Spain’s 500,000-Permit Amnesty Opens Fast

What the regularization covers

Spain’s extraordinary regularization is now live under Real Decreto 316/2026 and it’s aimed at undocumented foreign residents already in the country, not short-term visitors or legal visa holders. The government says the measure could reach 500,000 to 750,000 people and honestly, it’s one of the biggest residence fixes Spain has tried in years.

The rules add two routes under Royal Decree 1155/2024: one for certain asylum applicants who filed before January 1, 2026 and another for extraordinary arraigo tied to work, family or vulnerability. Work rights kick in after admission, which, surprisingly, can happen within 15 days.

Who it affects

This is for people who were already in Spain before December 31, 2025 and who can show at least 5 continuous months of residence when they apply. Tourists, digital nomads and expats with valid permits don’t need this and they won’t qualify unless they were actually living irregularly in Spain.

That distinction matters. A lot. Short Schengen stays stay untouched and legal residents keep their current status, while families can be processed together if spouses, minors or first-degree relatives are in the same household.

What to do next

Applications opened online on April 16 and in-person filing by appointment starts April 20 before the window closes on June 30. Processing can take up to 3 months and applicants need proof of presence before the cutoff, plus clean criminal records in Spain and the last five years of residence.

Gather dated documents now, things like rental papers, medical records or other nominative proof, because weak evidence will slow this down. Turn it in early. The system is likely to get slammed and if you’re eligible, waiting helps nobody.

Read our full Spain guide for the complete picture.