Spain: PP-Vox Coalition Proposes Points-Based Visas, Stricter Citizenship & National Priority

Potential Immigration and Residency Reforms in Spain

If a coalition government between the PP and Vox parties comes to power in Spain, significant reforms to the country's immigration and residency systems could be on the horizon. The Local reports on several key proposals that would impact foreigners seeking to live or gain citizenship in Spain.

One major proposal is the introduction of a points-based visa system, similar to those in Canada or Australia. This system would replace current visa categories (such as D-visas, NIE, and extranjería) with criteria based on a scoring system, evaluating factors like education, professional experience, language proficiency, age, and financial resources. This shift would fundamentally change the criteria for who is admitted into Spain.

Citizenship requirements are also slated for tightening. Currently, individuals can apply for Spanish citizenship after 10 years of legal residency or through marriage to a Spanish national, followed by exams in Spanish language and constitutional knowledge. The PP-Vox proposal aims to raise these thresholds, requiring longer waiting periods and higher demands for integration. This could potentially affect those already in the process of applying for citizenship.

Furthermore, the coalition proposes a 'national priority' for Spaniards in access to housing and social services. In practice, this could mean that if both a Spaniard and a foreigner apply for a social housing program, the Spaniard would receive preference. Access to healthcare and certain benefits might also become more restricted for non-citizens. These are currently pre-election promises, but if the coalition wins, they would likely begin drafting legislation to implement these changes.

Source: The Local Spain — https://www.thelocal.es/20260904/what-a-pp-vox-government-would-mean-for-foreigners-in-spain