The Spanish government approved on Tuesday the urgent processing of a royal decree that initiates an extraordinary regularization process for thousands of foreigners in irregular situations. The measure will allow those who meet a series of requirements to obtain residence and work permits, and according to official estimates, it could benefit around 500,000 people.
The minister in charge, Elma Saiz, explained that "this involves the urgent processing of a royal decree with which we are starting an extraordinary regularization process for thousands of foreign individuals residing in our country." She added, "We have been working throughout the legislative term to find common ground that improves people's lives. This is what we do when we give people the opportunity to live with equal rights and opportunities, which is what this regularization process represents."
Saiz emphasized that “this is a measure that has been long in the making, discussed, and necessary to address a reality that exists on our streets and that impacts our coexistence, well-being, and also the economy.” He explained that the Government is resuming “the spirit of the popular legislative initiative, which was supported by over 700,000 signatures and taken into consideration by a substantial majority of Congress, but which has remained blocked for too many months.”
The process is aimed, as explained by the minister, "at foreign individuals who have spent at least five months in Spain before December 31, 2025." Those "applying for international protection who submitted their application before December 31, 2025" will also be eligible. Another essential requirement, she noted, is "having no criminal record." The statements were shared by La Moncloa.
The initiative, which had been stalled in Congress for months despite receiving support from over 700,000 signatures through a popular legislative initiative, is now being taken up by the Government through the royal decree approved by the Council of Ministers.
Those who meet the conditions "will be able to obtain a legal residence authorization in Spain with an initial validity of one year." After that period, Saiz added, "they will be able to join the categories outlined in the foreigner’s law regulation itself, allowing for full and progressive integration into the system."
The Ministry of Inclusion expects that applications will be able to be submitted starting in early April, once the processing of the royal decree is completed. The procedure will remain open until June 30, 2026.
According to data published by El Economista, the Administration will have a maximum of three months to resolve applications. However, from the acceptance of the application —which must occur within fifteen days— applicants will be able to work legally and access public healthcare. The same source indicates that the process could benefit around 500,000 people, although a report from Funcas raises the potential number of irregular immigrants in Spain to 840,000.
RTVE reminds us that Spain has conducted seven regularization processes since the advent of democracy. The largest took place in 2005, during the administration of José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, benefiting over 576,000 people. If the forecasts from the Ministry are met, the new regularization would be in similar figures.
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