Extraordinary regularisation of migrants in Spain: what we know so far and how to prepare

The Government has initiated this week the procedures for a new extraordinary regularization of migrants in irregular situations, a measure that could benefit around half a million people and that has not been applied in Spain for nearly two decades.

The process, resulting from the agreement between PSOE and Podemos, will be implemented through a Royal Decree that will modify the current immigration framework and allow thousands of people to obtain a residence and work permit, as well as suspend expulsion procedures during its processing.

Although the final text is yet to be published, the main elements of this regularization have already been announced. We outline them below.

Who is eligible for the regularization?

The following groups may benefit from this extraordinary process:

• Foreign nationals residing in Spain in an irregular situation.
• Applicants for international protection whose applications were submitted before December 31, 2025.
• Those who can demonstrate a minimum stay of five months in Spain before that date.
• Individuals without significant criminal records or who do not pose a threat to public order.

The Government estimates that the potential number of beneficiaries is around 500,000 people, although some studies place the irregular population in Spain above 800,000.

How can residence in Spain be proven?

A key element of the procedure will be proof of continuous residence. A single document will not be required; various means of verification will be accepted, including:

• Registration certificate (empadronamiento).
• Medical reports or appointments.
• Certificates of attendance at social services.
• Rental contracts.
• Utility bills.
• Proof of money transfers.
• Transport tickets or other private documents.

This flexible approach aims to facilitate access for individuals who, due to their circumstances, lack formal administrative documentation.

 

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When can applications be submitted?

The procedure will begin after the Royal Decree is definitively approved by the Council of Ministers and published in the Official State Gazette (BOE).

Current forecasts indicate that:

• Applications could start being submitted from April or May 2026.
• The deadline for submitting applications will extend until June 30, 2026.
• The resolution period will not exceed three months from submission.

What are the effects of submitting an application?

The design of the process introduces very significant immediate legal effects:

• From the moment the application is submitted, expulsion or return procedures for administrative reasons or for working without a permit will be suspended.
• Once the application is accepted for processing, a provisional residence permit will be granted, allowing legal work in Spain and access to healthcare and other basic rights.

If the resolution is favorable, a one-year residence permit will be issued, renewable subsequently under the general immigration regulations.

Direct impact on companies and workers

Beyond its social dimension, this regularization will have a significant impact on the labor market and hiring policies of many companies:

• It will enable the regularized incorporation of workers who are currently providing services without authorization.
• It will facilitate registration, affiliation, and contributions to Social Security.
• It will help stabilize workforces in sectors with high labor demand.

For companies with an international presence or recurring needs to hire foreign talent, it will be particularly important to anticipate scenarios and review internal mobility and immigration compliance procedures.

How can we help?

At Adlanter, we support companies and professionals in immigration, international mobility, and visa management processes, offering comprehensive advice on:

• Residence and work permits.
• Regularizations and status changes.
• Hiring foreign talent.
• Compliance with immigration regulations.

If your company expects to be affected by this process or wants to analyze how to take advantage of this regularization safely and efficiently, our specialized mobility and visa team can assist you.

Contact our experts in international mobility and immigration to assess your situation and prepare the next steps in advance.