More than 1 million undocumented migrants and asylum seekers have applied to legalize their status in Spain under a government program that aims to highlight and protect the benefits of immigration, at a time when most European countries are tightening their borders.
Although the large-scale regularization initiative, announced by Spain’s socialist-led government in January, was originally expected to help around 500,000 people, it had drawn more than double that number of applicants by the time the registration period ended on Tuesday.
The program offers a residence and work permit, initially valid for one year, to applicants who can show they have no criminal record and that they had lived in Spain for at least five months—or had applied for international protection—before December 31, 2025.
Speaking in Madrid on Tuesday, Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, said the high number of applicants showed just how much the program was needed. “The fact that more than 1 million people submitted applications shows how necessary this recognition of rights and responsibilities was,” he said.
Sánchez said Spain needs immigration to grow its economy, address its demographic crisis, and fund its welfare state.
“Without immigration, Spain’s GDP would be 19% lower in 2050,” he said. “And what does that mean in practical terms? It means, for example, that 90,000 bars would have to close, that 50,000 primary and secondary school classrooms would have no students, and that around 220,000 farms would disappear.”
He added that without immigration, Spain would be “poorer, emptier, weaker, and without the resources to fund its welfare state.”
Although similar extraordinary regularization programs have been introduced by previous socialist and conservative governments in Spain, the latest plan has been strongly criticized by the right-wing People’s Party (PP) and the far-right Vox party.
The PP has suggested the move will overwhelm Spain’s public services, while Vox has claimed that Sánchez is trying to bring about “the demographic, social, labor, and electoral transformation of Spain.”
The PP-led regional governments of Valencia and Aragón have filed legal challenges against the regularization program. On Tuesday, the court said it was considering asking the European Court of Justice whether parts of the Spanish government’s regularization decree could conflict with EU law.
Alberto Núñez Feijóo, the leader of the PP, has also criticized the government’s decision four years ago to introduce a democratic memory law that offered Spanish citizenship to descendants of Spaniards forced into exile during the Spanish civil war and the subsequent Franco dictatorship. More than 2.4 million people applied for citizenship under that law, and over 544,000 have already been approved.
In a radio interview on Monday, Feijóo accused Sánchez of engaging in “electoral engineering” in hopes of gaining more socialist voters.
“What’s behind this [the descent law] is an obvious interest in getting new voters,” he told Es Radio. “Since the current voters aren’t working out, let’s see if manufacturing new voters pays off.”
The government dismissed Feijóo’s accusations, saying they reeked of desperation.
“I find them incredibly irresponsible,” said Elma Saiz, Spain’s minister for inclusion, social security and migration. “They show the desperation and frustration of someone who has no political project for our country and who already seems to sense an electoral defeat.”
Sánchez has been a strong and consistent defender of the need for immigration at a time when other European leaders have adopted far-right language to convince voters they are also taking immigration seriously.
Addressing parliament in October 2024, Sánchez said the country was at a demographic crossroads and needed immigration to grow its economy and maintain its welfare state.
“Throughout history, migration has been one of the great drivers of the development of”While hatred and xenophobia have been—and still are—the biggest destroyers of nations, the key is managing it well,” he said.
On Tuesday, Sánchez announced a €500 million (£431 million) plan for “integration and citizenship” to help manage the flow of migrants and make sure they are properly integrated. “Spanish society must guarantee equal treatment, fight discrimination, and provide opportunities,” he said. “And those who arrive must respect our laws, learn our official languages, and share the democratic values that define us.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about the one million migrants applying for regularization in Spain organized by topic and difficulty level
BeginnerLevel Questions
1 What is this regularization program
Its a new government process allowing undocumented migrants living in Spain to apply for legal residency and work permits Its a onetime massive administrative procedure
2 Who is eligible
Generally migrants who can prove they have been living in Spain continuously for at least two years have no criminal record and can show they are integrated into the community
3 What happens if my application is approved
You will receive a residence permit and a work permit This allows you to legally live work and access basic public services like healthcare and education
4 Is this a onetime thing or can I apply later
This is a specific temporary program The government has set a deadline for submitting applications After that you must rely on standard more difficult immigration routes
5 Do I need a lawyer to apply
It is highly recommended The paperwork is complex and mistakes can lead to rejection Many NGOs and community groups also offer free legal advice
IntermediateLevel Questions
6 Ive been here for 18 months not 24 Can I still apply
Probably not under this specific program The law requires a minimum continuous stay of two years However you should check if you qualify for a different rooting pathway like family or social rooting
7 What documents do I need to prove Ive been living in Spain
You need official proof like rental contracts utility bills in your name bank statements medical records school enrollment for your children or a certificate of empadronamiento showing continuous residence
8 What happens if my application is rejected
You can appeal the decision You have one month to file an administrative appeal or later a judicial appeal A lawyer is essential for this step
9 How long does the whole process take
Processing times vary The government aims to decide within 3
