Spain is on the brink of a significant shift in its migration policy. The Spanish government is poised to approve a Royal Decree this Tuesday, initiating an extraordinary regularization process for undocumented foreign nationals. This measure could positively impact approximately half a million migrants, as confirmed by official sources cited by RTVE and the EFE news agency.
This decision, negotiated between the government and Podemos, aims to "ensure rights and provide legal certainty to an existing social reality," according to government statements. The announcement follows months of parliamentary gridlock over a popular legislative initiative supported by over 700,000 signatures and backed by a wide majority in Congress, with Vox being the sole opposition, as reported by RTVE.
Publicly previewed by European Parliament member Irene Montero during an event in Madrid titled "Regularization Now," the agreement outlines that individuals who have been in Spain before December 31, 2025, and can prove at least five months of residency, even through alternative documents like medical records, utility contracts, or remittance receipts, will be eligible. This is crucial for those who never managed to register officially.
A key aspect of this measure is its immediate impact on the daily lives of thousands. Once an application is submitted, deportation orders and return procedures due to administrative issues, including working without a permit, will be suspended. Simply being admitted into the process grants provisional residency, allowing legal employment and access to healthcare, according to both sources.
If the final decision is favorable, a one-year residency permit will be granted, with the possibility of transitioning to a standard permit according to immigration regulations. The process remains open until June 30, creating significant anticipation among migrant communities who have spent years living, working, and raising families in Spain without documentation.
The government argues that this approach strengthens a migration model based on human rights, integration, and social harmony, aligned with economic growth, as explained by Elma Saiz, Minister of Inclusion, cited by RTVE. Since it is processed as a Royal Decree, the measure bypasses the need for parliamentary validation, allowing the government to overcome the lack of consensus that has stalled other migration initiatives.
Podemos has described the regularization as an act of "social justice" against what they see as years of institutional racism and labor exploitation. Conversely, the Popular Party and Vox have sharply criticized the government, accusing it of encouraging a "pull effect" and using immigration as a political smokescreen.
Key Details of Spain's Migration Regularization Plan
Who is eligible for Spain's migration regularization?
Individuals who have been in Spain before December 31, 2025, and can demonstrate at least five months of residency are eligible. Proof can be provided through alternative documents such as medical records, utility contracts, or remittance receipts.
What benefits does the regularization process offer?
The application submission suspends deportation orders and administrative return procedures. Applicants gain provisional residency, allowing legal employment and healthcare access. A favorable decision can lead to a one-year residency permit, with a chance for a standard permit later.