Spanish society has undergone profound changes in recent decades, shaped by globalisation, international mobility and the transformation of the labour market. In this context, the new extraordinary regularisation process announced by the Government responds to the reality of thousands of foreign nationals who live, work and are integrated in Spain but do not currently have a legal migration status.

This new permit aims to provide a legal pathway to residence, ensuring rights, legal certainty and social inclusion, while recognising the real and ongoing contribution these individuals make to the Spanish economy and society.

 

Who can apply?

 

Foreign nationals who are not citizens of European Union countries, who are currently in Spain in an irregular situation, and who meet the criteria established by the Government may apply for residence through the extraordinary regularisation process.

If the application is approved, applicants would be granted a temporary residence permit, allowing them to regularise their migration status and subsequently have the possibility of applying for a different type of residence permit in accordance with Spanish immigration regulations.
 

Basic requirements to apply for the extraordinary regularisation process

Continuous residence in Spain

Have resided continuously in Spain for at least five months prior to submitting the application.

Applicants must not have a criminal record either in Spain or in their country of origin.

Supporting documentation

Not be subject to an entry ban to Spain and not have signed a commitment of non-return.

Provide proof of residence in Spain (such as municipal registration or other supporting documents).

Applicants for international protection must provide proof that their application was submitted before 31 December 2025.

Key information

Initial permit

Residence authorisation for one year, with the possibility of transitioning to one of the residence permits provided for under the Spanish Immigration Regulations.

work legally and access basic rights

Allows individuals to work legally and access basic rights.

timings

Applications will be admitted for processing within a maximum of 15 days, allowing applicants to start working legally in Spain, with a maximum resolution period of three months.

travel within the Schengen Area

Possibility to travel within the Schengen Area.

Application period

Application period: from 1 April to 30 June 2026.

Key questions

  • Did you arrive in Spain before 31 December 2025?
  • Can you demonstrate that you have resided in Spain for at least five months?
  • Do you have a municipal registration certificate or other documents that prove your stay in Spain? 
  • Have you had any criminal record in Spain or in your country of origin?
  • Have you previously held any residence or stay permit in Spain?

Regularise your status in Spain with the support of RSM

 

At RSM, we understand that thousands of foreign nationals are already part of Spanish society, even though their migration status does not always reflect this reality. For this reason, our Global Mobility team is available to support you throughout the extraordinary regularisation process promoted by the Spanish Government.

This new permit represents a unique opportunity to obtain a residence and work authorisation in Spain, removing barriers from the past and facilitating the legal and professional integration of individuals who are already living in the country.

Our team of legal experts will assist you throughout the entire process — from preparing and submitting your application to obtaining the authorisation — ensuring a process that is efficient, secure and transparent. We will also advise you on the next steps following approval, including the available options to maintain your residence status in accordance with Spanish Immigration Regulations.

At RSM, we manage the legal complexity so that you can focus on what matters most: living and working in Spain with confidence and legal certainty.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you access the extraordinary regularisation process and take the next step towards stability in Spain. 

Contact our experts in regularisation in Spain

Partner. Tax & Legal
Manager. Tax & Legal

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