Elma Saiz, Spain’s Minister for Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration, hailed the move as a “milestone” for the current administration. She emphasized that the law holds triple legitimacy: social, political, and economic.
“These people are living among us. Their children go to school with ours. They bring life to our cities and streets. From today, they will enjoy full rights and guarantees and can fulfill their responsibilities,” Saiz stated.
Under the new regulations, migrants who meet specific criteria will receive residence and work permits, a social security number, and a public health insurance card for their region. The initial approval will be valid for one year, after which individuals can transition into other categories under general immigration rules.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, currently on a visit to China, voiced his support on social media. He noted that the initiative reached parliament thanks to the relentless efforts of hundreds of organizations and over 600,000 citizens who signed a petition—surpassing the 500,000-signature threshold required for citizen-led bills in Spain.
Eligibility and Application Criteria
To apply for this regularization program, candidates must:
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Be adults (18+).
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Have entered Spain before January 1, 2026.
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Provide proof of continuous residence in Spain for five months at the time of application.
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Family members (first-degree relatives) and registered partners will also have their applications considered together.
The application deadline has been extended to June 31.
Criminal Record Verification
The final draft of the decree includes strict vetting processes. Applicants must provide a certificate from their home country proving they have no criminal record. They will be given one month to submit this document; otherwise, the Spanish government will attempt to verify records through diplomatic channels.
Political Reaction
While the move was praised by human rights groups, it has sparked a political divide. The main opposition, the conservative Popular Party (PP), has vowed to challenge the decision, despite having voted in favor of a similar proposal in 2024. PP Deputy Secretary-General Alma Ezcurra argued that the move creates a “pull factor” for more irregular migration and harms public services.
Conversely, Minister Saiz maintained that Spain intends to be a “beacon” against the global anti-immigrant tide. “It is a great day for our country,” she concluded.