New order, aimed at reducing the requirements for work permits for foreign citizens living in Spain, came into force a week ago, on July 27.
The Spanish authorities announced that now the process of obtaining work visas will become much easier for several categories of foreign applicants at once .
The changes were made in an effort to reduce the labor market deficit that the country is currently facing.
Interestingly, the recent reform will apply even to foreigners who do not have the necessary legal documents to reside in Spain. Thus, foreign nationals who have lived in Spain for two or more years, legally or without documents, and who have worked during this time for at least six months, will be allowed to enroll in training courses.
These training courses will be mainly designed to work in the in-demand economic sector throughout Spain. Those enrolled in courses will later be able to apply for a permanent residence permit in the country
Simpler work permit requirements will also apply to students. Students from countries outside the European Union will be able to work up to 30 hours per week during their studies.
Moreover, they will also be allowed to start working in Spain immediately after graduation. Previously, students had to wait for three years.
The Spanish government will publish a list of in-demand jobs that will be open to foreign citizens. It is expected that these will mainly be sectors such as agriculture, farming and the hospitality industry.
With the introduction of the new rules, about 500,000 undocumented workers will be able to join the official labor force in Spain. In addition, foreigners will now pay taxes.