The Council of Ministers in Spain has authorized a significant reform of the regulations governing the stay of foreigners, initiating an emergency mass legalization process for immigrants residing irregularly in the country. Estimates suggest that this initiative could benefit approximately 500,000 individuals.
This measure was enacted following an agreement between the government and the far-left party Podemos, bypassing the need for a parliamentary vote. The reform will come into effect immediately upon its publication in the Official State Gazette (BOE). The legalization procedure was launched through the approval of a royal decree by the Council of Ministers last Tuesday.
Eligibility Criteria and Application Timeline
The application window for obtaining legal documentation will open in April and remain available until June 30, 2026. Key eligibility requirements include:
- Being present in Spain without a visa or valid residence permit as of December 31, 2025;
- Continuous residence in Spain for at least five months at the time of application;
- Having no significant criminal record, supported by a police clearance certificate from the country of residence, including an apostille and translation if necessary.
Applicants can prove their length of residence through various documents such as registration certificates, rental agreements, medical visit records, proof of social assistance, remittance receipts, or transportation tickets.
Parents who qualify will receive residence permits with full work authorization. Their minor children will also be granted residence permits valid for five years. This legalization process extends to applicants for political asylum and refugee status as well.
Applications will be processed within a maximum of three months. During this period, any deportation procedures or administrative actions related to unauthorized work against applicants will be suspended. Once an application is accepted for processing, a temporary residence permit will be issued, granting the right to work legally and access essential services such as healthcare. Upon a positive decision, applicants will receive a one-year residence permit, after which they may apply for a standard residence permit under existing immigration laws.
The last mass regularization in Spain occurred in 2005 under Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero’s administration. Similar to the current process, it was implemented through legal provisions without parliamentary involvement and allowed over 575,000 people to regularize their status. Another extraordinary legalization took place in 2000 under José María Aznar’s government, although that process followed a reform of the Foreigners Act by the lower house of parliament before implementation.