In short: the EU has created the Talent Pool, a platform to connect people living outside the EU with jobs in shortage occupations; each member state joins voluntarily and the platform will become operational later on.
Regulation (EU) 2026/1047 sets up a digital portal where people residing outside the Union can register a free profile (via Europass) and employers in participating states post vacancies in shortage occupations. An automated tool suggests matches.
What it is NOT: it is not a visa or a work permit. The visa and the residence/work authorisation still follow their separate national procedure. The platform must provide information on those procedures and on labour rights.
Planned protections: free registration, a ban on charging recruitment fees to the worker, equal treatment (minimum wage, conditions) and mechanisms against abusive practices.
Current status: the Regulation is in force (published May 2026), but Spain is not yet listed as a participating state and joining requires nine months' notice. There is no direct action to take today.
Official source: DOUE-L-2026-80690.
Informational only; check the official source and a professional for your specific case.