Spain Launches Extraordinary Migrant Regularization Process This Thursday

MADRID – The Spanish government will begin the extraordinary regularization process for irregular migrants this Thursday, April 16, with online applications opening first, followed by in-person appointments starting on April 20.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, Elma Saiz, who also issued a clear message to Ukrainians currently in Spain under temporary protection: “Do not apply for this extraordinary regularization process.”

In a statement posted on social media, the ministry emphasized that “this process is not designed for all foreigners.” It specifically clarified that those who arrived in Spain as displaced persons due to the war in Ukraine and hold a temporary protection residence permit should not apply.

Appointments for in-person procedures at immigration offices will also become available starting this Thursday.

The Council of Ministers is expected to formally approve the measure on Tuesday. It will be published in the Official State Gazette (BOE) on Wednesday, April 15, and will remain open for two and a half months, closing on June 30.

Minister Saiz assured citizens in an interview with Cadena SER that there will be enough time to process all applications. “Whatever comes, we will handle it,” she said.

illegal migrant from Honduras attempted to burn down a pub with people inside in Leon

President Sánchez’s Message

In a letter addressed to the Spanish people, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed pride in the initiative, describing it as “an act of normalization” that recognizes nearly half a million people who are already part of Spanish daily life. He framed the measure as both “an act of justice” toward Spain’s own history of emigration and “a necessity” due to the country’s aging population.

“Without new people working and contributing, our prosperity slows down, our capacity to innovate weakens, and our public services — healthcare, pensions, and education — suffer,” Sánchez wrote. He added that neither technology nor automation alone can solve this demographic challenge in the coming years. The Prime Minister stressed that the true purpose of the regularization is “to recognize rights, but also to demand obligations.”

Esto no es Marsella, 🇫🇷 ni Londres, 🇬🇧 ni Bruselas .🇧🇪
Es Andalucía y los recién llegados que están imponiendo su “ Cultura “.🤨🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/VVItp88MJr

— Víctor Sanchez Fortun (@Motard8559) April 13, 2026

Who Can Apply?

The measure targets two main groups:

• Asylum seekers: All individuals who applied for international protection before December 31, 2025, whether their application was approved or rejected. • Economic migrants: Those who can prove they have been living in Spain since at least July 31, 2025 (a minimum of five months before December 31, 2025).

The processing time is expected to take a maximum of three months. However, once an application is formally admitted (a step expected to take no more than 15 days), applicants will be allowed to start working immediately.

Successful applicants will receive a one-year residence and work permit, valid across the entire Spanish territory and for any sector. After the initial year, they can transition into ordinary residency and work permits under immigration regulations.

The process also allows for the simultaneous regularization of minor children living in Spain, who will receive a five-year authorization. Applicants must have no criminal record and must not pose a threat to public order.

Historical Context

Spain has carried out six extraordinary regularizations in its recent history: two under the People’s Party (PP) in 2000 and 2001, and four under the Socialist Party (PSOE) in 1986, 1991, 1996, and 2005. Across the European Union, more than 40 such processes have taken place since the 1990s, with the most recent ones in Italy and Portugal in 2020 and 2021.

Spain's plan to regularize approximately 500,000 undocumented migrants, driven by the government as a moral and economic necessity, has sparked sharp criticism from opposition parties (PP and Vox) who warn of attracting more, overwhelming public services, and undermining the rule of law. Critics argue it rewards illegal entry, with some [Vox] calling it an "institutionalization of the migratory invasion". 

Core Criticisms of the Regularization:

• "Pull Effect" Concern: The far-right Vox party and some opposition members argue that this move will encourage more illegal immigration, creating a "pull" effect. • Administrative Strain: Critics fear that legalizing so many people at once will cause a "collapse" of public services such as healthcare and housing. • Legal/Procedural Complaints: The use of a quick decree rather than full parliamentary debate for this "extraordinary regularization" has been condemned, and a challenge was brought before the Supreme Court. • Security Concerns: Despite assurances that criminal records render applicants ineligible, skeptics suggest that monitoring capabilities are insufficient for those with existing police records. • Political Distraction: Opposition figures accuse Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of using the measure to maintain power and distract from other pressing issues.

The government insists on a "regularized and orderly" process to manage the existing realities of migrants already residing in the country. The debate highlights a deep, long-standing divide in Spanish politics regarding immigration management.