The government of Spain has approved a new measure that will allow more than 500,000 undocumented migrants to apply for legal residence.
Under a Royal Decree agreed in January, people with no serious criminal record who have been living in Spain for more than five continuous months before 31 December 2025 will be able to apply for a temporary residence permit. Successful applicants will receive a one-year residence permit, with the possibility to renew it under Spain’s existing immigration rules.
Regularisation means that eligible migrants in Spain will also gain the right to work legally, access public healthcare and register for social security. Any ongoing deportation procedures will be suspended while applications are considered.
This decision follows years of advocacy by civil society organisations and a citizen-led initiative signed by more than 700,000 people. Despite resistance from the far right, it was approved by an overwhelming majority in Spain’s parliament.
This is the first mass regularisation programme in Spain in almost two decades. Similar measures in the past have shown that giving people legal status helps reduce exploitation, strengthens social protection systems and allows people who are already part of society to live with greater security, human rights and dignity.
Spain’s decision stands out at a time when many governments are responding to migration with tougher controls and exclusion. IDC advocates for regularisation initiatives like this, in recognition of the reality that eligible people are already living and working in the country. Providing legal status simply helps safeguard people’s rights while supporting community cohesion and economic growth.