Expats in Spain: Exciting Developments in Children's Connection with Nature and Immigration Reforms

As expats in Spain, it is essential to stay informed about the various initiatives and changes that can impact your life and the lives of your families. Here are some noteworthy developments, particularly in the areas of children's connection with nature and recent immigration reforms.

Connecting Children with Nature

In a heartening move, several initiatives are underway to ensure that children in Spain and beyond have ample opportunities to connect with nature. The Children & Nature Network, an organization dedicated to this cause, has been instrumental in various projects.

One significant development is the passage of the EXPLORE Act, a legislation that aims to improve accessibility to outdoor recreation facilities and connect more generations of children with nature. This act includes support for the Every Kid Outdoors program, which grants free access to national parks and recreation areas for fourth graders and their families. Such initiatives are crucial for promoting physical health, brain health, and positive academic outcomes among children[1].

Locally, cities like Dubuque, Iowa, though not in Spain, serve as inspiring examples. Dubuque has joined the Nature Everywhere Communities initiative, a partnership that works to make it easier for children to live, learn, and play in nature. This initiative is particularly important in areas where a significant portion of the population lacks immediate access to natural spaces[1].

Immigration Reforms

For expats considering or already living in Spain, recent immigration reforms are highly relevant. The Spanish government has announced several key changes aimed at attracting and integrating non-European workers.

Extended Job Seeker Visa

The job seeker visa (visa de búsqueda de empleo) has been extended from 3 months to 1 year. This change provides non-European foreigners with more time to secure employment and apply for residence permits, significantly easing their transition into the Spanish labor market. This reform is part of broader efforts to address labor shortages in sectors such as health, construction, agriculture, IT, hospitality, and engineering[3].

Regularization of Undocumented Workers

Spain's latest immigration law reform also includes a pathway for the regularization of approximately 900,000 undocumented workers already in the country. Over the next three years, 300,000 workers per year will be regularized, addressing the issue of illegal immigration and meeting the country's need for foreign workers[3].

Tax Benefits for Self-Employed

In addition to immigration reforms, the Spanish government is implementing tax benefits for self-employed individuals and small businesses. Starting in 2025, self-employed individuals and companies with an annual turnover of less than 85,000 euros will be exempt from Value Added Tax (VAT). While this exemption comes with certain limitations, such as the inability to deduct VAT from expenses and a cap on revenue growth, it is expected to reduce the tax burden on small businesses and expats who own them[3].

These developments highlight Spain's commitment to creating a more welcoming and supportive environment for both its residents and expats, whether through enhancing children's connection with nature or streamlining immigration processes. As an expat in Spain, staying informed about these changes can help you navigate and make the most of your time in this vibrant country.