A possible mass Extraordinary Regularization of Immigrants in Spain is underway, an unprecedented measure in recent years. After months of internal tension and pressure from civil society, the government has decided to reactivate a proposal for an extraordinary regularization of immigrants in Spain that could benefit hundreds of thousands of people in irregular situations.
This political shift is a direct response to the shortcomings of the new Foreigners’ Regulation, which comes into force on May 20, 2025, and could exclude many vulnerable groups, such as asylum seekers and young migrants under guardianship or former wards.
Background: A Failed Attempt and a New Opportunity for Extraordinary Regularization of Immigrants in Spain
In 2023, a Popular Legislative Initiative (ILP), promoted by over 900 social organizations and backed by more than 700,000 signatures, proposed an extraordinary regularization for foreigners residing in Spain before November 1, 2021. The proposal was warmly received by part of civil society but failed to advance in Congress. Major parties distanced themselves, arguing that regularization should follow a regulated procedure, not an extraordinary measure like this.
However, the context has changed. The recent entry into force of Royal Decree 1155/2024, which reforms the Foreigners’ Regulation, has revealed a series of gaps and unforeseen side effects that have reopened the political debate about the need for regularization.
What Has Changed with the New Regulation?
Although the current regulation modernizes some procedures and creates new categories such as the “second chance arraigo,” it significantly tightens other aspects:
- It does not allow asylum seeker status periods to count as residence time.
- Many young migrants who age out of guardianship lose the possibility of obtaining documentation once they reach adulthood.
- Stricter requirements are established to prove economic means or minimum contract durations, making ordinary regularization routes more difficult.
These elements create a real risk of excluding people who were already in advanced integration processes from the system.
The New Regularization Attempt: What Does It Entail?
The Spanish Government, through the Ministry of Inclusion and supported by the Second Vice Presidency, has decided to politically back the ILP returning to Congress in 2025. Unlike the previous attempt, the government is fully committed, recognizing this as a necessary tool to remedy the unintended consequences of the new foreigners’ regulation.
The new proposal includes:
- Regularization of between 300,000 and 500,000 people currently living and working in Spain without documentation.
- Access to temporary residence permits, with the possibility to work, for those who demonstrate integration, social ties, or participation in reception programs.
- Facilitation of transition to ordinary arraigo once legal time requirements are met.
Who Would Benefit?
The extraordinary regularization of immigrants in Spain would especially target:
- Asylum seekers whose applications have been denied or remain unresolved.
- Young migrants formerly under guardianship or in vulnerable situations, with difficulty renewing permits.
- People who have worked for years without contracts, particularly in sectors like agriculture, caregiving, construction, or hospitality.
- Women victims of violence or socially excluded individuals without access to residency via current pathways.
Support from Civil Society (and the Church)
The Catholic Church has been one of the main promoters of the initiative. Alongside organizations such as CEAR, Cáritas, Fundación PorCausa, and the Spanish Immigration Network, they have relaunched the ILP demanding a humanitarian and structural response to the issue.
Additionally, the measure has the backing of the business sector, especially industries facing labor shortages, such as agriculture and elder care.
What’s Next?
The parliamentary vote will be decisive. The government hopes to pass the regularization before summer to avoid political calendar blockages.
Negotiations are underway with main parties, including the PP, which might abstain rather than oppose, given support from conservative sectors like the Church.
Clear criteria and a specific procedure will be established to process applications within a legal and orderly framework.
Final Thoughts
At Guilherme Cesar Immigration Lawyer, we consider this initiative a historic opportunity to bring justice to thousands of people who are already active members of Spanish society. Many work, pay taxes, care for our elderly, and raise their children here.
Extraordinary regularization of immigrants in Spain is not just a legal matter: it is an ethical, social, and economic decision that can strengthen social cohesion, fill labor market gaps, and correct the errors of the current regulation.
How to Prepare?
If you believe you could benefit from this regularization, start gathering documentation:
- Proof of residence registration (empadronamiento).
- Social integration reports.
- History of informal work or volunteering.
- Evidence of continuous residence and social ties.
- Contact an immigration lawyer specializing in this area.
Our team is ready to guide you step-by-step. Contact us today and let us help you regularize your status in Spain.
