Clear explanation about the rumor regarding November 20, 2025, and family permits for parents and adult children of Spanish citizens. Verified information only.

There has been a lot of confusion circulating online in recent days regarding the possibility that, starting on November 20, 2025, parents of Spanish citizens and children over the age of 18 of Spanish citizens will no longer be allowed to submit their residence applications from within Spain. Some videos and social media posts have suggested that these applications will only be possible from the country of origin, causing understandable concern and anxiety among families.

At Visal Immigration Lawyers, one of our principles is to provide verified and responsible legal information, especially when it comes to immigration matters that directly affect the lives and stability of families living in Spain. For this reason, it is important to clarify what we do know — and what is not true — about this issue.

The rumor began after a public statement made by the Head of the Immigration Office in Madrid, who expressed the view that the instruction which previously replaced the old transitional rule (the one that allowed these applications to be made from within Spain) was “irregular” and therefore would not be applied in Madrid after November 20, 2025.

However, it is essential to understand that this is a personal and local interpretation, not a national legal change. This statement:

• Does not modify the law.

• Does not change the national criteria.

• Does not invalidate the instruction currently in force.

The authority responsible for establishing unified procedures for all immigration offices in Spain is the Secretary of State for Migration, together with the Director General of Migration, who issue binding instructions to ensure uniform practice throughout the country. Until a new official instruction is issued — which, at this time, has not happened — the current criteria remain in effect.

This means that parents and adult children of Spanish citizens can still submit their applications from inside Spain as they have been doing, provided they meet the legal requirements.

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Why Is This Rumor Creating So Much Concern?

Because immigration processes are deeply connected to people’s lives — their stability, their future, their families. A rumor that suggests that thousands of families might lose a legal right can generate panic very quickly, especially when spread through social media videos that prioritize speed and impact over accuracy.

However, sharing legal information without verifying it first is extremely irresponsible, because it creates unnecessary anxiety among foreign nationals who are already navigating complex procedures.

Before accepting any claim as true, always ask:

• Who is the source?

• Is there an official law, regulation or instruction supporting this information?

• Has the Government issued a national update?

• Is the information being interpreted or confirmed by an immigration lawyer?

In this case, there is no official legal modification, and the current framework remains exactly the same.

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So, What Does This Mean for You Today?

It means that nothing has changed.

• If you are a parent of a Spanish citizen and you are in Spain: you may still apply for the residence permit as a family member of a Spanish citizen.

• If you are a son or daughter over 18 of a Spanish citizen and you live in Spain and depend economically on your parent: you may still apply from within Spain.

• The procedure continues to be valid under the current instruction of May 13, which remains fully in force.

Could the criteria change in the future?
Possibly — immigration regulations evolve.
But as of today, there is no new instruction that modifies the current process.

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Why You Should Be Careful When Listening to Legal Content on Social Media

There is a growing trend of immigration-related content being posted online by people who seek visibility before accuracy. The problem is not the platform — but the lack of verification. When professionals communicate legal matters, we must do so responsibly, because what we say affects real lives.

Publishing alarming interpretations just to “be first”:

• creates confusion,

• increases anxiety among foreign nationals,

• and can lead people to make poor decisions.

Our commitment at Visal Immigration Lawyers is to provide accurate, calm, and legally grounded guidance — not viral content.

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If You Are Worried About Your Case

The best step is to evaluate your situation with a lawyer, especially if:

• You are planning to submit your application soon.

• You are already gathering documents.

• You have questions about proving dependency or family relationship.

• You want to avoid mistakes that could lead to denial.

You can schedule a consultation with an immigration lawyer here:

Schedule your consultation with an expert lawyer
https://www.visalimmigration.com/en/consulting

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Key Takeaway

At this moment:

• There is no change in the regulation.

• Family members of Spanish citizens can continue applying from within Spain.

• The statement circulating online does not have legal authority at the national level.

We will continue monitoring any updates closely, and if the Government issues a new instruction, we will communicate it immediately — clearly, calmly, and with legal accuracy.

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Need Personalized Assistance?

We help families every day with residence permits for family members of Spanish citizens, nationality procedures, and renewals. We can review your documents, verify your eligibility, and prepare your application to avoid errors and delays.

Schedule your consultation with an expert lawyer:
https://www.visalimmigration.com/en/consulting