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Spain will be introducing work visa requirements for citizens of Romania.
Spain was one of four European Union countries to lift work restrictions on Romanian citizens when Romania joined the EU in 2007. However, due to Spain's high unemployment rate of 21.3 percent, the country has chosen to impose work visa requirements.
Under EU treaty rules, member states are allowed to restrict work rights for citizens of Romania until 2014. Under normal rules, citizens of EU countries can live and work anywhere in the 27-member bloc.
The restrictions will not apply to the 800,000 Romanian citizens currently residing in Spain.
"The Romanian community maintains a high level of activity and a full integration into Spanish society," said Spain's Ministry of Work and Immigration in a statement.
