Spain has officially approved a new extraordinary regularization process in 2026, an exceptional and time-limited immigration procedure that allows certain foreign nationals currently living in Spain in an irregular administrative situation to apply for legal residence and work authorization.
Also commonly referred to as Spain’s mass regularization process, the measure was formally approved by the Council of Ministers on April 14, 2026 and officially published in the Official State Gazette (BOE) on April 15, 2026 through a Royal Decree amending Spain’s Immigration Regulations (Royal Decree 1155/2024).
The official application period opened on April 16, 2026 and will remain available until June 30, 2026, with no extension currently expected by the Spanish government.
To qualify under the Spain Extraordinary Regularization 2026 process, applicants must generally meet three core requirements:
• Have entered Spain before January 1, 2026
• Demonstrate at least five months of continuous residence in Spain
• Have no criminal record
Successful applicants may receive a residence and work permit valid for one year, while minor children included within a family application may receive authorization valid for five years.
According to Spain’s Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, the government estimates this measure could benefit approximately 500,000 individuals, although legal analyses published during the public consultation stage have suggested the total number of eligible applicants may reach 800,000 people.
This guide explains the eligibility requirements, application timeline, who may qualify, and what applicants should understand before beginning the regularization process.
Application Timeline
- The application period will open on April 16, 2026
- Applications can be submitted online (telematically) from that date
- The system to book in-person appointments will also open on April 16
- In-person processing will begin on April 20, 2026
- The deadline to apply is June 30, 2026
Who the Measure Is For
This regularization is directed at:
- Individuals in an irregular administrative situation in Spain
- Applicants for international protection
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Have been in Spain before January 1, 2026
- Have remained in Spain continuously for at least five months prior to applying
Key Conditions
Applicants must also:
- Have no criminal record
- Not pose a threat to public order, public safety, or public health
Additionally, individuals in an irregular situation must meet at least one of the following:
- Have worked legally in Spain (as an employee or self-employed)
- Have qualifying family ties
- Be in a documented vulnerable situation
What the Authorization Includes
Applicants who are granted this authorization will receive:
- A residence and work permit valid for one year
- The right to work in any sector and anywhere in Spain
Importantly, once the application process is initiated, applicants are automatically authorized to work.
A Social Security number will also be assigned during the process.
Application Process
Online Applications
- Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during the application period
- Requires a digital certificate
In-Person Applications
- Appointment required
- Can be submitted at:
- Immigration Offices
- Social Security offices
- Selected Post Offices
Additional Considerations
- Minors may be granted a residence authorization valid for five years
- Applications for members of the same household can be submitted together
- After approval, applicants must apply for their Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) within one month
Supporting Documentation
To prove residence in Spain, applicants may submit:
- Public or private documents
- Documents must include identifiable personal data and dates
Individuals applying under vulnerability criteria must provide a certified and validated vulnerability document issued by authorized entities or social services.
Final Notes
This regularization is part of a broader government initiative focused on integration, legal certainty, and social cohesion.
The process is expected to be time-limited and requirement-based, making it important for eligible individuals to review their situation carefully and prepare documentation in advance.
How Marfour Can Help
At Marfour International Law Firm, we guide you through every stage of the process:
- Assessing your eligibility based on your specific situation
- Preparing and reviewing all required documentation
- Managing the application process from submission to approval
Our goal is to ensure your application is clear, complete, and aligned from the start.
