Discover Spain’s 2025 immigration update: holders of arraigo para la formación can now switch to a work permit without meeting the national employment situation requirement. Full guide by Visal Immigration Lawyers.

Immigration law in Spain is constantly evolving. With every reform and new management criteria, thousands of foreigners find new opportunities to secure a legal and stable status in the country. One of the most relevant updates of 2025 affects those who obtained a residence permit through the so-called arraigo para la formación (training root).

Until now, modifying this type of permit into a residence and work authorization was often blocked by a key barrier: the obligation to respect the national employment situation. This rule meant that foreigners could only be hired if the position offered was on the list of jobs considered difficult to cover in Spain.

The good news is that the new Management Criterion no. 1/2025, issued by the Spanish Secretariat of State for Migration, introduces a major change: if you come from arraigo para la formación, you are now exempt from the national employment situation requirement, even if your initial residence authorization was valid for less than one year.

In this guide, Visal Immigration Lawyers will explain in detail what this update means, who can benefit from it, how to apply for the modification, and what practical aspects you should take into account.

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What does this new measure mean for foreigners in Spain?

For many foreigners, modifying their residence permit is a crucial step towards stability in Spain. Until this change, Article 191 of the Immigration Regulations imposed a strict limitation: if you wanted to switch from residence to residence and work authorization, and your permit was valid for less than one year, you had to prove compliance with the national employment situation.

This requirement meant that the contract had to correspond to a position included on the “shortage occupation list,” which in practice excluded most job offers available to foreigners. It was one of the main barriers preventing many people from moving forward in their immigration journey.

The new management criterion changes everything: if you hold an arraigo para la formación and want to modify to a work permit, you no longer need to prove compliance with the national employment situation.

In simple terms, once you complete your training course and obtain a valid job offer, the path to obtaining a work permit becomes much easier.

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Who benefits from this change?

This reform primarily benefits:

• Foreigners who applied for arraigo para la formación in recent years, many of them former asylum seekers who had no other options under previous rules.

• Those who have already completed or are about to complete their training courses.

• Applicants ready to transition from training to a residence and work authorization but were worried about the restrictions of the labor market test.

For all of them, the exemption from the national employment situation requirement opens a real and practical path to legal employment in Spain.

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Requirements to modify from training root to residence and work permit

Even though the regulation has been relaxed, some essential requirements remain:

1. You must have completed the training course for which your permit was granted.

2. You need to present a valid job offer in Spain.

3. You must hold a valid passport and prove continuous legal residence during your arraigo period.

4. You must submit the proper application form and pay the administrative fees.

5. In some cases, you may be asked to provide an updated criminal record certificate.

An important detail: the job offer does not need to be related to the training course you completed. This makes the modification even more accessible.

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How to apply for the modification

The application must be submitted in Spain, specifically at the Immigration Office of your province of residence. The process usually requires an appointment, and the supporting documents can often be submitted electronically through the government’s online platform.

In practice, the steps are:

• Prepare all documentation, making sure that foreign documents are legalized and translated where required.

• File the application for modification online or in person, depending on the office’s system.

• Wait for the resolution, which usually takes 3–4 months (time may vary depending on the province).

Remember that the authorities will carefully examine the validity of your job offer. A real, properly drafted employment contract that complies with Spanish labor law is essential for approval.

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Practical advice from Visal Immigration Lawyers

Based on our experience handling hundreds of immigration cases, these are the most common mistakes foreigners make when applying for this modification:

• Not proving completion of the training course: without a diploma or certificate, the application will not even be admitted.

• Fake or poorly drafted job offers: the Immigration Office will immediately reject suspicious contracts.

• Missing deadlines: letting your training root residence expire before applying for modification will complicate everything.

• Incomplete or untranslated documentation: even small mistakes can delay your case by months.

At Visal Immigration Lawyers, we know that the success of your case depends on preparing your file properly from the start. That’s why we strongly recommend professional legal guidance before filing.

If you need personalized advice, you can book a consultation with our expert lawyers at this link: https://www.visalimmigration.com/en/consulting. You can also reach us directly via WhatsApp at 618 702 253.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do I need to finish my training course before applying for the modification?
Yes. You must provide a certificate proving the completion of your course. Without it, the Immigration Office will not allow the modification to move forward.

2. Does the job offer need to be related to my training?
No. The new management criterion does not require a link between the training course and the employment contract. What matters is that the job offer is real, valid, and complies with Spanish law.

3. What if my initial residence permit was valid for less than a year?
Previously, this meant you had to comply with the national employment situation. Under the 2025 update, you are now exempt if you are modifying from training root.

4. Can I apply from any province in Spain?
You must apply in the Immigration Office of the province where you are officially registered (empadronado). Procedures and deadlines may vary by office, so legal advice is highly recommended.

5. What can I do if my application is rejected?
You can appeal the decision through administrative or judicial procedures. The key is to understand the reasons for denial and fix the issues. Our lawyers can guide you through the appeal process.

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Related guides on our blog

If this article is relevant to your case, you may also be interested in:

• Understanding family root residence (arraigo familiar) in Spain.

• Complete guide to the Digital Nomad Visa.

• How to apply for the non-lucrative residence permit.

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Conclusion

This 2025 update is excellent news for foreigners in Spain: if you hold an arraigo para la formación, the transition to a residence and work permit is now much easier. You no longer need to prove compliance with the restrictive national employment situation, making your path to stability and employment much smoother.

At Visal Immigration Lawyers, we are specialized in immigration law and have helped hundreds of foreigners successfully obtain their residence permits in Spain.

If you want to make sure your application is handled correctly, we invite you to book a consultation with one of our expert lawyers here: https://www.visalimmigration.com/en/consulting.

You can also write to us via WhatsApp at 618 702 253. We will be happy to study your case and guide you step by step.

Now is the perfect time: if you completed your training and are ready to start working, this reform allows you to secure your work permit faster than ever.