When the Spanish Government approved the extraordinary regularization process for foreign nationals, official estimates suggested that around 500,000 people would benefit from the measure. However, once the application period closed, the final figures far exceeded all initial expectations.
Between April 16 and June 30, 2026, a total of 1,174,978 applications were submitted—more than double the Government’s original estimate. Of these, 609,737 cases have already been processed by the Spanish authorities, making this the largest extraordinary regularization process carried out in Spain’s recent history.
The data released by the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration provides an initial overview of the process, including the volume of applications received, the profile of applicants, the key role played by legal professionals, and the impact the measure is already having on the Spanish labor market.
⏺️ More than 600,000 applications have already been processed
Out of the 1,174,978 applications submitted, the Spanish authorities have already processed 609,737 cases, representing just over half of the total in only a few months.
The distribution of applications clearly shows the main legal pathways used by applicants:
- 79.6% correspond to residence permits based on extraordinary roots (arraigo extraordinario) as exceptional circumstances.
- 20.4% correspond to residence permits for applicants for international protection.
These figures demonstrate that extraordinary roots have become the primary legal mechanism used to regularize the immigration status of hundreds of thousands of foreign nationals already living in Spain.
⏺️ The key role of lawyers in the Extraordinary Regularization process
One of the most significant aspects of the process has been the high level of professional involvement in preparing and submitting applications. According to the Ministry, 58% of all online applications were submitted by lawyers, well ahead of any other authorized professionals.
The full breakdown is as follows:
- Lawyers: 58%
- Authorized public officials: 16.8%
- Administrative managers: 8.4%
- Applicants using their own digital certificate: 7.3%
- Registered Immigration Collaboration Entities: 5.1%
- Social graduates: 3.6%
These figures highlight the technical complexity of the procedure and the importance of receiving specialized legal advice to prepare applications correctly and avoid issues that could delay their resolution.
At ARC Legal, we have also played an active role throughout this extraordinary process, assisting numerous clients at every stage—from assessing eligibility and preparing and submitting applications to uploading supporting documentation through the Ministry’s online platform. We have also carried out extensive communication and educational work through our website and social media channels, helping both clients and fellow professionals stay informed about the latest developments.
Our experience over the past few months has confirmed that thorough preparation of each application is essential to minimize requests for additional documentation and facilitate a smoother administrative process.
⏺️ What happens next?
Although the application period has now ended, the process itself is far from over.
Over the coming months, the Spanish authorities will continue with:
- Processing the remaining applications.
- Issuing requests for additional documentation where necessary.
- Handling administrative appeals in cases where applications are refused.
Given the unprecedented number of applications submitted, processing times are expected to remain longer than usual. For this reason, applicants should carefully monitor their files and respond promptly to any request issued by the immigration authorities.
⏺️ How ARC Legal can help
At ARC Legal, we provide comprehensive legal assistance in Spanish immigration procedures throughout Spain. If you submitted an application under the extraordinary regularization process and have received a request for additional documents, need assistance responding to an administrative issue, or wish to appeal a refusal, our team can review your case and support you throughout every stage of the process.
Related Articles
- The Extraordinary Regularization process has ended. Now the most important stage begins
- How long does it take to get a decision on Extraordinary Regularization in Spain?
- When can you start working in Spain during the Extraordinary Regularization process?
¿Prefieres leer este artículo en español 🇪🇸? Aquí te dejamos el enlace: La regularización extraordinaria supera los 1,17 millones de solicitudes
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Although we strive to keep our content accurate and up to date, Spanish immigration law is subject to legislative changes and administrative interpretation. For advice tailored to your specific circumstances, we recommend consulting a qualified immigration lawyer.