MADRID, April 14, 2026 The Spanish government will approve a decree this week to grant legal residence to approximately 500,000 migrants, a move aimed at improving integration and leveraging the potential of those already living in the country.
Eligibility and Application Process
The regularization measure, set to take effect immediately, allows migrants to apply for residence from this week until June 30, 2026. To qualify, applicants must have lived in Spain for at least five months and have filed for international protection before December 31, 2025. The decree also extends eligibility to the children of applicants who already reside in Spain, ensuring family unity in the regularization process.
This initiative is part of Spain’s broader effort to address the challenges of irregular migration while fostering social cohesion. By providing a pathway to legal status, the government aims to reduce the vulnerabilities faced by undocumented migrants, such as exploitation in the labor market and limited access to public services. The streamlined application process is expected to alleviate bureaucratic hurdles and encourage compliance with immigration laws.
Integration and Economic Benefits
The Spanish government has emphasized that the measure is designed to promote better integration, organization, and utilization of migrants’ potential. Officials argue that regularizing the status of hundreds of thousands of individuals will strengthen the labor force and contribute to economic growth, particularly in sectors facing labor shortages.