Spain is adding a new residency permit.
Spain’s Extraordinary Regularization 2026: Key Dates, Requirements, and What You Need to Know.
After months of speculation, the Spanish government has officially laid out the roadmap for a new, extraordinary regularization process aimed at foreign nationals who were in Spain before a specific cut-off date.
While the new Reglamento de Extranjería (Royal Decree 1155/2024) has already simplified the standard residency pathways since May 2025, this specific process is designed to regularize the status of those who slipped through the cracks of the administrative system.
If you are living in Spain undocumented, or know someone who is, here is the latest information regarding the process expected to begin in April 2026.
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Spain is adding a new residency permit. Extraordinary Regularization 2026:
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What is this Regularization? »
Key Requirements (Regularización 2026) »
Key Dates for the Process »
Other Standard “Arraigo” Options (New 2025 Regulations) »
How to Prepare Right Now »
Other types of residency available in Spain »
Schedule an appointment with a solicitor »
1) What is this Regularization?:
This extraordinary process focuses on individuals who arrived in Spain prior to a specific administrative cutoff.
Unlike the standard arraigo pathways which now require two years of residence, this special measure is expected to offer a route to legal status for those who meet a specific date-of-entry requirement.
2) Key Requirements (Regularización 2026):
To be eligible for this specific process, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Date of Entry: You must have arrived in Spain before December 31, 2025.
- Length of Stay: You must be able to prove that you have been in Spain for at least 5 months prior to submitting your application.
- Criminal Record: You must have a clean criminal record both in Spain and in your previous country of residence.
- Asylum Seekers: Individuals who applied for international protection (asylum) before December 31, 2025, and are still residing in Spain, will also be eligible to apply for this regularization.
3) Key Dates for the Process:
Mark these dates on your calendar. The timeline is strict, and missing the window could mean waiting for future legislative changes.
- Application Start: Applications are expected to open in April 2026.
- Deadline: The final date to submit your application will be June 30, 2026.
- Immediate Work Authorization: Once your application is admitted for processing, you will be allowed to work legally in Spain from day one.
4) Other Standard “Arraigo” Options (New 2025 Regulations):
It is important to note that this extraordinary measure runs parallel to the standard residency options already available.
Since May 20, 2025, the new Immigration Regulation (Royal Decree 1155/2024) has been in effect, which reduces the required permanence time to just 2 years for standard arraigo applications.
These include:
- Arraigo Social: 2 years of permanence + a work contract.
- Arraigo Socioformativo (formerly Arraigo para la Formación): 2 years + a commitment to enroll in formal vocational training.
- Arraigo Sociolaboral: 2 years + proof of an existing (but informal) labor relationship.
- Arraigo Familiar: For parents of minor children who are Spanish or EU citizens.
- Arraigo de Segunda Oportunidad: For those who previously held a permit but failed to renew it.
See below all Arraigo Requirements and Questionaires:
[Arraigo in Spain]
5) How to Prepare Right Now:
Even though the application window doesn’t open until April 2026, preparation should start immediately.
Spanish authorities require solid proof of your stay. We recommend you start gathering:
- Historical Padrón Certificates: A continuous certificate of empadronamiento (municipal registration) is one of the strongest proofs of residence.
- Entry Documents: Any stamp or proof showing you entered Spain before December 31, 2025.
- Supporting Evidence: Collect municipal certificates, public transport passes, medical records, bank transfers, or any other documentation that demonstrates your presence in Spain prior to the cutoff date.
- Legal Advice: Immigration procedures are complex, and errors can lead to rejection. It is highly recommended to seek specialized legal counsel to prepare your expediente (file).
Important Note: While the calendar and permanence requirements have been announced by the government, the final technical details are subject to the publication of the specific Royal Decree in the Boletín Oficial del Estado (BOE). We will update this post once the final text is released.
See the link below to the new, proposed law:
[Real Decreto 1155/2024, de 19 de noviembre]
6) Other types of residency available in Spain:
- Digital-Nomad visa Spain (Remote worker in Spain)
- Non-Lucrative Visa Spain (Spanish visa non lucrative)
- Student-Visa Permit (Student-Visa & up-to 30 hours work per week)
- Self-Employed Visa Spain (Self employed expats in Spain)
- Visa-Categories in Spain (Arraigo, Special Cases, etc.)
Immigration procedures and immigration regulations change regularly, and it is crucial to stay updated with the most recent information from a reliable source. If you have any questions or concerns about your situation, we advise to consult an immigration authority or legal professional who specializes in immigration matters.
We offer Spanish Residence Services and can assist you with most Spanish legal processes.
Permanent residency is permitted after 5 years of Temporary Spanish Residency through Digital-Nomad, Non-Lucrative, Student-Visa or Self-Employed. This followed by 5 years of permanent residency in Spain and permits Spanish Citizenship applications to obtain a Spanish Passport.
