Spain Launches 2026 Migrant Regularization Amnesty to Legalize 500,000 Undocumented Workers

Spain has initiated a large-scale migrant regularization program allowing approximately 500,000 undocumented migrants and asylum-seekers to obtain legal residency and work permits. Approved by the Spanish cabinet on January 27 and published on January 30, this is the first nationwide amnesty since 2005, with the application period scheduled from early April through June 30, 2023.

To qualify, applicants must prove they have resided in Spain for at least five months prior to December 31, 2025, and possess a clean criminal record. Successful applicants will receive a one-year residence permit granting work rights across all sectors, while dependents under 18 years old will be entitled to a five-year permit. After the initial year, migrants can transition into standard immigration categories, providing a pathway to longer-term stability.

The government aims to address pressing labor shortages in key sectors such as agriculture, hospitality, eldercare, and construction, especially amid Spain's aging population. By bringing around €1.7 billion of untaxed earnings into the formal economy, the amnesty is expected to strengthen the social security base and alleviate fiscal pressures on the state.

VisaHQ is offering assistance to applicants by facilitating the online submission process and providing guidance to ensure accuracy. This policy change is considered transformational for many migrants previously limited to informal, low-paid jobs without access to essential services.

However, the amnesty has sparked political controversy. Conservative parties, including the Partido Popular and far-right Vox, criticize the measure as potentially encouraging illegal immigration. In contrast, the government defends the program, citing that prior regularizations have historically increased tax revenues and not incentivized further illegal arrivals. Companies employing non-EU labor are urged to prepare documentation early since biometric appointment slots are expected to fill quickly.

The Spanish government's 2026 migrant regularization program represents a significant step toward integrating undocumented workers into Spain's formal economy, addressing labor market needs while offering migrants legal protections and a stable future.