Spain is opening the door to half a million people who have lived in the shadows for years. The government has approved an extraordinary regularisation process designed to legalise the status of undocumented foreign nationals already living in the country.
The goal is simple but ambitious: recognise reality, guarantee rights, strengthen legal certainty, and reinforce social cohesion.
The Council approved the measure of Ministers and formed the first major step of the Plan for Integration and Intercultural Coexistence, Spain’s new migration strategy rooted in human rights, integration, and economic sustainability.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez confirmed the initiative after reaching an agreement with coalition partner Podemos, a deal that is already reshaping Spain’s political and economic landscape.
Who Can Apply Under Spain’s Amnesty Scheme?
The scheme targets undocumented migrants who are already part of Spanish society, many of whom were excluded from existing legal pathways.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must:
- Have been present in Spain before December 31, 2025
- Prove at least five months of continuous residence
- Have no criminal record
- Pose no threat to public order
Applicants can prove residence using any public or private document, or a combination of both. For those who applied for asylum or international protection, proof that the application was filed before the deadline is sufficient.
When Does the Application Process Open?
- Opening date: Early April 2026
- Deadline: June 30, 2026
Once the Royal Decree’s regulatory procedures are finalised, applications will open nationwide.
Importantly, any deportation or return proceedings are automatically suspended as soon as an application is submitted, offering immediate legal protection.
What Rights Does the Amnesty Scheme Grant?
Approved applicants will receive a one-year residence and work permit with powerful benefits from day one.
Key Rights Granted
- Legal authorisation to work immediately
- Employment is allowed in any sector and any region
- Access to Spain’s public healthcare system
- Registration with Social Security
- Entry into the regular immigration system after one year
The government promises a fast-track process:
- Decision within 15 days of approval
- Maximum processing time: three months
Key Conditions and Benefits at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
| Eligible applicants | Foreigners present before Dec 31, 2025 |
| Minimum residence | 5 continuous months |
| Criminal record | Must have none |
| Permit duration | 1 year |
| Right to work | Immediate, nationwide |
| Application period | April 2026 – June 30, 2026 |
| Processing time | Up to 3 months |
Family Unity: A Core Pillar of the Scheme
Family stability sits at the centre of Spain’s Amnesty Scheme for 500,000 Foreigners.
- Minor children already in Spain can regularise their status at the same time as their parents
- Children will receive five-year residence permits
- The government sees family unity as essential for long-term integration and social inclusion
Why Spain Is Doing This Now
Spain is responding to a reality it can no longer ignore. According to official and independent estimates, the country has an underground population of nearly 840,000 undocumented migrants. Many already work, pay rent, and contribute informally to the economy.
The government argues the scheme will:
- Reduce illegal employment
- Combat labour exploitation
- Fill labour shortages
- Expand the tax base
- Increase legal certainty for employers
Key sectors expected to benefit include:
- Hospitality
- Logistics
- Healthcare
Spain last carried out a similar mass regularisation in 2005, granting permits to around 580,000 people.
Political and Democratic Impact
Beyond economics, the scheme carries major political consequences. According to Podemos, more than 500,000 people could ultimately benefit, with over 200,000 gaining legal residency in the first phase. This opens the door to future political participation, including voter registration, a development that has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties.
The move was implemented through a Royal Decree, following parliamentary debate. Critics argue this undermines democratic oversight, while the government insists it is the fastest and most legally secure route under Spanish and EU law.
The policy also revives a stalled citizens’ initiative backed by over 700,000 signatures, which had remained blocked in Parliament for months.
Rising Illegal Immigration and Ongoing Concerns
The timing of the amnesty coincides with a steep rise in irregular migration. Estimates show undocumented immigration growing from around 107,000 in 2017 to nearly 840,000 in 2025.
Think tanks warn that mass regularisations alone do not stop illegal immigration unless border controls and legal migration channels are reformed alongside them.
A Turning Point for Spain
Whether seen as an overdue act of inclusion or a risky political gamble, Spain’s Amnesty Scheme for 500,000 Foreigners marks a defining moment.
It offers legal certainty to hundreds of thousands already embedded in Spanish society, while raising difficult questions about migration control, governance, and the balance between compassion and the rule of law.
What is certain is this: once the permits are issued, Spain’s social, economic, and political landscape will not look the same again.