Spain Approves Landmark Decree to Grant Legal Status to 500,000 Undocumented Immigrants

On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, the Spanish administration greenlit a significant extraordinary decree aimed at regularizing the status of approximately 500,000 undocumented immigrants currently residing in the country. By opting for this executive path, the government effectively bypassed a potentially protracted parliamentary debate, allowing for a swift implementation of the measure. Elma Saiz, the Minister for Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, hailed the move as a "historic day," emphasizing that it restores dignity and recognition to individuals who have already become integral members of Spanish society.

Formally announced in Barcelona, this initiative is framed as a reinforcement of a migration model centered on human rights and social cohesion. The decree finds its roots in a People's Legislative Initiative that garnered 700,000 signatures, a grassroots movement that might have otherwise stalled in standard legislative sessions. To qualify for this legalization, individuals must have arrived in Spain by December 31, 2025, and provide evidence of at least five months of residency. Alternatively, those who have previously sought international protection are also eligible, though the program strictly excludes anyone with a criminal record.

Under the new regulations, successful applicants will receive a temporary one-year residency permit, granting them the legal right to work across all economic sectors. Minister Saiz highlighted that this move is vital for the sustainability of the welfare state, noting that Spain requires between 250,000 and 300,000 foreign workers annually to maintain its economic health. Furthermore, the decree offers robust protections for minors; children of migrants already in the country will be granted five-year permits simultaneously. Experts suggest that the total number of people benefiting from these various measures could reach as high as 800,000.

The administrative rollout is scheduled to begin in April 2026, with the government pledging to finalize all applications by June 30, 2026. To ensure efficiency, authorities have established a 15-day window for initial decisions on each file, with a maximum three-month period for full processing. This large-scale effort draws comparisons to the 2005 regularization program led by the government of José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, which successfully integrated more than 565,000 individuals into the legal workforce.

However, the decree has sparked a sharp divide across the political landscape. Irene Montero, the General Secretary of Podemos, praised the decision as a necessary recognition of residents' rights. In contrast, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the People's Party, accused Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of using the decree as a political smokescreen to divert public attention from recent tragic train accidents. Meanwhile, Santiago Abascal of Vox launched a scathing critique, characterizing the move as an "acceleration of an invasion." This bold policy shift on January 27, 2026, underscores Spain's attempt to modernize its immigration framework as the nation looks toward the 2027 elections.