Spain's Mass Regularisation
Big news out of Spain this year, and if you or someone you know has been living here without legal status, and trust me, we all know someone where we know they’re illegal or not, this one is for you.
The Spanish government has approved plans for an extraordinary mass regularisation process, which is being widely referred to as an “amnesty,” that could allow an estimated 500,000 undocumented migrants already living in Spain to obtain legal residence and the right to work (the real number could be closer to 1 million). The measure emerged from a popular legislative initiative backed by more than 700,000 signatures, the Catholic Church, and 900 civil society organisations. It is, without question, a historic moment.
I want to be upfront with you here, because that is how I work: as of early April, the Royal Decree has not yet been published in Spain’s official state gazette (the BOE), meaning the process has not officially opened. The government has confirmed it is coming and that there will be sufficient time for applications to be submitted. But until it is published, no applications can be made and no rights are yet guaranteed. If anyone is telling you otherwise, be very cautious.
That said, this is the time to get informed and get prepared. So let’s go through what we know so far together.
What Is This Mass Regularisation Process?
The mass regularisation process will offer provisional residence and work authorisation for an initial period of one year, after which beneficiaries can transition to standard residence permits under Spain’s immigration law. That means after year one, you would move into a normal residency category, giving you a real, long-term path to stability in Spain.
Successful applicants will receive access to the formal labour market, healthcare, and social security. And critically, once the application is accepted, holders will immediately receive a work authorisation.
This is not a new visa route. It is a one-time, limited window specifically for people already here without legal status. Missing the June deadline means reverting to the standard arraigo procedures, which are much slower and require longer periods of residence.
Who Is the Mass Regularisation For?
Applicants must have lived continuously in Spain for at least five months before December 31, 2025. Individuals who applied for international protection can also apply, provided their application was submitted before December 31, 2025.
In addition to meeting the residence requirement, you also need to satisfy at least one of the following conditions:
- You have worked during your time in Spain, or have an employment contract
- You are living in Spain as part of a qualifying family unit (for example, with children in school, or dependent adult children)
- You are in a vulnerable situation, which under the draft text is broadly presumed for anyone in an irregular administrative situation in Spain
Anyone who is already in Spain under a stay status or who holds a valid residence permit would not be eligible for this process.
The Key Requirements
Here is a clear summary of what you will need to meet:
- You were in Spain before 31 December 2025
- You can prove at least 5 continuous months of residence at the time of application
- You have no serious criminal record in Spain or your country of origin in the last 5 years
- You are not a threat to public order or security
- You do not have an active entry ban into Spain
- You do not have another residence or stay application currently in process (with some exceptions)
What Documents Can Prove Your Stay in Spain?
This is one of the most important parts, and the good news is that the draft rules are quite flexible about what is accepted. You can use a combination of public and private documents. Here is a guide to what carries the most weight:
Strong evidence:
- Padrón certificate (and historic padrón where possible)
- Public health system records such as appointments, hospital visits, or vaccinations
- Vida Laboral (employment or self-employment history from Social Security)
- Course enrolment or attendance certificates from town hall or regional government
- NGO or social services records (Red Cross, Cáritas, social worker reports)
- Children enrolled in school
Helpful supporting evidence:
- Long-term rental contract
- Private medical records
- Court documents
- School or private course certificates
Minor supporting evidence:
- Bank statements showing transactions in Spain
- Money transfer receipts
- Mobile phone bills
- Utility bills showing stable consumption
- Official letters received at your Spanish address
- Passport entry stamps
- Travel receipts
- Concert tickets
The more evidence you can gather across different categories, the stronger your case will be.
When Can You Apply for the Mass Regularisation?
The mass regularisation process is expected to open in April 2026 and remain open until June 30, 2026. As mentioned above, it has not yet officially launched as the Royal Decree is still pending publication in the BOE. The government has confirmed this is imminent and that the June 30th deadline will stand, meaning there will still be time once it opens.
As of Monday 08/04/2026 there are rumours that the BOE could be published on the 22nd of April 2026.
Once the process is live, applications can be submitted online via the Mercurio platform (you will need a digital signature or Cl@ve), or in person by prior appointment. There will be offices across Spain receiving documentation in the afternoons, between 4pm and 7pm.
Once submitted, applications should be admitted for processing within approximately 15 days, with a full resolution expected within a maximum of 3 months. Once accepted, you can reside and work legally in Spain on a provisional basis while your application is processed.
What About Family Members?
Family unity is a key part of this process. The draft legislation includes provisions for the simultaneous regularisation of minor children already in Spain, with their permits valid for 5 years. There are also specific provisions for dependent adult children and certain other relatives to apply alongside the main applicant.
What Should You Do Right Now?
Even though applications have not opened yet, there is plenty you can do to prepare:
- Start gathering every document that proves your continuous presence in Spain, working through the list above
- Get your padrón up to date if you have not already
- Request your criminal record certificate from your country of origin. Remember it will need to be apostilled and sworn translated into Spanish, and is only valid for 3 months
For British Apostilles, you can use apostille.orge.uk and for American Apostilles you can use FASTNIE with a 5% discount using the code Naomi5. For quick translations you can use Translayte.com - Seek professional advice on your individual situation before applying
I cannot stress that last point enough. This is a one-time window. The requirements, while broad, still have specific conditions and the process is new for everyone, including immigration offices. Getting proper support before you submit could make the difference between approval and a denial that leaves you back at square one.
