Spain Launches Extraordinary Regularization Program for Undocumented Foreign Residents in 2026

The Spanish government has initiated a groundbreaking extraordinary regularization process that allows hundreds of thousands of undocumented foreigners living in Spain to apply for temporary legal residency. This extraordinary measure, announced in late January 2026 by Minister Elma Saiz Delgado of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration, aims to boost social integration and acknowledges the reality and importance of migrant populations in the country.

To qualify, applicants must prove at least five months of residency in Spain before December 31, 2025, and must have a clean criminal record. Successful applicants will receive a one-year temporary residence permit, after which they can apply under the existing immigration categories. The application window is expected to open in early April and will close by June 30, 2026.

This initiative contrasts sharply with recent global trends toward stricter immigration enforcement seen in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom. Spain positions itself as more inclusive, emphasizing that migrant labor is crucial to key sectors such as agriculture and tourism, which support the Spanish economy.

Despite its social and economic objectives, the decree has drawn criticism, especially from opposition parties on the far right, who have vowed to challenge its legality in court. Nonetheless, the government highlights the program's role in strengthening social cohesion and enhancing welfare.

Additionally, during the same government session, a €20 million aid package was approved for victims of recent railway accidents in Adamuz and Gelida, along with the authorization of a new telematic monitoring system for offenders in gender violence cases to improve victim safety.

This extraordinary regularization represents a significant policy shift that promotes inclusivity and recognition of migrants’ contributions while addressing contemporary social challenges in Spain.