In recent days, there has been a lot of discussion about the extraordinary regularization process planned for 2026. In light of the wave of messages, dates, and alleged requirements circulating online, the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration has issued a clear and direct message: the application period is not yet open, but it is expected to start in approximately two months.
⏺️ Applications for regularization cannot be submitted yet
The Secretary of State for Migration has clarified that, as of today, it is not possible to submit any application under the extraordinary regularization process. The legal text that will regulate the procedure is still under review and has not yet been finalized.
More specifically, the draft Royal Decree is currently in the public consultation phase, which remains open until February 6, 2026. This means that the text may still be amended before its final approval.
⏺️ So, when will the regularization actually begin?
This is the key point highlighted in the press release. Once the public consultation period ends, the relevant contributions are reviewed, and the mandatory reports are issued — particularly the report from the Council of State — the text will return to the Council of Ministers and will then be published in the Official State Gazette (BOE). Only then will the application period officially open, which the Ministry itself places around early April 2026, that is, in roughly two months’ time.
Until that moment, any earlier date or attempt to initiate the procedure has no legal basis.
⏺️ A call for calm (and to beware of misinformation and fake news)
The Ministry insists on something that we at ARC Legal have been emphasizing from the very beginning: calm. We are not yet in the application phase, and the final version of the regularization framework may still differ from the drafts that have circulated so far.
For this reason, it is strongly recommended to rely only on:
- Official sources of the Spanish Government.
- Communications issued directly by the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration.
- Reliable and specialized information channels.
⏺️ What we recommend at ARC Legal
At our firm, we are following this process on a daily basis, with a clear and cautious approach:
- This is not yet the time to submit applications.
- We do not recommend starting unnecessary procedures without a final legal text.
- It is a good moment to get properly informed and assess whether a profile may qualify.
- Once the Royal Decree is published in the BOE, we will analyze the final requirements and deadlines in full detail.
In short: the extraordinary regularization process is not starting today or tomorrow, but it is getting closer. Everything points to the process being activated in about two months, and that will be the moment to act with speed and a well-defined strategy.
At ARC Legal, we provide legal advice across different areas of immigration law. For general inquiries or to assess any immigration status or administrative situation, you are welcome to contact us.
Related publications
- A turning point in Spain’s Immigration Policy: Extraordinary Regularization back on the table
- Extraordinary Regularization 2026: Key dates to apply for legal residence in Spain
- Spain’s international protection system closes 2025 with record figures
¿Prefieres leer este artículo en español 🇪🇸? Aquí te dejamos el enlace: Regularización extraordinaria 2026: el Gobierno sitúa el inicio del plazo en torno a abril
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.