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BOE-A-2026-4944 ·2 March 2026 ·Resolution Low impact
Labour

Companies and foreign nationals: possibility of processing residence and work permits for hard-to-fill occupations in Q1 2026

The State Public Employment Service has published the Catalogue of Hard-to-Fill Occupations in force for the first quarter of 2026. The inclusion of an occupation in this catalogue allows for the processing of initial temporary residence and employment permits for foreign citizens (Art. 65 of the Regulation of Organic Law 4/2000). The catalogue covers sectors such as the Merchant Navy, professional athletes, and technical profiles in construction and installations.

In 2 key points

  1. Hard-to-fill status allows for the processing of initial temporary residence and employment permits (Art. 65 of the Regulation of Organic Law 4/2000). (art. 65)
  2. Validity of the catalogue for the first quarter of 2026 (Annex). (Anexo)

How it affects those involved

For companies with foreign recruitment needs, the regulation enables the hard-to-fill route for specific profiles such as athletes, coaches, or carpentry and electrical technicians (Annex). For foreign workers, it facilitates access to residence and employment in the listed occupations. The validity of these provisions is limited to the first quarter of 2026.

Lifecycle

2026-03-02PublishedPublished in the BOE
Official text Based on BOE data (boe.es). Information, not advice.

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This analysis is informational only and does not constitute legal advice or create a client-adviser relationship. BM Consulting.
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