Spain’s Historic Migrant Regularisation Gets Green Light

Spain’s Historic Migrant Regularisation Begins

On 27 January 2026 the Spanish Council of Ministers announced the initiation of an
extraordinary regularisation process allowing around 500,000 migrants currently without legal status to apply for residence and work permits. 

This represents a historic development, resulting from the sustained efforts over several years of organisations defending the rights of migrant persons, brought together under the “Regularización Ya” movement, which have driven this measure through the mechanism of the Popular Legislative Initiative.

Since the restoration of democracy in Spain, various extraordinary regularisation processes have been implemented, and all indications suggest that the current one will be among the most extensive and significant to date.

Lauded as one of the most ambitious plans in recent history to regularise migrants, Spain has continued to use migration as a tool to tackle labour force shortages. The regularisation of migrants, though, marks an inflection point, as Spain aims to turn the tide on the “informal economy”. 

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said that it is a “moral imperative” and an “economic strategy” that is an investment in “dignity, community, and growth”. 

The application process for regularisation will operate within a time-limited window, expected between April and June 2026. Migrants should be able to apply for this regularisation process at this time, but not beyond. So, it is important to prepare your application in advance. 

How Do You Qualify to Regularise in Spain?

In order to qualify for regularisation in Spain, applicants must:

• Have no criminal record
• Be living in Spain at the time of the application window

Additionally, one of the following must be true.

• You lived in Spain for at least five months in a row before 31 December 2025
• You applied for asylum before 31 December 2025

You will need to provide evidence of five months of continuous residence within
Spanish territory.

If your application is admitted for processing, you can work provisionally in any sector and location in Spain, even before a decision is made on your application. If you apply and are accepted, you will get a one-year residence and work permit. After one year, you may be able to move into longer-term categories under Spain’s immigration rules, potentially leading to permanent residence if eligible.

The process allows for applications from accompanying dependents and minor children. Simultaneous applications for minor children may be granted a 5 year permit.

What are the regularisation plans expected to achieve?

Spain’s regularisation plans have faced both adulation and criticism within Spain and wider afield in the Western world. As governments in much of Europe and North America tighten immigration regulations, Spain’s policy has stood out. 

Much of Spain’s GDP growth of over 3% has been attributed to a growing migrant workforce, and Spain seems to be one of the few European nations outwardly praising the positive effects of migration. 

The regularisation of migrants is intended to:

• Fill labour shortages, particularly in fields like care, hospitality, agriculture and logistics
• Legalise stays for migrants in Spain, permitting work, housing and healthcare access
• Protect workers and reduce exploitation
• Increase social security and tax revenue

Spain’s Approach is Being Monitored Globally

As Spain takes a somewhat alternative pathway to migration than countries like Denmark, France and the UK who have all tightened their immigration models in recent times, its integration strategy is being closely monitored for its effects. 

What Will Change for New Migrants in Spain?

For migrants arriving in Spain after the eligibility cut-off date or those who do not qualify, the traditional immigration routes still apply. You may be subject to income requirements, proof of relationship or proof of studies to qualify, depending on your visa route.

New entries to Spain must meet the requirements for an existing migration route and cannot regularise as a migrant. Some routes include:

• Student visas
• Work permits sponsored by employers
• Family reunification visas sponsored by family member 
• Business, self-employment or entrepreneur visas
• Digital nomad visas
• Standard asylum procedures

How Can IAS Help You?

IAS can help you understand regularisation, and act fast to secure your status in Spain. As a member of the British Chamber of Commerce in Spain and with lawyers and consultants in Spain who are members of professional bodies, including the Barcelona Bar Association, IAS is experienced at handling even the most complex immigration matters.

We can assist with advice, eligibility checks, document checks and applications, as well as appeals and legal representation to help you get the permission you need to move to, or stay in Spain.

To speak to one of our advisors today, you can contact us by calling +44 (0)333 414 9244, or you can get in touch online. We are here to assist you every step of the way.