🇪🇸 Work & skilled workers

Under the latest extension, the temporary controls will remain in force at the affected internal air and maritime borders with Italy from 8 October until 22 October 2026. The same substantive terms established by the August order continue to apply. A passenger arriving from Italy may therefore be subject to a border check on arrival in Spain despite travelling from another Schengen country. The check is carried out in accordance with the person's legal status. Spain's order explicitly states that the measure applies regardless of nationality. The restoration of border controls does not give Spanish authorities an unrestricted power to reject people simply because they are arriving from Italy. The original order expressly states that the measure is not a general entry prohibition and that controls or decisions cannot be based solely on nationality, ethnic origin, religion, physical appearance or another personal characteristic. The measure must also be applied consistently with the rights of EU citizens and their family members, the right to request international protection, non-refoulement, family unity and safeguards concerning children and vulnerable people. Spain says checks should be proportionate, flexible and based on risk analysis, with steps taken to reduce waiting times and maintain the flow of air and maritime transport. The latest order does not alter the normal rules governing visas, residence permits, asylum eligibility or citizenship. It temporarily changes where and when border checks can be carried out within the Schengen internal-border area.

Spain has imposed border controls on all air and sea travel from Italy. These measures commenced at midnight (22:00 GMT) on 7 August 2026, and are set to last for one month, until 7 September 2026, unless circumstances change. Travellers arriving in Spain from Italy by air or sea will be subject to immigration checks, with some passengers reporting mandatory passport checks for all. Italy also maintains its own border controls for non-EU residents arriving from Spain.

-The guidance expressly states that the required amounts are gross income before taxes and social-security deductions. -Applicants can use payslips or invoices from the previous three months to demonstrate income. -Bank statements should show that the relevant salary or professional payments were actually received. -If documented income is below the required threshold, applicants can use savings or other liquid funds to cover the difference for the period of authorisation. -The guidance confirms that international teleworkers working from Spain must comply with applicable Spanish social-security obligations, unless an applicable international social-security agreement provides otherwise.

The Supreme Court clarified how continuous residence and social integration must be evidenced in arraigo social applications, restricting reliance on indirect documentary proof.