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Spain, the United Kingdom, and the European Union formalize an agreement establishing new foundations for free movement, economic cooperation, and regulatory integration between Gibraltar and Campo de Gibraltar.
After more than four years of post-Brexit negotiations, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the European Commission have reached an agreement allowing Gibraltar to join the Schengen Area. This agreement redefines land border management, establishes a new mobility regime, and lays the foundation for enhanced cooperation in multiple regulatory areas.

Border Framework and Immigration Control
With the entry into force of the agreement, Gibraltar will become an external access point to the Schengen Area. Spain will assume responsibility for carrying out entry controls at the port and airport of Gibraltar, in collaboration with the British and Gibraltarian authorities. This arrangement will eliminate physical controls at the fence separating La Línea de la Concepción from Gibraltar.
The new system will facilitate the daily mobility of more than 15,000 people, mainly cross-border workers, reducing waiting times and increasing travel efficiency.

Economic Integration and Regulatory Convergence
The agreement contemplates a progressive process of regulatory convergence between Gibraltar and the European Union. At the fiscal level, gradual alignment is planned in areas such as indirect taxation, including specific measures on products such as tobacco, with the aim of reducing imbalances and promoting fair competition.
Common principles have also been established in areas such as:

• State aid.
• Labor regulations.
• Taxation.
• Trade and sustainability.
• Transport and airport management.
• Anti-money laundering.

These principles are aimed at ensuring a homogeneous regulatory environment that promotes legal certainty for companies and operators on both sides of the border.

Social Protection and Regional Development
The agreement includes specific provisions for the protection of the rights of cross-border workers, including social security coordination mechanisms and mutual recognition of labor, healthcare, and tax rights.
It also provides for the creation of a fund for the economic and social development of Campo de Gibraltar, focusing on training, employment, and territorial cohesion programs.

Environmental Commitment and Judicial Cooperation
A mandatory system of cooperation in environmental matters is established, including the management of waste, waste dumps, and landfills. This mechanism seeks to preserve the natural environment of the Strait of Gibraltar and ensure compliance with European sustainability goals.
In parallel, the agreement contemplates the intensification of collaboration between the police and judicial authorities of the three signatory parties, with the exchange of information and coordinated actions in the fight against smuggling, illicit trafficking, and money laundering.

Implications for Companies, Investors, and Workers
From a technical and operational perspective, this agreement creates new opportunities for:
• Companies interested in establishing cross-border operations or accessing the European Single Market from Gibraltar.
• Investors seeking regulatory and tax stability in an environment with harmonized rules.
• Cross-border workers who will benefit from greater legal certainty and administrative simplification.
• Institutions collaborating on cross-border projects for regional development, sustainability, and institutional cooperation.

Feliu N&I: Strategic Support in Cross-Border Scenarios
As a consulting firm specializing in international mobility, taxation, and international legal structures, at Feliu N&I we are prepared to advise companies, workers, and institutions in this new operational context.
We will continue to monitor the implementation of the agreement and its regulatory developments to provide up-to-date, rigorous advice tailored to the new challenges of internationalization and cross-border cooperation.

www.feliu.biz │ www.expatfeliu.com

China is undergoing a significant transformation in how it manages immigration and work authorization for foreign professionals. As part of this evolution, 2025 has marked the nationwide rollout of a unified digital platform for the processing of foreign work permits and employment-related residence permits.

This modernization effort not only streamlines administrative procedures but also reflects a broader push to attract international talent through more transparent, technology-driven systems.

In parallel, Chinese authorities continue to apply a three-level talent classification system (Categories A, B, and C), which directly influences the type of visa and route available to each candidate. Among the most commonly used visa types are the Z and R visas, depending on the applicant’s background and the nature of their employment in China.

While these updates aim to improve efficiency, they also introduce new responsibilities for companies and professionals alike. Navigating the digital platform, ensuring documentation meets current standards, and understanding local interpretations of national policy all remain essential steps in the process.

Companies planning to bring talent into China should begin planning well in advance. Identifying the right visa path according to the applicant’s profile, and staying informed about local variations in implementation, can help avoid unnecessary delays or complications.

In a changing regulatory environment, having expert guidance can make all the difference. Our team remains available to support you in navigating China’s updated visa landscape with confidence.

www.feliu.biz │ www.expatfeliu.com

Argentine authorities have implemented new entry requirements for foreign travelers, effective immediately. These measures directly affect tourists planning short-term stays in the country.

According to regulations already published in the Argentine Official Gazette, all foreigners entering as temporary residents—that is, temporary tourists or those with an irregular immigration status—must have private medical insurance that covers potential medical expenses during their stay in Argentina. This provision does not imply the denial of medical care in emergency situations or for humanitarian reasons, but it does establish that the costs must be borne by the traveler if they are not covered by insurance.

As part of this reform, travelers may be required to provide a sworn declaration detailing their reasons for traveling to the country. This document must be presented upon entry to Argentine territory and may be requested by immigration authorities.

Travelers who are exempt from visa requirements for stays of less than 90 days must have a valid passport valid for at least three months from the date of entry, a round-trip airline ticket, and proof of sufficient financial means to cover living expenses during their stay.

These measures apply to all international entry points in Argentina, including the airports of Buenos Aires (EZE, AEP), Córdoba (COR), Mendoza (MDZ), Rosario (ROS), Salta (SLA), Tucumán (TUC), and Bariloche (BRC). Immigration controls at these terminals may request the aforementioned documentation before authorizing entry.

The new requirements may result in delays at immigration controls for travelers who do not properly present the required documentation, especially at the country’s main international airports. It is recommended to pay special attention to pre-processing medical insurance and prepare the sworn declaration in advance.

– Travelers are advised to purchase private medical insurance with coverage in Argentina, ensuring that it includes comprehensive medical care.
– It is advisable to complete the affidavit in advance, if available online, or be prepared to complete it upon arrival.
– Bring printed or digital copies of your return ticket, medical insurance, the affidavit, and documentation proving financial means.

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With the recent enactment of Law 2439 of 2024, e-commerce in Colombia is strengthened with regulatory adjustments that improve the relationship between businesses and consumers. These changes seek to provide greater transparency and security in digital transactions. Below are the most relevant modifications:

1. Refund Periods

• Right of Withdrawal: The refund period is reduced from 20 to 15 calendar days, facilitating a more streamlined process for consumers.
• Late Delivery or Out of Stock: If a product is not delivered on the agreed date (maximum 30 days if there is no specific agreement) or is out of stock, the consumer may cancel the contract and request a refund within 15 calendar days.

2. Interest on Electronic Financing Systems

• Additional charges for the use of technologies in credit transactions will now be considered interest. However, charges applied to insurance, surety bonds, or electronic signatures that have been previously informed and without an in-person option are exempt.

3. Greater clarity in product and service information

• Stricter requirements are established to ensure that information on products and services is clear, sufficient, and truthful.
• Contracts with periodic payments: The minimum duration of the subscription or contracted service must be specified.
• Reference images: Product photographs must accurately indicate the scale and actual size of the item offered.

With these measures, the new legislation strengthens consumer protection and promotes more equitable and transparent e-commerce in Colombia. Companies in the sector must adapt to these provisions to ensure compliance with regulations and improve their customers’ experience.

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The Thai government will implement a new mandatory procedure for all international travelers planning to enter the country starting May 1. This new requirement consists of completing a digital form called the “Thailand Electronic Travel Declaration Form” (ETD).

The main purpose of this form is to optimize and streamline the immigration process, as well as significantly improve the country’s health, administrative, and security measures in the face of global contingencies. The ETD will request specific and detailed information from the traveler, such as:

• Complete personal information (name, passport number, nationality, etc.).
• Contact information (email and phone number).
• Information about the travel itinerary, including exact dates, flight numbers, and specific entry points.
• Details of planned accommodations during the stay in Thailand.
• Basic medical history of relevant health conditions, in line with current international protocols.

To complete the form, travelers must access the official portal enabled by the Thai authorities. It is recommended to do so at least 48 hours prior to travel to ensure receipt of the necessary digital confirmation. This confirmation must be presented both during the airline check-in process and to immigration personnel upon arrival in Thailand.

It is important to note that failure to comply with or incomplete submission of the form may result in significant travel delays, denied boarding, or possible fines, as stipulated by current immigration regulations.

We advise you to carefully review these new regulations and properly complete the process to ensure a smooth trip.

www.feliu.biz │ www.expatfeliu.com

In our March newsletter, we discussed the new residency procedures that will facilitate the regularization of migrants in Spain starting in May 2025. Now, in this new installment, we focus on other key reforms to the regulations that will expand the possibilities for hiring international talent in Spain. Below, we present the main points that will benefit your company.

1. Strengthen mechanisms to attract and retain talent.

The new regulations address one of the most frequent criticisms of the previous system: difficulties in accessing the labor market. Along these lines, the Entrepreneurs Law already contemplated a 24-month residence permit—non-extendable—for foreign students who had obtained a degree in Spain to seek employment. The current Immigration Regulations also provided for a job-seeking visa for children and grandchildren of Spanish nationals, as well as for certain occupations and geographical areas. However, this visa was only valid for three months, after which the person was required to leave Spanish territory.

The new regulation introduces a substantial change: it transforms this visa into a residence permit—rather than a stay permit—valid for up to 12 months. This modification applies to both children and grandchildren of Spanish nationals and to certain sectors and geographical areas, significantly expanding the possibilities for active job search.

2. Makes it more flexible to recruit talent in training

The new regulation maintains the possibility for foreigners with a residence permit for study purposes to work up to a maximum of 30 hours per week, as provided for in the previous regulations. However, it introduces a significant change regarding the validity of this permit.

Until now, the duration of the stay was linked to the duration of the course or training program, with the obligation to renew it annually. The new regulations maintain this general rule—the authorization will have a duration equal to that of the studies, with a limit of one year—but incorporate an exception that represents a significant advance in terms of administrative simplification.

In the case of higher education, the stay authorization will be valid for the same duration as the official duration of the academic program, even if it is longer than one year. Thus, for example, a university undergraduate student will not have to renew their authorization annually, which reduces the bureaucratic burden.
However, the new regulations also introduce certain restrictions. In particular, it will no longer be possible for foreign minors to complete compulsory secondary education (ESO) in Spain with a residence permit for study purposes, as was previously permitted.

3. It makes socio-educational and family ties more flexible, facilitating regularization and access to the labor market

The new regulation introduces significant improvements to socio-educational and family ties permits, allowing more people in the process of regularization to legally access the labor market. Under this regulation, initial social, educational, and family ties permits allow employment, both as an employee and as a self-employed person, provided proof of a minimum residence of two years in Spain is provided (compared to the previous three years). Furthermore, the duration of these permits is extended to one year, renewable for another four years, with the exception of family ties, which are granted for five years.

For companies, this represents an opportunity to integrate a greater number of professionals already residing in Spain into the labor market, with the possibility of accessing regularized talent more quickly and with greater legal guarantees.

4. Facilitates residency and access to work for family members of international talent, reducing barriers to their integration

The new regulation introduces key measures to facilitate residency and employment for family members of foreign workers, one of the main demands of international companies and employees. Now, direct family members of legal residents (such as spouses, children up to the age of 26, and unregistered partners) can obtain residency and work permits more easily and with fewer bureaucratic requirements.

One of the main new features is the extension of the age limit for children to 26 (previously 21), allowing family members of international workers to bring their adult children, a limitation that previously affected many highly qualified employees.

For companies, this flexibility means that international workers can enjoy greater personal and family stability, increasing the likelihood of long-term settlement in Spain. This, in turn, favors the integration of their families into the workplace and social environment, contributing to a more positive and committed work environment.

The new Immigration Regulations offer companies an excellent opportunity to access international talent with greater flexibility. With measures such as the extension of the job seeker visa, the improvement of the international student regime, and the flexibility of socio-educational and family ties, companies will be able to recruit and retain professionals more quickly.

If you have questions about how these changes affect you or need personalized advice, do not hesitate to contact the Expatfeliu team. We will be happy to offer support to manage your situation simply and effectively.

www.feliu.biz │ www.expatfeliu.com

On March 30, 2025, Bangladesh officially joined the driving license exchange agreement with Spain. This recent agreement makes it easier for Bangladeshi citizens residing in Spain to exchange their original driving licenses for the Spanish equivalent, thus simplifying their mobility and access to employment in Spain.

With the addition of Bangladesh, several countries now have similar agreements in force with Spain. Among the latest countries to join this agreement are Honduras, whose agreement entered into force on November 26, 2024; Moldova, from May 11, 2024; and Georgia, from April 5, 2024. It is also important to highlight the agreement signed with the Republic of Honduras on May 13, 2024, and with Moldova on May 11 of the same year.

In total, Spain maintains bilateral driver’s license exchange agreements with more than twenty countries, including Latin American nations such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Uruguay, among others. These agreements seek to facilitate the administrative process for foreign residents in Spain and promote the social and economic integration of these communities.

The Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) reminds that each participating country has specific procedures, and it is essential that the licenses to be exchanged be valid and have been obtained before acquiring legal residence in Spain. Furthermore, in some specific cases, additional practical or theoretical tests may be required to ensure that drivers meet the standards required by Spanish regulations.

These types of agreements contribute significantly to road safety, as they ensure that foreign drivers are properly licensed and comply with the regulations established in Spain. Furthermore, the exchange process is vital for reducing bureaucratic procedures and streamlining the adaptation of new residents to Spain.

For complete and up-to-date information on these agreements and the specific requirements, interested parties should visit the official DGT website or visit their local offices, where they will receive personalized guidance on how to successfully complete the process. If you need to exchange your driver’s license, contact us and we will assist and advise you.

www.feliu.biz │ www.expatfeliu.com

The UK government has announced a significant increase in the price of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), from €11 to approximately €20. This increase comes just a week after the official implementation of the system for European travelers, which could significantly impact the costs and planning of international travelers to British territory.

The ETA remains valid for two years and allows stays of up to six months per entry. It should be noted that this document is not a traditional visa, but rather an electronic authorization similar to those already in effect in countries such as the United States and Canada.

The requirement is mandatory for visa-exempt travelers from 87 countries and territories, including: Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Monaco, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saint Kitts and Nevis, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Spain, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uruguay, and the Vatican.

This authorization must be obtained in advance, preferably at least 72 hours before travel, through the official British government portal or the “UK ETA” mobile app. Although a response is normally received within a few minutes, it could exceptionally take up to three days.

This measure particularly affects travelers who use frequent air connections to major UK airports, such as London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, or Edinburgh, as well as sea and rail connections from major European cities.

In light of this situation, authorities recommend checking the approval status before arriving at boarding points and always keeping a printed or digital copy of the authorization on hand. They also remind travelers that, despite the price increase, the duration of the authorization remains the same, allowing multiple entries during its two-year validity period.

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US immigration authorities have significantly intensified the screening and controls applied to foreign nationals seeking to enter the country. This new measure responds to the current administration’s policy, which has decided to implement stricter and more exhaustive criteria for both visa issuance and checks carried out at points of entry.

In this context, we recommend that international travelers pay special attention to their immigration documentation before traveling to the United States. Specific recommendations include carefully verifying the validity of the visa granted, ensuring that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond their intended period of stay in the United States, and providing additional documentation that clearly and verifiably supports the purpose of their trip. Some of the situations highlighted in this alert are:

• A substantial increase in secondary inspections, particularly targeting travelers with criminal records or prior immigration violations, who could face denial of entry and even pretrial detention until deportation.
• Increased scrutiny targeting employees working in sectors considered sensitive, such as agriculture, construction, consulting, and manufacturing, who could experience prolonged wait times at ports of entry.
• Additional requirements by immigration officials, including evidence of the specific purpose of travel, formal letters of invitation, current employment records, financial documents, and strong evidence of ties to the traveler’s country of origin that demonstrates the traveler’s intent to return.
• Possibility of more in-depth inspections, including the review of personal electronic devices by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers.

Companies with employees who regularly travel to the United States for work-related reasons should adapt and strengthen their internal procedures to anticipate and effectively respond to additional questioning or verification by immigration authorities.

Finally, we emphasize that the purpose of these measures is none other than to guarantee a safe and orderly entry into the country, in addition to ensuring strict compliance with existing immigration laws. Therefore, we strongly recommend maintaining a patient, polite, and truthful attitude when interacting with immigration officials, providing accurate and complete information during entry procedures.

www.feliu.biz │ www.expatfeliu.com