All posts by : Editor

As of October 12, 2025, the Entry/Exit System (EES) has been launched, a new border control mechanism designed to modernize the management of entries and exits at the external borders of the Schengen area. This system represents a structural change in how European states record and monitor the movement of international travelers, replacing the traditional manual passport stamps with an automated electronic registration.

The EES is part of the European strategy to strengthen the security of external borders and improve the efficiency of migration procedures, while ensuring greater agility and accuracy in tracking the movements of third-country nationals.

Who does the EES affect?

The system will digitally record the entries and exits of all third-country nationals traveling to the Schengen area for short stays — that is, up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This measure applies to both visa-required travelers and those exempt from visa requirements.

EU citizens and residents of Schengen-associated countries (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland) will be exempt from registration, as will nationals of Ireland and Cyprus, where manual passport stamping will continue.

The EES will also not apply to holders of long-term visas, residence permits, or EU family member residence cards, nor to nationals of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and the Vatican City State.

Exemptions also include diplomats, cross-border workers covered by bilateral agreements, and air, sea, and rail crew members performing their professional duties.

Data collected and system operation

The EES will gather biometric and travel data to enhance security and prevent irregular entry or overstays. The information recorded includes:

• Facial images of all travelers
• Fingerprints (for visa-exempt travelers)
• Biometric data contained in the passport
• Dates and places of entry and exit from the Schengen territory

Children under 12 years of age will be exempt from fingerprint collection but will have a photograph taken.

The system will automatically calculate each traveler’s duration of stay within the Schengen area and determine the remaining time available before reaching the 90-day limit. Data will be stored for three years, or five years in cases of overstaying.

Gradual implementation and transitional period

The rollout of the EES will be progressive, with Member States given until April 10, 2026, to achieve full implementation. During this transitional period, some border points will operate under the new system, while others will continue using manual stamping.

For the first 180 days of adaptation, in the event of discrepancies between digital records and manual stamps, passport stamps will prevail.

Impact on border controls

The EES will affect the external borders of the 25 EU countries belonging to the Schengen area, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

It is expected that, especially during the initial weeks of operation, control times at major entry points, particularly international airports such as Madrid-Barajas (MAD), Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Amsterdam-Schiphol (AMS), Rome-Fiumicino (FCO), and Frankfurt (FRA), will increase.

However, in the medium term, the European Commission anticipates that the system will improve the efficiency and transparency of border checks, reduce document fraud, and enhance the detection of overstays.

Recommendations for travelers

Feliu N&I advises international travelers planning to travel to or within the Schengen area from October 2025 onward to consider the following recommendations:

• Plan your trip in advance and anticipate possible longer waiting times at border controls.
• Arrive at airports or checkpoints with sufficient time in advance.
• Check the entry and stay requirements of each Schengen country during the gradual implementation phase, as different control systems may coexist.
• Ensure that your passport is valid and up to date, and that you hold the necessary visas or permits.
• Follow official updates from European border authorities or the European Commission.

A step towards the digitalization of European border control

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is part of a broader set of technological initiatives promoted by the European Union to digitalize migration and border management, alongside the forthcoming ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System), which is expected to launch after the full implementation of the EES.

With the entry into force of this new system, the EU takes a decisive step toward a more secure, modern, and coordinated border control model, balancing international mobility with the protection and security needs of the European territory.

www.feliu.biz │ www.expatfeliu.com

The Council of Ministers has approved Royal Decree 773/2025, dated 2 September and published in the Official State Gazette (BOE) on 3 September 2025 (BOE-A-2025-17510). This decree introduces amendments to Royal Decree 581/2017, of 9 June, on the recognition of professional qualifications obtained in other Member States of the European Union.
The reform responds to the obligation to transpose Directive (EU) 2024/505 of the European Parliament and of the Council, dated 7 February 2024, concerning the recognition of professional qualifications of nurses responsible for general care trained in Romania.
Royal Decree 773/2025 entered into force on 4 September 2025, the day after its publication in the BOE.

European regulatory framework and context

Directive 2005/36/EC forms the cornerstone of EU legislation on the recognition of professional qualifications. Subsequent amendments — including Directive 2013/55/EU — adapted the framework to new training and labor mobility requirements.
Within this context, Romania developed a special revalorization program for nursing degrees to align its training system for general care nurses with European standards. In 2020, the European Commission certified that this program fully met the minimum training requirements.

The recent Directive (EU) 2024/505 expressly recognizes these revalorization programs, allowing professionals who have completed them to benefit from the automatic recognition of their qualifications, without needing to prove prior professional experience in Romania.

Key changes introduced by Royal Decree 773/2025

The new decree amends Article 45 of Royal Decree 581/2017, incorporating into Spanish law the provisions introduced by the European directive. Among its main innovations are:
• Recognition of Romanian nursing diplomas accompanied by professional experience certificates issued in the country of origin.
• Inclusion of the special revalorization program as a sufficient pathway to demonstrate training and obtain automatic recognition.
• Guarantee of validity and equivalence of Romanian-European nursing titles in Spain, provided they meet the criteria set out in the regulation.
• Preservation of acquired rights: recognitions already granted remain fully valid.

The decree also confirms that the implementation of these measures does not entail increased public expenditure or new administrative burdens, thereby reinforcing legal certainty and facilitating the mobility of healthcare professionals within the European Union.

Impact on professionals and employers

This reform represents progress in aligning Spanish law with EU legislation and has a direct impact on both healthcare professionals trained in Romania and the institutions and companies employing them:
• Simplification of qualification recognition procedures.
• Greater legal certainty for professionals and employers.
• Acceleration of labor mobility within the European single market.
• Strengthening of professional qualification guarantees in the healthcare sector.

Our support

At Feliu N&I, we closely monitor legislative developments that affect the international mobility of professionals and the recognition of qualifications in Spain and the European Union.
We offer our clients a specialized team in validation, equivalence, and recognition of professional qualifications, providing comprehensive advice throughout every stage of the administrative process.
Whether for healthcare professionals seeking to work in Spain or for healthcare companies aiming to hire qualified talent, we help ensure the legal validity of qualifications and provide expert guidance to navigate the applicable regulatory framework with confidence.

www.feliu.biz │ www.expatfeliu.com

Consult us and we will advise you on the correct choice of visas depending on the duties to be performed, the duration of the assignment, and the permitted activities.

The recent changes announced in the United States regarding immigration regulations reinforce the importance of carefully planning any work-related assignment to this country.

More and more Spanish companies are considering sending professionals to the United States to carry out projects, strengthen teams, or open new markets. However, before taking this step, it is essential to understand the legal framework and the requirements associated with this type of international assignment.

Beyond Immigration: Labor and Tax Aspects

An international assignment requires a comprehensive analysis. In addition to the immigration dimension, the following aspects must be considered:

• Labor aspects:
  o Determine under which labor regulations the employee will be subject.
  o Review obligations regarding the employment contract, salary, working hours, vacations, insurance, and social security contributions.
  o Ensure that the employment relationship with the Spanish company remains properly documented.
• Tax aspects:
  o Analyze tax residency during the assignment.
  o Consider the application of the double taxation treaty between Spain and the U.S.
  o Plan tax withholdings and obligations in both countries.
• Social security and medical coverage:
  o Confirm the application of bilateral agreements regarding social security contributions.
  o Assess necessary medical coverage and supplementary insurance.

Plan Ahead and Seek Expert Advice

Each assignment is unique. The key is to plan ahead, properly evaluate the company’s needs and functions, and rely on professionals with experience. This approach helps minimize risks, optimize costs, and ensure that the employee relocates with full guarantees.

At Feliu N&I, we have a team specialized in international mobility that can support you throughout the entire process, from selecting the appropriate immigration route to managing labor and tax aspects.

Are you planning to assign employees to the United States? Contact us, and we will help you make the best decision.

www.feliu.biz │ www.expatfeliu.com

As of July 21, 2025, acquiring French nationality will no longer result in the automatic loss of Spanish nationality.

Legal context: Article 24 of the Spanish Civil Code

Article 24 of the Civil Code regulates one of the most sensitive aspects of nationality law: the loss of Spanish nationality after voluntarily acquiring another. Until now, the general rule stated that any Spaniard who voluntarily acquired a foreign nationality would lose their Spanish nationality unless they expressly declared their intention to retain it before the Civil Registry within three years.

This legal mechanism was based on the principle of “unity of nationality,” conceived in a very different historical context. However, international reality has evolved toward greater acceptance of dual nationality, reflecting migration, multiculturalism, and cross-border personal and professional ties.

To adapt to this reality, Article 24 already provides a series of exceptions: nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and Portugal do not lose their Spanish nationality when acquiring that of their country of origin. As of July 21, 2025, France will officially be added to this list.

What does the amendment imply?

Through this reform, the Spanish legislator explicitly recognizes French nationality as one of the exceptions to the general regime of nationality loss. This means that:

• Spanish citizens who acquire French nationality will not automatically lose their Spanish nationality, even if they do not expressly declare their intention to retain it.
• The three-year deadline to manifest the will to keep Spanish nationality after acquiring another foreign one will no longer apply.
• The legal recognition of dual Franco-Spanish nationality is reinforced.

This change is not retroactive, so it does not automatically affect situations prior to the effective date (July 21, 2025). However, it may have future implications in processes of recovery or in consultations regarding the conservation of nationality.

A reform with human, economic, and legal impact

This legislative amendment is not just a technical matter but has tangible and positive effects on the lives of thousands of individuals and entities:

For individuals:

• People with family ties in both countries will be able to acquire French nationality without giving up Spanish nationality—something that until now created uncertainty or required additional formalities.
• The measure will especially benefit Spaniards residing in France and French citizens of Spanish origin who wish to formalize their dual identity without legal risks.

For companies and professionals:

• It facilitates labor and executive mobility between Spain and France, avoiding nationality conflicts or legal uncertainties.
• It fosters the internationalization of human resources, allowing professionals to maintain their legal and administrative ties with both countries.

For the institutional and European environment:

• It strengthens the historical and cultural ties between France and Spain, countries that share close bonds within the European Union.
• It is consistent with a regulatory trend that favors dual nationality among Member States, recognizing the multiple identities of European citizens.

What can Feliu N&I SL do?

From our firm, specialized in international mobility, immigration, and nationality, we support individuals and companies with procedures related to obtaining, retaining, and recovering Spanish and French nationality.

Our services include:

• Personalized advice on dual Franco-Spanish nationality.
• Management of files before the Civil Registry and the French administration.
• Consulting services for companies with transnational staff.
• Resolution of questions regarding situations prior to the reform.

Conclusion: an opportunity to simplify and protect

The reform of Article 24 of the Civil Code represents progress in recognizing the transnational realities of many citizens. Including France as an exception to nationality loss is a decisive step toward a more modern, inclusive, and coherent legal framework within the current European context.

At Feliu N&I SL, we remain committed to keeping our community informed and to providing professional support in these key processes for the personal and professional lives of our clients.

www.feliu.biz │ www.expatfeliu.com

Background

On August 7, 2025, China’s State Council approved Order No. 814, which introduces significant amendments to the Regulations on the Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners. This reform, set to take effect on October 1, 2025, establishes a new visa category known as the K Visa, specifically designed to attract young international talent in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

The initiative is part of China’s broader strategy to strengthen its position as a global innovation hub, expand academic and scientific cooperation with international partners, and create a more welcoming framework for those seeking to develop research projects, entrepreneurial ventures, or professional collaborations in the country.

Key features of the K Visa

Compared with the 12 existing visa categories, the K Visa offers greater flexibility and simplified requirements:

• Validity and multiple entries: allows more freedom regarding length of stay and number of entries into China.
• Accessible application process: no prior employment contract or invitation letter from a Chinese entity is required.
• Academic and professional basis: applicants can apply directly based on their academic background, research experience, or professional track record in STEM areas.
• Permitted activities: visa holders may engage in research, teaching, academic projects, cultural initiatives, entrepreneurship, and business activities.

These features make the K Visa particularly attractive for recent graduates, early-career researchers, and young entrepreneurs looking to gain international experience in a fast-evolving and dynamic environment.

Expected impact

The introduction of this new visa category reflects China’s ongoing policy of selective openness to foreign talent, aligned with its goals of technological modernization and global competitiveness.

• For universities and research institutions, the K Visa will ease the recruitment of students and experts contributing to joint innovation projects.
• For tech companies and startups, it opens the door to attracting highly skilled professionals without the need for complex initial hiring procedures.
• For young professionals, it represents the chance to become part of cutting-edge ecosystems and expand their international networks.

At the same time, this new scheme will require both organizations and applicants to seek specialized guidance in international mobility and migration compliance, ensuring a smooth and compliant application process.

At Expatfeliu, we are specialists in visas, international mobility, and migration compliance. Our team is ready to support individuals, companies, and universities in navigating the K Visa application, offering an integrated service that combines legal expertise, practical experience, and a personalized approach.

The K Visa represents a unique opportunity to boost the careers of young STEM professionals and to strengthen cooperation bridges between China and international talent. For further information or tailored advice, please do not hesitate to contact us.

www.feliu.biz │ www.expatfeliu.com

The Schengen Area is taking a step towards the digitalization of its borders with the implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES), an IT platform that will replace the traditional manual stamping of passports with an electronic record of entries and exits of travelers from non-EU countries.

Consequently, this new system is expected to begin implementation in October 2025 and be fully operational by mid-2026. Its launch responds to the need to strengthen security, improve migration management, and streamline border procedures in an area where millions of travelers circulate every year.

Objectives of the EES

Among the main functions of the EES are:

• Enhancing security: by enabling the verification of biometric data, such as fingerprints and photographs, in European databases, it facilitates the identification of potential threats.
• Controlling irregular migration: the system automatically calculates the length of stays and alerts authorities if a traveler exceeds the permitted time.
  This point may be particularly important for companies that frequently send workers abroad for business reasons, as they will need to increase monitoring of permitted stay periods under the 90/180-day rule.
• Streamlining border procedures: it eliminates the manual stamping of passports and replaces it with a faster and more efficient process, thus avoiding possible delays caused by the usual time-consuming passport checks.

Who does it apply to?

The EES will be mandatory for all third-country nationals entering the Schengen Area for short stays — up to 90 days within a 180-day period — whether they require a visa or are visa-exempt.

How will it work in practice?

1. Data collection: at the border checkpoint, the traveler’s passport will be scanned and biometric data will be collected.
2. Electronic registration: the information will be stored in the EES database, along with the date, time, and place of entry.
3. Calculation of stay: the system will automatically calculate the remaining time of the authorized stay.
4. Exit: upon leaving the Schengen Area, the exit will be recorded, and compliance with entry conditions will be verified.

With this new system, the European Union aims not only to modernize its borders but also to provide more precise and transparent control over migration flows, ensuring greater security for Member States.

www.feliu.biz │ www.expatfeliu.com

The regulations are consolidated as a legal attraction for remote workers and independent professionals wishing to establish themselves in Spain, combining quality of life, tax advantages, and an infrastructure conducive to teleworking.
Since the approval of the Startup Law in 2022, Spain has been progressively developing a legal framework to facilitate the attraction of international talent. In this context, the digital nomad visa, officially in force since mid-2023 and recently optimized in June 2025, has become one of the most relevant tools for attracting non-EU remote workers who wish to legally reside in the country while providing services to foreign companies or developing their own professional projects.

What is the digital nomad visa?
The digital nomad visa is a residence and work permit aimed at non-EU citizens who work remotely, as employees or self-employed, and whose income comes mainly from outside Spain. This legal status responds to the new reality of offshore work and seeks to attract highly qualified professionals, thus promoting the digital economy and positioning the country as a European technological hub.
To be eligible for this visa, applicants must meet a series of requirements defined by the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration:
In addition to these requirements, if the digital nomad wishes to relocate with their family, they must provide proof of additional financial means to support them.

Procedure and Duration
The application can be submitted from the country of origin or from Spain, if the applicant is already legally present in the country as a tourist. In the latter case, the international teleworking residence permit can be processed directly, valid for three years, with the possibility of renewal for two additional years.
The initial visa processed from abroad is valid for one year and allows the applicant to subsequently apply for residency upon arrival in Spain.

Who is applying for this visa?
According to sources from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the number of applications has doubled so far in 2025 compared to the previous year, with the most notable citizens coming from the United States, Mexico, Argentina, India, Canada, and Australia.
Many of them come from the technology, design, digital marketing, finance, consulting, and content creation sectors. A significant increase in professionals in online education, coaching, and psychology has also been detected.
Meanwhile, medium-sized cities such as Granada, San Sebastián, Las Palmas, and Alicante are receiving growing interest from these new residents, who value the lower real estate pressure, natural surroundings, and more relaxed pace of life.

Challenges and Perspectives
Despite the advantages, some digital nomads face difficulties such as:
• Complex bureaucratic processes for obtaining a NIE (National Identity Number), registering for a residence permit, and opening bank accounts.
• Lack of clarity regarding the compatibility between tax regimes and local obligations.

At Feliu N&I, we advise international workers, entrepreneurs, and freelancers on all procedures related to this visa, including:
• Applications from abroad or in Spain
• Assistance with tax and social security documentation
• Management for spouses and family members

A strategic opportunity for Spain
The implementation of this visa is a commitment to attracting qualified human capital without the need for direct investment or local hiring. It also promotes domestic consumption, stimulates housing rentals, generates demand in sectors such as private education and healthcare services, and contributes to internationalizing the country’s image.
In a global context of competition for talent, Spain is positioned as one of the most attractive destinations for living and working remotely. The digital nomad visa not only responds to a current need but also outlines a roadmap for the future of international mobility.

Are you considering settling in Spain as a digital nomad?
Contact our team for a personalized evaluation of your case and receive comprehensive support throughout the entire process.

www.feliu.biz │ www.expatfeliu.com

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.

www.feliu.biz │ www.expatfeliu.com