Spain Approves Historic Decree to Regularise Up to 500,000 Undocumented Residents
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The Spanish government has adopted a historic decree aimed at regularising up to 500,000 people living in the country without legal status. The move stands in stark contrast to the stricter migration policies being pursued in many other European nations. Approved at the end of January 2026, the measure is expected to take effect in the coming months and to address a complex socio‑economic reality.
How the Regularisation Works
According to the text, the migrants covered by the decree will be able to apply for a residence permit and a work authorisation provided they meet certain conditions, such as:
- Having lived in Spain for at least five months before 31 December 2025.
- Possessing a clean criminal record.
The regularisation, described by the government as an exceptional and temporary measure, will be open until the end of June 2026.
A “Historic” Plan
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez presented the decree as a pragmatic step to:
- Promote integration.
- Strengthen workers’ protection.
- Reduce the underground economy.
Spanish officials say the regularisation also responds to structural labour‑market needs in specific economic sectors.
The initiative follows years of pressure from civil organisations and NGOs and is one of the most ambitious immigration policies Spain has launched in decades. It targets people who are already established in the country and who have contributed to the local economy without a legal status.
Applicants will have to prove:
- Residence in Spain before the end‑2025 deadline.
- A clean criminal record.
- Continuous residence documentation.
If successful, they will receive a renewable one‑year residence permit that includes the right to work legally in Spain.
Fact‑check note: Contrary to some claims circulating online, the decree does not grant voting rights or automatic citizenship. It only provides temporary residence and work authorisation.
Political and Social Debate
The decision has sparked an intense political debate:
- The left and many social organisations hail it as a measure of justice and economic pragmatism.
- Right‑wing critics condemn the lack of a thorough parliamentary debate and warn that it could encourage further irregular migration.
Local authorities, such as the Balearic Islands, have voiced concerns about possible pressure on public services and infrastructure, fearing a “new attraction effect” for migrants.
While the official plan cites around 500,000 eligible individuals, internal estimates—particularly a report from the Spanish police—suggest that the number could be much higher, potentially reaching 1.35 million if certain asylum seekers and other undocumented residents are included. These figures are not part of the government’s formal announcement and should be treated with caution.
Spanish authorities argue that the regularisation could:
- Improve living conditions for hundreds of thousands of people.
- Boost economic and social integration by expanding the tax base.
- Reduce reliance on undeclared work.
The decree is also framed as a step toward strengthening human‑rights protections while addressing Spain’s demographic and economic challenges.
