Spain’s Regularization Process 2026: What It Means and Who Can Apply

Spain is preparing an extraordinary regularization process in 2026 to give legal status to many people who are already living in the country without regular residence permits. The aim is to provide legal security, protect rights, and support better integration through a Royal Decree (Real Decreto).

This measure is indeed presented as a fast way to respond to a long-standing situation, alongside the ordinary rules in Spain’s immigration system.

Key dates (planned)

• Expected opening: early April 2026
• Application deadline: 30 June 2026

Please note that the exact administrative steps and procedures will be confirmed when the Royal Decree is fully approved and published.

Who can apply (all requirements)?

To be eligible, applicants must meet these conditions:

• You must have been living in Spain before 31 December 2025.
• You must prove continuous stay in Spain for at least 5 months at the moment you submit your application.
• You must not have criminal records.

Special rule for asylum / international protection applicants

If you applied for international protection (asylum):

• It is enough that your application was submitted before 31 December 2025, and you can prove it.
  

What do you receive if you are approved?

If the application is accepted, you receive a residence permit valid for one year. Furthermore, this residence authorization automatically includes permission to work:

• anywhere in Spain
• in any sector

This is meant to reduce bureaucracy for both the worker and the employer. After the first year, people must transition into the ordinary legal residence pathways provided under Spain’s immigration rules.

History of Regularization in Spain

Extraordinary regularizations are not new in Spain. The document includes a timeline showing several previous regularization moments and how many applications were granted:

This historical overview is used to show that Spain has used extraordinary regularization processes before as part of migration management.

How to prepare (practical tips)?

Even before the application window opens, it helps to organize proof related to the official requirements:

• Proof of living in Spain before 31 Dec 2025
• Proof of continuous stay in Spain for at least 5 months at the time you apply
• Proof of no criminal record (as required by the procedure)
• If you are an asylum applicant: proof that your international protection application was submitted before 31 Dec 2025

When the final procedure is published, follow the official checklist carefully to avoid delays.