Spain has announced an extraordinary migrant regularisation that could benefit around 500,000 people nationwide, including between 120,000 and 150,000 in Catalonia. The measure was approved by the Government of Spain through a royal decree after a citizen-led initiative gathered more than 700,000 signatures. The application window will open in April 2026 and close on June 30, 2026, granting successful applicants provisional residence and work authorisation for one year, with the possibility of moving into Spain’s standard residence permit system afterward.
To qualify, applicants must prove they have lived continuously in Spain for at least five months before December 31, 2025. Those who applied for international protection before that same date can also apply. A clean criminal record in Spain and abroad is required. The process also covers children under 18 already living in the country, granting them a five-year residence permit. Once an application is accepted for processing, applicants immediately receive the right to live and work legally in any sector and in any region of Spain.
According to the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, the measure recognises a reality that already exists, as many undocumented migrants are working in key sectors such as agriculture, care services, hospitality, and cleaning. Officials argue that regularising their status guarantees rights, provides legal certainty, and protects both workers and employers. The initiative was previously passed in Congress in 2024 with strong support, although the conservative People’s Party has criticised the policy, calling for deeper debate and raising concerns about how it will be implemented.
Spain has carried out similar extraordinary regularisations six times since 1986 under different governments, making this the first such programme since 2005. The government insists that past experiences show no evidence that regularisation creates a “pull factor” for irregular migration. Instead, it argues the move will reduce informal employment, increase tax contributions, and weaken the business model of human trafficking networks.
From April 2026, applicants will be able to submit their documents either online or in person. They will need to provide proof of residence, such as a municipal registration certificate known as empadronamiento, medical records, utility bills, or money transfer receipts. Once accepted, deportation procedures will be suspended, and applicants will receive legal permission to reside and work for one year.
After this initial year, beneficiaries must transition into one of Spain’s ordinary residence categories, such as work permits or family reunification permits, under national immigration law. In Catalonia, a joint technical working group made up of Catalan and Spanish officials will coordinate awareness campaigns, legal advice, and employment access to ensure that eligible residents are informed and supported throughout the process.
Catalonia has one of the largest foreign-born populations in Spain, with around 1.58 million residents holding foreign nationality, representing nearly 20 percent of the region’s population. Migrants have historically filled a large share of new jobs and contributed significantly to Social Security revenues. Local authorities say they are working closely with municipalities and social organisations to make sure the regularisation process runs smoothly and reaches those who qualify.
Officials estimate that up to 150,000 people in Catalonia alone could benefit from the scheme. Supporters describe the measure as a step toward full labour integration and equal access to rights, while critics remain cautious about its long-term impact. The debate reflects broader discussions across Europe about how to balance migration management with economic needs and human rights protections.