Spain Grants Legal Status to 500,000 Undocumented Migrants

Historic Regularization Program Launched in Spain

In a bold move that sets Spain apart from much of Europe, the socialist-led government of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has approved a historic royal decree granting legal status to approximately 500,000 undocumented migrants. The measure, announced on January 27, 2026, represents one of the largest regularization programs in recent European history and positions Spain as a progressive outlier on migration policy at a time when many nations are tightening restrictions.

A Pathway to Legal Residency

The program offers undocumented migrants who arrived in Spain before December 31, 2025, and can prove at least five months of continuous residence the opportunity to obtain one-year provisional residence and work permits. Immigration Minister Elma Saiz called it a 'historic step' toward creating a 'migration model based on human rights.'

'This is a humane step that belongs to an inclusive society,' said Spain-correspondent Jorn Lucas, 'but when these people get contracts and labor rights, the state treasury will also benefit from more tax revenues.'

Applicants must have a clean criminal record and can provide various documents as proof of residence, including municipal registration (padrón), medical records, utility bills, or money transfer receipts. The application window opens in April 2026 and closes on June 30, 2026, with the government hoping to issue permits by October.

Economic and Political Motivations

The regularization comes at a critical time for Spain's economy and political landscape. With an aging population and significant labor shortages in key sectors like hospitality, agriculture, and tourism, the government views migration as essential for economic growth. 'The economic success of this country depends to a very large extent on migrants, so they really need them,' Lucas noted.

Politically, the decree allows Sánchez's minority government to bypass a fractured parliament where right-wing parties would likely have blocked the measure. The government secured support from the far-left Podemos party, providing Sánchez with some political stability amid declining support.

Contrasting European Approaches

Spain's approach stands in stark contrast to migration policies elsewhere in Europe and particularly in the United States, where mass deportations are underway. While countries like Italy, France, and the UK have adopted increasingly restrictive measures, Spain is embracing what officials call a 'rights-based approach.'

The conservative opposition has reacted strongly against the measure. Popular Party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo accused Sánchez of deflecting attention from recent crises, while far-right Vox leader Santiago Abascal called it an 'invasion' and demanded mass deportations.

According to CNN's coverage, Spain has a history of similar large-scale legalization programs, with the last occurring nearly 21 years ago under Prime Minister Zapatero. The current program is expected to particularly benefit migrants from Latin America and Africa, who make up the majority of Spain's undocumented population.

Implementation and Impact

The royal decree creates immediate benefits for applicants. Once applications are filed, pending expulsion orders will be suspended, and applicants will receive provisional authorization granting immediate access to the labor market and public healthcare. Successful applicants will obtain one-year residence permits that can later convert to normal residence categories.

As reported by VisaVerge, the measure aims to formalize Spain's workforce, address labor shortages, and integrate migrants into society while generating tax revenue. With Spain's foreign-born population reaching 19.87% of the total population as of October 2025, according to Wikipedia data, the regularization represents a pragmatic approach to managing an already substantial immigrant population.

The program's success will depend on efficient implementation and its ability to balance humanitarian concerns with economic realities in a Europe increasingly divided over migration policy.