Residence for Parents and Adult Children: Spain’s Fourth Transitional Provision in 2025

Learn how to benefit from the Fourth Transitional Provision in Spain's new Immigration Regulation to obtain residence as a parent or adult child of a Spanish citizen in 2025.

As of May 20, 2025, Spain’s new Immigration Regulation comes into force, introducing significant changes in how residence can be requested by relatives of Spanish citizens. One of the most important updates is the elimination of both the EU family regime and “arraigo familiar” as routes for parents and adult children. Instead, a new figure is created: family residence for Spanish citizens. However, this general regulation restricts the ability of certain relatives, such as parents and adult children, to apply from within Spain. This is where the Fourth Transitional Provision becomes crucial.

What Does the Fourth Transitional Provision Allow?

This provision grants parents and adult children of Spanish citizens a temporary exception: for six months from the date the new regulation takes effect (May 20 to November 20, 2025), they may apply for residence from within Spain.

But caution: this option is only available to those who entered Spain before November 20, 2024, the date on which the new regulation was approved. Anyone who enters after that date will not be eligible and must apply from their country of origin.

Practical Examples for Clarification

• If your father arrived in Spain in October 2024, you can apply from Spain in June 2025.

• If your 22-year-old son entered in August 2024, he can also benefit from this exception.

• But if your family member entered after November 20, 2024, they must apply from abroad via the Spanish consulate.

Consequences of Not Meeting the Entry Condition

Applications that don’t meet this condition will be declared inadmissible, meaning lost time, wasted resources, and potentially a requirement to leave Spain. Verifying entry dates and acting early is critical.

Benefits of This Transitional Measure

• Allows direct relatives to regularize their status from within Spain.

 

Avoids the complexities of consular applications.

 

Offers a unique opportunity that won’t be available after November 20, 2025.

Legal Recommendations

At Visal Immigration Lawyers, we strongly recommend:

• Keeping documentation that proves entry (e.g., tickets, passport stamps).

• Preparing all required documents in advance.

• Consulting a lawyer to develop the best strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can my adult child regularize their status if they arrived in December 2024?
No. If they entered after November 20, 2024, they must apply from their home country through the consulate.

2. What if my father arrived in September 2024?
Yes, he qualifies under the Fourth Transitional Provision and can apply from Spain within the time frame.

3. Until when is this exception valid?
Until November 20, 2025. After this date, in-country applications under this exception will no longer be possible.

4. Does this apply to domestic partners or only parents and adult children?
This provision only applies to ascendants and descendants. It does not cover partners or extended family.

5. Can I apply if my relative’s passport has expired?
No. All documentation, including a valid passport, is mandatory to start the application.

Conclusion

The Fourth Transitional Provision presents a historic opportunity for families seeking to reunite in Spain. Acting within the timeline and with proper legal support is essential. At Visal Immigration Lawyers, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

If you have questions, call us at 618 702 253 or visit our website www.visalimmigration.com. Your family deserves to be united—with full legal rights.