Spain to Offer Work Permits to 500,000 Undocumented from April

Madrid (Visas & Travels) — Spain’s government has approved a sweeping regularization program that could grant legal residency to as many as 500,000 undocumented migrants, bucking a global trend toward stricter immigration controls and offering a pathway to stability for those already living in the shadows of Europe’s fourth-largest economy.

The measure, enacted through a royal decree by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s socialist-led coalition and announced in late January, aims to integrate long-term residents into the formal workforce, curb labor exploitation, and bolster social security contributions amid Spain’s aging population. Migration Minister Elma Saiz hailed it as a “historic day,” emphasizing that the initiative would “break the bureaucratic barriers of the past” and benefit the country as a whole by recognizing the “social reality” of undocumented workers.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must meet strict but straightforward requirements. Foreign nationals without legal status who can prove they have resided in Spain for at least five consecutive months prior to December 31, 2025 — or who applied for international protection (such as asylum) before that date — are eligible, provided they have no criminal record in Spain or their home country. This cutoff ensures the program targets those already embedded in Spanish society, many hailing from Latin America and Africa, regions that account for a significant portion of Spain’s undocumented population.

Proof of presence can include everyday documents such as municipal registration (padrón), medical appointment records, rental agreements, utility bills, transport tickets, or even school enrollments for families. Dependents, including minor children living in Spain, can apply simultaneously, potentially receiving a five-year permit to streamline family reunification and avoid more complex procedures down the line.

The program excludes those with criminal histories, and officials have stressed that applications will be processed efficiently to minimize delays. Estimates suggest around half a million people could benefit, though the exact number depends on how many step forward during the limited application window.

Application Process and Timeline

The regularization window is narrow: Applications are set to open in early April 2026 and close on June 30, 2026, giving eligible individuals just three months to submit their paperwork. Submissions will likely be handled through Spain’s Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, with options for online or in-person filing at designated offices, including in major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia. Local governments, such as Barcelona’s city hall, have already formed task forces to expedite processing and assist applicants.

Successful applicants will receive an initial one-year residence permit that includes full work authorization in any sector and across the entire country — a key feature that sets this apart from more restrictive visas. This permit is renewable and can transition into longer-term residency options under Spain’s updated Immigration Law Regulations, potentially leading to permanent residency (PR) after further years of legal stay and contributions. For employers, this opens a compliance window to regularize staff without penalties, provided they retroactively register contracts and pay social security backlogs.

Experts advise preparing documents now, as the short timeframe could lead to backlogs. Legal aid groups and immigration lawyers recommend gathering evidence early and consulting official resources like the Boletín Oficial del Estado (BOE) for the full decree text.

Broader Context and Implications

This decree builds on Spain’s history of periodic regularizations, including a major one in 2005 that legalized over 570,000 migrants. It stems from grassroots campaigns like “Regularización Ya,” which collected over 700,000 signatures in 2024, pressuring the government to act despite its minority status in parliament. By bypassing legislative approval, the Sánchez administration has drawn criticism from conservative opposition parties, who argue it encourages irregular migration.

Economically, proponents say it will formalize contributions to a system strained by demographics: Spain’s birth rate is among Europe’s lowest, and migrants are seen as vital for sustaining pensions and growth. Studies from think tanks like Funcas highlight that undocumented workers often fill essential roles in agriculture, care, and services without competing directly with native Spaniards.

For potential applicants from countries like Nigeria — where many seek opportunities in Europe — this program underscores Spain’s relatively progressive stance, though it’s not an open invitation for new arrivals. Those considering migration should note that entry remains regulated via visas, and this regularization applies only to those already in Spain before the cutoff. Visas & Travels recommends monitoring official Spanish government sites for updates, as details could evolve before April.

The move has sparked mixed reactions internationally, with some praising Spain’s pragmatism while others warn of “pull factors” for future migration. As Europe grapples with rising anti-immigrant sentiment, Spain’s approach offers a counter-narrative: one of inclusion amid economic necessity.