Spain Approves a Massive Regularization of Foreign Nationals: Everything You Need to Know About the New Extraordinary Process

The Spanish Government has approved an extraordinary large-scale regularization process for foreign nationals through a Royal Decree, in what is already considered one of the most ambitious migration measures since the beginning of democracy in Spain. This initiative could allow more than 500,000 people to obtain residence and work authorization in Spain in the medium term.

The regularization responds to what the Government has described as a “social urgency,” with the objective of granting rights to people who are already in the country and facilitating their social and labor integration. The measure has been promoted by the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, headed by Minister Elma Sáiz, who described the approval as “a historic day for our country.”

Below, we analyze in depth the requirements, deadlines, benefits, and key aspects of this extraordinary process.

Who Can Benefit from the Regularization?

The measure is primarily aimed at:

• Individuals who have resided continuously in Spain for at least five months prior to December 31, 2025.

• Foreign nationals who entered Spanish territory before that date.

• Applicants for international protection (asylum) who submitted their application before December 31, 2025, with no minimum stay requirement.

• Minor children already residing in Spanish territory.

It is important to highlight that the regulation establishes continuous residence in Spain during the five months prior to the application as a central requirement. Therefore, it will be essential to properly keep and organize all documentation that may serve as proof.

How Will Residence in Spain Be Proven?

One of the most relevant aspects of the process is the flexibility in proving residence. The Government has indicated that the following documents will be valid:

• Passport with entry stamp.

• Airline ticket or transportation ticket.

• Invoices or receipts with name and date.

• Medical certificates.

• Bank documentation.

• Any public or private document that demonstrates presence in Spain before December 31, 2025.

A combination of documents may also be accepted if, taken together, they prove continuous residence.

Essential Requirements

In order to benefit from this extraordinary regularization, applicants must:

• Have no criminal record in Spain or in their country of origin.

• Not pose a threat to public order.

• Maintain good conduct and have no significant police records.

• Prove continuous residence in Spain during the five months prior to the application.

Regarding criminal records, the certificate must be properly legalized and translated when required. In some countries, obtaining this document may take time, so it is advisable to begin the process as soon as possible.

Additionally, while the existence of administrative sanctions such as fines or even expulsion orders in Spain will not automatically result in denial, each case must be analyzed individually. Special attention should be given to possible expulsions from other Schengen countries, as these could affect the final decision.

Will a Work Contract Be Required?

So far, there is no requirement to submit a work contract or prove financial means in order to access this initial authorization. This aspect makes the measure particularly relevant for individuals currently in an irregular situation.

What Will the Granted Authorization Include?

Once the application is approved:

• An initial residence and work authorization valid for one year will be granted.

• The permit will be valid throughout Spain and for any sector of activity.

• Minor children already in Spain may obtain a five-year residence authorization.

• Upon admission of the application for processing, within an estimated maximum period of 15 days, the applicant will be allowed to begin working legally.

After the initial year, the authorization must be modified through the ordinary procedures established in the Immigration Regulation (Article 191).

Deadlines and Procedure

The Government estimates that applications will begin to be submitted in early April, once the Royal Decree has been fully processed, and the deadline will remain open until June 30.

The administration will have up to three months to issue decisions.

The procedure may be carried out:

• In person.

• Online through a duly authorized lawyer.

The measure has been approved urgently by Royal Decree, avoiding additional reports from the Council of State and accelerating its entry into force.

Extraordinary Regularization: What Happens to Pending Applications?

Individuals who currently have ongoing immigration procedures may benefit from this new measure if it is more favorable. Each situation must be strategically analyzed to determine which option provides greater legal certainty and advantages.

Historical Context

This is not the first regularization in democratic Spain. Since the 1990s, seven similar processes have been approved. The last major regularization took place in 2005 under the Government of José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, benefiting more than 576,000 people.

If current estimates are confirmed, this new regularization could rank among the largest in quantitative terms. According to official data, more than 40 regularizations have been carried out across the European Union since the 1990s.

The Importance of Specialized Legal Advice

Although the process may appear straightforward in general terms, its practical application is often more complex. Key factors include:

• Criminal record assessment.

• Strategic documentation planning.

• Proper preparation of foreign certificates.

• Risk evaluation in cases involving prior sanctions.

• Choosing the optimal time to submit the application.

• Ongoing monitoring until final resolution.

A documentation error, insufficient proof of residence, or an unresolved background issue could seriously jeopardize the outcome.

Guilherme Cesar Immigration Lawyer: We Manage Your Regularization with Security and Strategy

At Guilherme Cesar Immigration Lawyer, we specialize in immigration, foreign nationals law, and Spanish nationality. Our firm provides comprehensive legal support throughout this extraordinary regularization process.

Our services include:

• Personalized viability assessment.

• Criminal background and risk analysis.

• Documentary strategy to prove residence.

• Full preparation and review of the application file.

• In-person or online submission.

• Continuous case monitoring until resolution.

• Legal advice for the subsequent modification of the authorization.

We have experience handling complex immigration procedures and possess in-depth knowledge of the Spanish Immigration Regulation. Our goal is to ensure you do not miss deadlines, avoid costly mistakes, and maximize your chances of success.

This regularization may represent a turning point in your life project in Spain. It can mean stability, access to the formal labor market, and legal protection for you and your family.

Do not miss this opportunity!!!

Contact Guilherme Cesar Immigration Lawyer today and begin your regularization process with the support of a specialized legal team.