New travel rules to Spain
From 2025, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will be implemented for travelers from non-EU countries, including the UK. This system, designed with the aim of increasing border security in Europe, requires registration and payment of a fee equal to 7 euros. People under 18 years old and over 71 years old are exempt from this fee. An ETIAS permit must be applied for before travel and is valid for three years.
The implementation of this system, especially in the UK tourism market, may initially cause a decrease in bookings, but it is expected that the situation will return to normal as travelers get used to this new process. These changes reflect the efforts of Spain and the European Union to better control the entry and exit of people and increase the safety of travel.
Changes in trade and investment laws
The end of the Golden Visa program
One of the most important changes in 2025 was the suspension of the Spanish Golden Visa program. This program allowed foreign investors to obtain Spanish residency by purchasing a property worth at least 500,000 euros. The Spanish government suspended the program due to its negative effects on the housing market, including increasing prices and reducing local access to housing. Instead, a non-profit residence visa has been introduced, which requires proof of sufficient financial resources and no work permit in Spain.
100% tax offer for foreign buyers
To reduce the housing crisis, the Spanish government has proposed to impose a 100% tax on property purchases by foreign buyers from non-EU countries. The proposal is still awaiting parliamentary approval and aims to reduce unnecessary demand and control prices. Passing this law could reduce Spain’s attractiveness to foreign investors, but it may have a positive effect on the domestic housing crisis.
Focus on sustainable investments
In line with the climate goals of the European Union, Spain encourages investment in sustainable projects. The country has created a suitable platform for green investment by providing tax incentives and special subsidies to projects related to renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and environmental technologies. Also, new laws speed up the licensing process for sustainable projects and special economic zones have been defined for these types of investments.
Changes in the rules of official translation of documents
New requirements for translation of documents
According to the 2025 changes, all documents translated into Spanish must be certified by official and sworn translators registered with the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEC). This action is aimed at increasing accuracy and transparency in legal and administrative processes. The use of standard formats and terms is also mandatory so that the documents are fully compatible with the Spanish legal system.
Increasing the need for official translation of documents
In the process of immigration, obtaining a visa, and investing, official translation of documents such as certificates of financial ability, certificates of no bad history, property documents, and insurance policies have become necessary. In addition, in the field of business, documents such as contracts, business licenses, and tax returns must be translated and certified in Spanish. Minor errors in translation can lead to rejection of applications or delays in processes.
Accurate control and digitization of documents
Spanish government institutions check the accuracy of official translations more carefully. Also, the submission of translated documents digitally and with a valid electronic signature is required. This change has increased security and transparency in providing documents.
The importance of choosing the right translator
Travel and trade rules with Spain in 2025: the role of document translation and the importance of choosing the right translator
Starting in 2025, Spain has introduced significant changes to its travel, trade, and investment laws that are especially important for foreign travelers, immigrants, and business people to be aware of. These changes specifically emphasize the requirement to submit documents translated into Spanish. In this article, we examine the new rules for traveling and doing business with Spain, the role of official translation of documents, and the importance of choosing the right translator.
New travel rules to Spain
From 2025, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will be implemented for travelers from non-EU countries, including the UK. This system, designed with the aim of increasing border security in Europe, requires registration and payment of a fee equal to 7 euros. People under 18 years old and over 71 years old are exempt from this fee. The ETIAS permit must be applied for before travel and is valid for three years.
The implementation of this system, especially in the UK tourism market, may initially cause a decrease in bookings, but it is expected that the situation will return to normal as travelers get used to this new process. These changes reflect the efforts of Spain and the European Union to better control the entry and exit of people and increase the safety of travel.
Changes in trade and investment laws
The end of the Golden Visa program
One of the most important changes in 2025 was the suspension of the Spanish Golden Visa program. This program allowed foreign investors to obtain Spanish residency by purchasing a property worth at least 500,000 euros. The Spanish government suspended the program due to its negative effects on the housing market, including increasing prices and reducing local access to housing. Instead, a non-profit residence visa has been introduced, which requires proof of sufficient financial resources and no work permit in Spain.
100% tax offer for foreign buyers
To reduce the housing crisis, the Spanish government has proposed to impose a 100% tax on property purchases by foreign buyers from non-EU countries. The proposal is still awaiting parliamentary approval and aims to reduce unnecessary demand and control prices. Passing this law could reduce Spain’s attractiveness to foreign investors, but it may have a positive effect on the domestic housing crisis.
Focus on sustainable investments
In line with the climate goals of the European Union, Spain encourages investment in sustainable projects. The country has created a suitable platform for green investment by providing tax incentives and special subsidies to projects related to renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and environmental technologies. Also, new laws speed up the licensing process for sustainable projects and special economic zones have been defined for these types of investments.
Changes in the rules of official translation of documents
New requirements for translation of documents
According to the 2025 changes, all documents translated into Spanish must be certified by official and sworn translators registered with the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEC). This action is aimed at increasing accuracy and transparency in legal and administrative processes. The use of standard formats and terminology is also mandatory so that the documents are fully compatible with the Spanish legal system.
Increasing the need for official translation of documents
In the process of immigration, obtaining a visa, and investing, official translation of documents such as certificates of financial ability, certificates of no bad history, property documents, and insurance policies have become necessary. In addition, in the field of business, documents such as contracts, business licenses, and tax returns must be translated and certified in Spanish. Minor errors in translation can lead to rejection of applications or delays in processes.
Accurate control and digitization of documents
Spanish government institutions check the accuracy of official translations more carefully. Also, the submission of translated documents digitally and with a valid electronic signature is required. This change has increased security and transparency in providing documents.
The importance of choosing the right translator
Due to the new strictures regarding Spanish translation of documents It is very important to choose a translator who has sufficient expertise in translating Spanish legal and commercial documents. The characteristics of a good translation agency are:
- Expertise in Spanish and local laws: The translator must be familiar with Spanish legal and commercial terms and have the ability to adapt translations to local laws.
- Accreditation and official authorization: Make sure that the translation agency has an official license from the competent authority.
- Accuracy and timing: The translation agency must provide accurate translations in a timely manner to avoid delays in administrative processes.
- Background and experience: Choosing a translation agency with experience and a track record of success in translating documents related to Spain will reduce the possibility of problems.
conclusion
In 2025, extensive changes to travel, business, and official document translation laws will be implemented in Spain. These changes, while creating opportunities for sustainable investment, have also created challenges for travelers and foreign investors. Being aware of these rules and using the services of reliable translators can help facilitate processes and prevent possible problems. Paying attention to these details is the way to succeed in entering the Spanish market and society in 2025.
Due to the new strictures, it is very important to choose a translation agency that has sufficient expertise in translating Spanish legal and business documents. The characteristics of a good translation agency are:
- Expertise in Spanish and local laws: The translator must be familiar with Spanish legal and business terms and have the ability to adapt translations to local laws.
- Accreditation and official authorization: Make sure that the translation agency has an official license from the competent authority.
- Accuracy and timing: The translation agency must provide accurate translations in a timely manner to avoid delays in administrative processes.
- Background and experience: Choosing a translation agency with experience and a track record of success in translating documents related to Spain will reduce the possibility of problems.
conclusion
In 2025, extensive changes to travel, business, and official document translation laws will be implemented in Spain. These changes, while creating opportunities for sustainable investment, have also created challenges for travelers and foreign investors. Awareness of these rules and use of services Spanish translation Authenticity can help facilitate processes and prevent potential problems. Paying attention to these details is the way to succeed in entering the Spanish market and society in 2025.
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