Mass Regularization of Foreigners in Spain: Latest News

Everything points to the fact that Spain will carry out an extraordinary mass regularization of foreigners during 2026.

How will it work? What are the requirements to benefit from it?

In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about this procedure. We analyze the latest news and answer the most common questions.

 

 

Latest news on the regularization of foreigners in Spain

 

The Spanish Government has approved an extraordinary regularization process for foreigners in Spain in 2026, which will allow thousands of people in an irregular situation — as well as asylum seekers — to obtain legal residence and work authorization.

According to the draft Royal Decree, applications are expected to be submitted between April and June 2026, provided that the applicant entered Spain before December 31, 2025 and can prove a minimum stay of five months in the country.

One of the most important aspects of this process is that the mere admission of the application will allow applicants to work legally in Spain, without having to wait for the final resolution. The initial authorization will be granted for one year, with the possibility of modification or renewal. The procedure also includes minors and certain family members, and the submission of the application will suspend any return or removal procedures while it is being processed.

Origin of the latest mass regularization

 

The 2024 regularization began with a Popular Legislative Initiative (ILP), which allows citizens to participate and promote the creation of laws.

Once this initiative received more than 500,000 signatures (including a large number from NGOs), it reached Congress where it was voted on by all political parties and parliamentary groups.

The result was very positive: approved with more than 300 votes in favor (and only 33 against, all from the political party Vox).

In the legislative process, once voted on in Congress, this popular legislative initiative enters a phase where it can receive modifications through amendments from the different parliamentary groups.

This is exactly what took place at the end of last week when the Vox group presented a total amendment to this popular legislative initiative seeking to regularize foreigners in an irregular situation in Spain.

 

Who will benefit from the (possible) mass regularization?

 

More than 500,000 foreigners in Spain could potentially benefit from this extraordinary measure.

In general terms, the regularization is expected to apply to:

• Foreign nationals who entered Spain before December 31, 2025.

• Individuals who can prove at least five months of stay in Spain at the time of application.

• Persons currently in an irregular administrative situation who meet the legal requirements.

• Asylum seekers whose applications for international protection were submitted before December 31, 2025.

• Minor children present in Spain, who may apply simultaneously.

• Certain direct family members, depending on the specific circumstances.

• Applicants who do not have relevant criminal or police records.

 

Origin of the regularization

The 2026 regularization process originated two years ago with a Popular Legislative Initiative (ILP).

This mechanism allows citizens to actively participate in and promote the creation of laws. After gathering more than 500,000 signatures, including strong support from NGOs, the initiative was submitted to Congress and voted on by all parliamentary groups.

The outcome was highly favorable: it was approved with more than 300 votes in favor, with only 33 votes against, all of them from the political party Vox.

As part of the legislative process, once an ILP is approved by Congress, it enters a phase where it may be amended by parliamentary groups. This is precisely what occurred when Vox submitted a total amendment aimed at blocking the regularization of foreigners in an irregular situation in Spain.

However, although the initial momentum came from this Popular Legislative Initiative, the process has evolved significantly over the past two years. Ultimately, the Government decided to implement the extraordinary regularization through a Royal Decree, approved by the Council of Ministers in January 2026, as a more agile and effective legal instrument.

As a result, the regularization is no longer in a parliamentary phase, but in a regulatory phase, with a draft Royal Decree subject to public consultation and pending final approval. This approach allows for clear requirements, defined deadlines, and immediate legal effects, such as the right to work from the moment the application is admitted.

In practice, the ILP can be seen as the political and social starting point, while the 2026 Royal Decree constitutes the final legal mechanism through which this extraordinary regularization will be implemented.

 

Requirements expected for the extraordinary regularization in 2026

Although the final text has not yet been approved, the current draft of the Royal Decree allows us to identify the main requirements to access the 2026 extraordinary regularization.

In general, applicants must have entered Spain before December 31, 2025 and must prove a minimum continuous stay of five months in Spain at the time of application. This stay may be demonstrated through various means, such as registration certificates, medical documentation, rental agreements, travel tickets, or other legally valid evidence.

Applicants must not have relevant criminal or police records, either in Spain or in previous countries of residence, and must not represent a risk to public order, security, or public health. They must also not be subject to an entry ban or an active return commitment, and must pay the corresponding administrative fee.

In addition to these general requirements, applicants must fall under one of the qualifying situations, including:

• Having worked in Spain or having a job offer.

• Maintaining family ties in Spain, especially with minor children.

• Being in a situation of vulnerability, where mere administrative irregularity may be sufficient.

• Having applied for international protection (asylum) before December 31, 2025, under the conditions established by the regulation.

One of the most relevant aspects of this regularization is that admission of the application will grant a provisional residence and work authorization, allowing applicants to work legally from the very beginning of the procedure. In addition, the submission of the application will suspend any ongoing return or expulsion procedures.

The residence authorization will generally be granted for one year, with the possibility of later modification or renewal. In the case of minor children, simultaneous applications are предусмотрены, with long-term residence permits.

IMPORTANT: This information is based on the draft Royal Decree currently under processing, and its content may still be modified before final approval.

 

The difference between mass regularization and arraigo sociolaboral

 

Many foreigners ask us this question.

If both regularization and arraigo sociolaboral require a job offer, a criminal record, and at least three years of illegal residence in Spain, what is the difference between the two?

What is the point of regularization if we already have this residence figure due to exceptional circumstances?

To answer we must delve a little deeper. 

The arraigo social process is a considerably more tedious and complex immigration process, and it will continue to be so.

Mainly because not only these requirements are required. For example, a report on integration into Spanish society is necessary, which is obtained from the town hall.

This requirement is often tedious and long to comply with.

In addition, although we currently know that those who have been in Spain since November 2021 (3 years) will be able to benefit from regularization, it is very likely that if a job offer is required, this requirement will be more lax and less time will be required.

So, again, it would be a much more favorable option compared to arraigo social. 

In short, with this regularization, obtaining a residence permit would be much more agile and comfortable.

However, we still have to wait to find out the final details of the procedure and the definitive requirements.

 

Latest updates on the 2026 mass regularization (stay informed)

 

The 2026 mass regularization of foreigners in Spain represents a major milestone in Spanish immigration policy.

Although some details are still pending final approval, this initiative is expected to facilitate the legal integration of thousands of people into Spanish society and the labor market.

We will continue to monitor all official updates and keep this article up to date as new information becomes available.

And, as always, our immigration lawyers are available to assist you with any residence, regularization, or nationality procedure in Spain.

 

Book a consultation with one of our lawyers and we’ll answer all your questions: