In a historic move that sets Spain apart from its European neighbors, the socialist-led coalition government has unveiled a sweeping migrant regularization program expected to grant legal status to approximately half a million undocumented immigrants. The initiative, announced by Minister of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration Elma Saiz, represents the first large-scale regularization effort in two decades.
Under the program’s provisions, foreign nationals without criminal records who can demonstrate residence in Spain prior to December 31, 2025, for a minimum of five months will qualify for initial one-year residence permits, renewable upon expiration. The application window will open in April and remain accessible through June 2026.
The decision comes amid staggering statistics from conservative think-tank Funcas, revealing an eight-fold surge in Spain’s undocumented migrant population—from 107,409 in 2017 to 837,938 in 2025. Primary countries of origin include Colombia, Peru, and Honduras, with significant migration flows from Latin American nations.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s administration emphasizes the economic rationale behind the measure, characterizing immigrants as catalysts for ‘wealth, development and prosperity.’ Spain’s economy has notably outperformed major EU counterparts, projecting nearly 3% growth for 2025 alongside unemployment rates dipping below 10% for the first time since 2008—achievements partly attributed to migrant contributions to the social security system.
The policy emerged through negotiations with far-left Podemos party, long-time advocates for migrant rights under the slogan ‘regularisation is rights.’ Former minister Irene Montero celebrated the move as a triumph against racism, though the government bypassed parliamentary procedures by implementing the measure via royal decree.
Conservative opposition parties have voiced strong objections. People’s Party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo warned of potential strain on public services and increased migration pull factors, while far-right Vox spokeswoman Pepa Millán condemned the initiative as an attack on national identity, pledging to challenge it before the Supreme Court.