Spain has launched an extraordinary regularization process that will grant residence and work authorization to foreign nationals already living in the country. On Jan. 27, 2026, the Council of Ministers approved the start of the process and opened the measure for public comment, according to an announcement by the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration.

The measure targets foreign nationals who currently reside in Spain without legal status. To qualify, applicants must meet two requirements:

• Demonstrate proof of continuous residence in Spain for at least five months prior to Dec. 31, 2025
• Hold no criminal record and pose no threat to public order

What applicants will receive

Foreign nationals who meet the requirements will receive a residence permit with an initial validity of one year. After that year, permit holders must apply for a standard residency status.

The permit allows beneficiaries to work throughout Spain and in any sector. Applicants become eligible to work as soon as their application is accepted for processing, which the government expects within 15 days of submission. Authorities expect a final decision within three months of submission once the application is fully processed.

Application window

The application period is expected to open at the beginning of April 2026 and close on June 30, 2026. This leaves eligible applicants roughly three months to submit under the extraordinary process.

Provision for minor children

The measure also extends residence authorization to minor children of applicants who already reside in Spain. That authorization carries a five-year limit.

Who is affected

The change concerns foreign nationals living in Spain who can document at least five months of continuous residence before Dec. 31, 2025. Employers across all sectors stand to benefit as well, since successful applicants gain the right to work anywhere in Spain once their applications enter processing.

What may still change

All details reflect proposed changes set out in the government announcement. The final scope, timeline and procedures may differ from the current measure as the regulatory process continues. The public comment phase now underway is part of that process.

Foreign nationals and employers should anchor planning to the official announcement of the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration and monitor subsequent government publications, which will confirm the final rules, forms and filing procedures.