Extraordinary regularization 2026: what is it and why is it approved now?
The Government has initiated the urgent processing of an extraordinary regularization process to respond to hundreds of thousands of foreigners already living in Spain and in an irregular administrative situation. The aim is to guarantee rights, reduce legal insecurity and facilitate real social and labor integration.
This regularization is being promoted by means of regulations (Royal Decree) as a quicker and more guaranteeing way of acting, in a context of broad social and political debate on the need to put in order situations of irregularity that have accumulated over the years.
To whom is the extraordinary regularization addressed?
According to the official information published, the process is mainly aimed at:
- Foreigners who were already in Spain before December 31, 2025 and who can prove a continuous stay of at least 5 months before that date (see nuances in the requirements section).
- Applicants for international protection (asylum): those who have applied before December 31, 2025 are eligible (with specific rules regarding the general residence requirement).
- Minor sons and daughters of the applicants who are in Spain, with a specific provision for simultaneous regularization.
Extraordinary regularization requirements 2026 (as confirmed)
Although the final text of the Royal Decree will mark the final detail, what has been communicated so far includes these key requirements:
1) Cut-off date: to be in Spain before 12/31/2025
The process is oriented to those who will be in Spain before December 31, 2025.
2) Minimum continuous permanence
It is required to prove a continuous stay of at least five months before 12/31/2025, especially for asylum seekers (see next point).
Important: the accreditation of permanence may be done with public, private or a combination of public and private documentation.
3) Applicants for international protection
In the case of applicants for international protection, it has been indicated that it will be sufficient to prove that the application was filed before 12/31/2025.
4) No criminal record and not be a threat to public order.
Another requirement is not to have a criminal record or pose a threat to public order.
What permission will be granted and what rights does it give?
The regularization provides for a residence permit with work authorization:
- Initial term of 1 year.
- It allows to work from the first day (authorization to work in the whole national territory and in any sector).
- After that year, the person must be incorporated into the ordinary figures of the Alien Regulation to continue his or her regular status.
- For minor sons and daughters present in Spain, a planned authorization of 5 years has been reported.
Dates and deadlines: When can I apply?
With the information disseminated:
- It is expected that applications can begin to be submitted in early April (after completion of the mandatory procedures of the Royal Decree).
- The process would be open until June 30, 2026.
- Reported deadlines for processing:
- Admission for processing in a maximum of approximately 15 days.
- Resolution within a maximum period of approximately 3 months.
Documents to prove residence in Spain: practical examples
One of the keys to the process is to be able to prove the continuous stay. It has been indicated that any public or private document, or combination of both, will do.
In practice, they usually help (as a guideline, depending on the case):
- Registration (historical if possible).
- Medical appointments, emergency reports or health care history.
- Nominative tickets and internal travel documents (if any).
- Rental contracts, rent receipts, deposits, communications with real estate agents.
- Bills (electricity/water/internet) or receipts in the name of the person or cohabitant with proof of address.
- Banking transactions with activity in Spain.
- Schooling of minors (if applicable) or school certificates.
- Dated mailings/receipts.
- Employment documentation if any (even partial).
How to get ready now (checklist)
While the final Royal Decree is being published and the application system is being set up, the most useful thing to do is to prepare the dossier:
- Gather proof of permanence (minimum 5 months before 12/31/2025 if applicable).
- Sort the documentation by dates (one folder per month works very well).
- Verify background and criminal situation (if there have been proceedings, it is advisable to review impact).
- If you are an asylum seeker, locate proof of filing prior to 12/31/2025.
- Prepare identification, address and updated contact information.
- If you have dependent children in Spain, gather family and school/health documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is this regularization the same as Spanish nationality?
No. It is an administrative regularization process to obtain legal residence (and work), not a nationality procedure.
Is it possible to work with the submitted application?
It has been communicated that, with the admission for processing, the persons could start working; and that the admission would be resolved in about 15 days.
How long does the permit last?
The initial authorization foreseen is for 1 year. Then it will be necessary to fit in an ordinary figure of the Alien Regulation.
Are minors involved in the process?
Yes, the simultaneous regularization of minor sons and daughters who are in Spain is contemplated, with a 5-year permit.
Until when is it possible to apply?
It has been reported that the process would be open until June 30, 2026 and that applications are expected to begin in early April.
Conclusion
The extraordinary regularization 2026 seeks to offer a quick, orderly and legally secure departure to people who are already part of Spanish society. If you think you can meet the requirements (cut-off date, permanence, absence of a criminal record, or previous asylum application), the key to an agile process is to prepare now the proof of stay and the personal and family documentation.
Martínez & Caballero Attorneys at Law
Immigration Department
