Relevant information has emerged today regarding a possible extraordinary regularization process for foreign nationals in an irregular administrative situation in Spain. The announcement, made by the political group Podemos following an agreement with the Government, suggests that the Council of Ministers could imminently approve a measure aimed at regularizing the status of hundreds of thousands of migrants.
At this stage, however, it is essential to remain particularly cautious. As of today, there has been no formal approval by the Council of Ministers, nor has any legal text been published in the Official State Gazette (BOE). The information currently available is based on political announcements and media reports, meaning that the actual scope of the measure, its final requirements, and its practical implementation can only be confirmed once the regulation is formally approved and officially published.
⏺️ What would this extraordinary regularization involve?
According to information reported by political sources and various media outlets, the Government could approve a Royal Decree establishing an extraordinary regularization process, without the need for parliamentary ratification.
Initial estimates suggest that the measure could benefit approximately 500,000 people, although some sources indicate that the figure could be higher. The period to apply for this process could potentially remain open until 30 June 2026.
⏺️ Requirements currently being considered
Although no official requirements have been confirmed, the criteria mentioned so far would broadly include the following:
- Having been present in Spain before 31 December 2025.
- Being able to demonstrate continuous residence in Spain for at least five months at the time of application.
- Having no relevant criminal record.
Presence in Spain could be evidenced through commonly used documents such as municipal registration certificates, medical appointment records, certificates of assistance from social services, rental agreements, money transfer receipts, or transport tickets, among others.
⏺️ Not the first regularization process in Spain
Spain has implemented several extraordinary regularization processes in the past. The most well-known precedent dates back to 2005, during the government of José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, when more than half a million people regularised their status. Similar processes were also approved during the 1990s and the early 2000s.
⏺️ Caution and close monitoring
At ARC Legal, we believe it is essential to approach the current flow of information with caution. Until the Council of Ministers formally adopts a decision and the potential Royal Decree is approved and published in the BOE, it is not possible to confirm definitive requirements, exact deadlines, or the true scope of the measure.
We will continue to closely monitor any developments and will analyze the legal text as soon as it becomes available, in order to clearly explain who may benefit from this extraordinary process and under what conditions.
If you require advice on immigration matters, residence permits, or Spanish nationality, you may contact ARC Legal for a professional review of your case in accordance with the applicable legislation.
Related publications
- A turning point in Spain’s Immigration Policy: Extraordinary Regularization back on the table
- Spanish Nationality by residence: Official figures for 2025
- Spain’s international protection system closes 2025 with record figures
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The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, immigration regulations are subject to change and interpretation by the competent authorities. For personalized and current legal advice, we recommend consulting a specialized immigration lawyer.