The Government has approved a quota of 5,100 immigration authorizations for the winter season 2026-2027as reported this Wednesday in a press conference and in an official statement from the executive. Of the total permits, 3,363 are intended for the hotel sector, including restaurants, 1,064 on the ski slopes, 480 to shops in general, 111 in the cleaning sector and 82 to travel agencies. The figure is similar to last season, in which they were used 5,069 authorizations, and one can be extended 30% if necessary, up to a maximum of 6,630 permissions
Applications can be submitted from tomorrow, October 22, and until March 31, 2027. In terms of validity, the permits of the hotel sector and cleaning and laundry companies may be extended until June 15, 2027while those of the other sectors will end on May 2. During the press conference it was also explained that the recruitment at origin is processed separately from the winter quotawith the aim of improving the relationship between employers and workers.
The quota, approved at the proposal of the Minister of Justice and Interior, Ester Molnéhas the favorable opinion of Economic and Social Council (CES). The executive justifies the opening of this contingent due to the need to guarantee the operation of companies during the twinter stewone of the more periods economic activity of the country The distribution of permits also includes hotel establishments in ski resorts within the hotel sector, while the trade quota includes, among other activities, the rental of sports equipment and real estate activities.
Another of the issues explained during the appearance is that the companies who can take advantage of the seasonal quota and hire workers during this period will see these authorizations counted within the quota of winter and not from the general fee. In this way, the permissions granted to these companies during the season will be charged to the specific contingent planned to cover the personnel needs of the busiest months.
Difference in entry requirements for EU citizens
During the press conference the issue of entry requirements has also been addressed as part of the Association Agreement with the European Union. As explained, the requirements for citizens of member countries of the EU they do not change, while third-country nationals are subject to the requirements of the European entry and exit system (Entry/Exit System, EES). This distinction affects the conditions of entry according to the nationality of the workers.
