Spain Immigration Regularisation 2026

Spain launches an extraordinary regularisation for immigrants Complete guide 2026

Summary: In 2026, Spain has approved an extraordinary regularisation that will allow hundreds of thousands of immigrants in an irregular situation to apply for residence and work permits. Here we explain who can apply, requirements, process, deadlines, rights, and controversies.

In January 2026, the Government of Spain approved a historic measure for undocumented immigrants living in the country: an extraordinary regularisation through a royal decree that will temporarily grant legal residence and work permits to people who meet certain criteria. This action has generated national and international headlines due to its scale — possibly benefiting around 500,000 people — and its social, labour, and political impact.

What is the extraordinary regularisation

The extraordinary regularisation is an exceptional procedure through which the Spanish State offers immigrants in an irregular situation the possibility of obtaining a residence and work permit for the first time. Unlike ordinary immigration pathways — such as labour rootedness, social rootedness, or family reunification — this process is activated through an urgent royal decree without the need for full parliamentary processing. 

Key objectives

• Recognise basic rights for people already living in Spain.
• Regularise the situation of workers who are in the underground economy.
• Strengthen social cohesion, protecting families and communities.
• Increase tax revenue and social security contributions.

Who can benefit?

The measure is aimed exclusively at immigrant individuals who meet the following criteria:

• Reside in Spanish territory before 31 December 2025. 
• Prove continuous stay of at least five months before requesting regularisation. 
• Not have relevant criminal records, both in Spain and in the country of origin. 
• Present documentation proving public or private presence in Spain (such as municipal registration, rental contracts, medical reports, tickets, transfers). 

Those who have applied for international protection before this deadline may also apply. 

Important dates and process

According to the official text:

• Public consultation of the royal decree: January 2026. 
• Opening of the application period: early April 2026. 
• Deadline: 30 June 2026. 

The processing of each file is expected to take a maximum of three months, and once the application is admitted for processing, the person will be able to reside and work legally in Spain.

Rights obtained through regularisation

The authorisations granted have the following effects:

• Temporary legal residence permit in Spain.
• Permission to work as an employee or self-employed in any sector. 
• Access to the public health system and basic services. 
• Social security system and contributions. 

The initial authorisation will be for one year, after which they may request renewal under Spain’s ordinary immigration rules. 

Documentation requirements

Although the final text of the royal decree was under public consultation at the end of January 2026, official sources and experts recommend preparing:

• Valid passport or identity document. 
• Criminal record certificate from the country of origin, translated and apostilled where required.
• Proof of stay in Spain (municipal registration, contracts, tickets, reports, bills). 
• Additional documentation of active life (informal work, community participation). 

Preparing these documents in advance is key to avoiding errors, according to lawyers specialised in immigration law. 

Economic and social impact

The measure has been supported by agricultural unions and labour organisations due to the labour shortage in sectors such as agriculture, where up to 200,000 workers could benefit directly. 

In addition, the inclusion of people currently in the informal labour market is expected to increase social security contributions and reduce the underground economy. Experts mention that these changes could strengthen the pension system and public services. 

Criticism and political debate

Although the measure has received social support and backing from some economic sectors, it has also generated debate:

• Opposition parties such as the Popular Party have questioned whether this regularisation affects the European Union’s common migration policy. 
• Some regional governments, such as the Balearic Islands, have announced possible legal challenges to its implementation. 
• Opinions from religious and social leaders have been mixed, with voices criticising the measure for various reasons. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Who will not be able to apply?

Those who arrived in Spain after 31 December 2025, those who cannot prove the minimum five-month stay, or those with significant criminal records will not be eligible. In addition, this authorisation does not automatically provide rights to live or work in other European Union countries. 

Can one travel outside Spain?

After obtaining the authorisation, the person may travel to countries in the Schengen Area as a tourist under the same conditions as other holders of Spanish permits, but does not automatically gain the right to reside or work in another EU member country. 

How to renew after one year?

After the first year of residence, those who meet ordinary immigration requirements may request renewal or even begin a long-term residence process after several years of continuous legal stay. This is handled at immigration offices according to the current Immigration Law.

Conclusion

The extraordinary regularisation 2026 in Spain represents one of the largest government actions to legally integrate immigrants in an irregular situation. With specific requirements, a defined process between April and June, and clear residence and work rights, this measure offers significant opportunities to hundreds of thousands of people who already contribute to Spanish society. Its impact remains under political and social debate, but its implementation promises to radically change Spain’s migration landscape during 2026 and the coming years.

Official sources: Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration Spain

Spain 2026 Immigration Adventure

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