Regularisation of Foreign Nationals in Spain 2026: Key Requirements and Latest Updates
The Spanish Government is expected to approve in April 2026 a new extraordinary regularisation process for migrants, aimed at hundreds of thousands of people currently living in the country with an irregular administrative status. The measure seeks to facilitate their integration into the labour market and reduce the size of the informal economy. However, there is still no full legal certainty regarding the final details.
Main Requirements (latest available information)
Although the final text is still pending approval through a Royal Decree, the following requirements have already been confirmed or outlined by the Government:
- Entry into Spain before 31 December 2025
Applicants will need to prove effective presence in Spanish territory before this date. - Minimum continuous residence of 5 months
Applicants must demonstrate uninterrupted residence in Spain for at least five months prior to submitting the application. - No criminal record
Both in Spain and in the country of origin or previous residence. - Irregular administrative status or asylum seekers
Individuals who applied for international protection before 1 January 2026 will also be eligible. - Flexible documentary evidence
Various forms of proof will be accepted, including municipal registration (empadronamiento), utility bills, contracts, medical appointments or money transfers.
Rights arising from the application
One of the most significant features of this regulation is that, once the application has been submitted, the applicant may obtain a provisional residence and work permit, which takes effect almost immediately upon the application being accepted for processing.
This represents a major step forward, as it avoids long waiting periods during which the individual would otherwise be unable to work legally in Spain.
In practice, this provisional authorisation allows the applicant to enter the labour market straight away, without having to wait for a final decision on their case. It also offers a high degree of flexibility, as it permits both employment (working for an employer) and self-employment (operating as a freelancer or running an economic activity).
In this way, the applicant’s labour and economic integration is facilitated, enabling them to generate income, contribute to the social security system and develop their professional path while their administrative status is being processed.
Timeline and procedure
- Expected start: April 2026 (exact date not yet confirmed)
- Deadline: 30 June 2026
- Estimated processing time: up to 3 months per application
Conclusion and purpose of the regularisation
This process represents a more flexible form of regularisation compared to traditional “arraigo” mechanisms, reducing the required period of residence to just five months. This constitutes a significant structural shift in Spain’s migration policy.
However, its effective implementation will depend on the final regulatory framework and the administrative capacity to handle the expected high volume of applications.
Stay up to date via our website, we will keep you informed of all the latest developments in a timely manner.
