Spain receives over 130,000 applications in first week for its extraordinary regularization.
In a European context marked by migration restrictions, Spain is moving forward firmly with an extraordinary regularization process for people in an irregular administrative situation. During the first week of the established deadline, more than 130,000 people have already applied for this protection, which will allow approximately half a million migrants to live and work legally, with rights and benefits.
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Spain receives over 130,000 applications in first week for its extraordinary regularization:
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- Who is the plan for? »
- Hope visible on the streets »
- Bureaucratic challenges and social support »
- Spain, against the European tide »
- A benefit for children, too »
- How to apply »
- Other Residence Options in Spain »
1) Who is the plan for?:
The regularization plan is aimed at people in an irregular situation who have been in Spain since before January 1, 2016 and who have remained in the country for a minimum of five months, according to the official guidelines.
Once approved, applicants who meet the requirements will be able to obtain:
- A residence and work permit in Spain.
- A Social Security affiliation number.
- Access to the health card of the territory where they reside.
The deadline to submit documentation is June 30.
2) Hope visible on the streets:
In various Spanish cities, long queues begin early in the morning outside the offices set up for submitting documents. “Now they have hope: the hope of regularizing their situation in Spain,” is a common sentiment among attendees. Many express gratitude: “There are more opportunities here. Thank you, Pedro Sánchez, thank you Spain.”
3) Bureaucratic challenges and social support:
Despite the enthusiasm, the process poses significant challenges. Migrants must gather the necessary documents, overcome administrative procedures, and meet all requirements. One of the most common obstacles is proving continuous residence since 2016, as well as obtaining a passport and criminal record certificates from all the countries they have passed through.
“We know there are difficulties, because diplomatic procedures are sometimes complicated to complete, but that is why social organizations provide support and advice,” explains Mauricio Valiente, Director General of the Spanish Commission for Refugee Aid (CEAR).
Valiente is confident that the vast majority will be able to overcome these obstacles without major difficulty, provided they receive proper guidance.
4) Spain, against the European tide:
While several European countries are tightening their migration policies, this regularization places Spain in a different position. According to our analysis, the measure not only benefits migrants — who will be able to live without fear of being penalized or deported — but also strengthens the Spanish economy.
“Unemployment has decreased in these years when the arrival of migrants has increased the most. Therefore, the economic effects are very positive,” Valiente points out.
He also highlights that Spanish society is developing in a more balanced way, with rights and duties regardless of origin or nationality. “Spain is offering a counterexample to those European Union countries where xenophobic policies are being applied and the far right is dominating the debate and public management of these matters,” he adds.
5) A benefit for children, too:
One particularly important aspect is the impact on children. According to sources, boys and girls who inherited their parents’ irregular status will now be able to obtain residence permits for a period of five years, removing barriers to education and health.
6) How to apply:
This extraordinary regularization in Spain represents a historic opportunity for hundreds of thousands of people. If you are considering applying for this process or need advice on the requirements and deadlines, SpainResidence.com recommends seeking professional assistance and reaching out to specialized organizations such as CEAR or your local town hall’s social services.
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7) 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.
