, criminal records no longer allow automatic refusals in cases protected by EU law, and electronic filing is no longer generally mandatory.
Read the article →Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1912 extends protection for people displaced from Ukraine by another year. New applicants from 31 July 2026 may be asked to prove they have met their military obligations; existing holders are not affected.
Read the article →The Royal Decree 316/2026 window closed on 30 June and corrections ran until 30 September. From the notice that processing has started, applicants are provisionally allowed to live and work until the decision (additional provision 21). In October 2026 many files are still pending.
Read the article →People with temporary protection can apply for arraigo, residence and work or other permits without first giving up protection. Time under temporary protection counts towards the 2 years for arraigo and the 5 for long-term residence. Once the new permit is granted, you must expressly renounce temporary protection and provide proof when applying for the TIE.
Read the article →International protection claims are processed under Regulations (EU) 2024/1348 and 2024/1351. There is a border procedure of up to 12 weeks, appeal included, and an accelerated procedure. Legal assistance is mandatory at the border.
Read the article →Schengen external borders record entries and exits of non-EU nationals digitally, with biometrics, instead of stamping passports. The ETIAS travel authorisation is still pending, with no confirmed date.
Read the article →Royal Decree 1155/2024 cuts the stay required for arraigo to 2 years, creates new types, regulates residence for family members of Spaniards and turns study stays into residence permits.
Read the article →General information updated to October 2026. It does not replace advice on your specific case.
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