The Directorate General for Migration Management (DGGM) has published Management Criteria 1/2025, a key document for the application of the new Alien Regulation (RLOEX) approved by Royal Decree 1155/2024.
This criterion establishes clear and homogeneous guidelines on how modifications to residence and residence authorizations and extensions of residences due to roots should be processed, with the aim of guaranteeing legal certainty and uniformity in all immigration offices in Spain.
1. What regulates Management Standard 1/2025?
The document sets out practical instructions for the management of:
- Modifications of stay and residence authorizations: for example, changing from a stay for study purposes to residence, or changing from one type of residence to another.
- Extensions of residences due to roots: regulates how permits granted due to roots (social, labor, family or training) are extended.
The purpose is to avoid different interpretations at each immigration office, thus ensuring a more equitable treatment of applicants.
2. Modifications of stays and residences
One of the central points of the criterion is to clarify how the modifications of authorizations provided for in the RLOEX are carried out.
This includes, among other assumptions:
- Transit from stay to temporary residence.
- The adaptation of authorizations to new circumstances of the foreigner (work, studies, regrouping, etc.).
- The updating of conditions in accordance with current regulations.
This criterion is intended to make procedures more predictable and transparent for foreign persons and their legal representatives.
3. Extensions of residency due to roots.
Another key aspect is the continuity of residences based on arraigo. The criterion explains how to proceed in cases where a foreigner already has an authorization based on:
- Social roots.
- Labor or socio-labor roots.
- Rooting by training.
These extensions provide legal and administrative stability to persons who, due to their integration and roots in Spain, need to maintain their residency status.
4. Practical impact for applicants and professionals
Management Standard 1/2025 has a great impact for foreigners, legal advisors and social entities:
- Applicants: they have a clearer guide on the procedures they can carry out and under what conditions.
- Foreign professionals: they have a uniform framework that facilitates the defense of their clients’ rights.
- Administration: homogeneous application of the regulations is ensured, avoiding differences between provincial offices.
5. Conclusion
Management Criteria 1/2025 reinforces the importance of the new Alien Regulation, providing clarity on two key aspects:
- Modifications of stays and residences.
- Extensions of the arraigo.
With these guidelines, the system gains in transparency, legal certainty and uniformity, which is a positive step for both applicants and the professionals who advise them.
Source of information: Inside Note
PDF: Inside Note
Diana Caballero
CEO – Founding Partner
M&CAbogados
