Spain’s Council of Ministers has authorized the urgent processing of a royal decree introducing an extraordinary regularization process for foreign nationals already present in the country. The initiative seeks to formally recognize undocumented residents, reinforce equal rights, and address the social and economic implications of informal migration.
The process is expected to launch in early April and remain open until June 30, 2026. Foreign nationals who have been in Spain for at least five months prior to December 31, 2025, as well as those who submitted applications for international protection before that date, will be eligible to apply, provided they have no criminal record. Successful applicants will receive a one-year legal residence and work permit, with the option to transition into longer-term immigration categories under Spain’s existing Immigration Law Regulations. In cases where the applicant has minor children residing in Spain, the process will allow for their simultaneous regularization, granting a five-year permit.
What this means for employers
For corporate clients, this measure may have several downstream effects—particularly at the local level. If widely adopted, the program could place additional strain on municipal and regional immigration offices, potentially affecting appointment availability for foreign employees undergoing standard registration steps such as empadronamiento and fingerprinting for residence cards. Employers should anticipate possible delays in securing appointments, especially in high-demand jurisdictions.
Newland Chase is actively monitoring developments and engaging with local authorities to minimize disruptions to corporate immigration timelines. Where possible, we will continue to prioritize early scheduling, identify alternative jurisdictions with better appointment availability, and leverage our in-country presence to limit the impact on your employees and their families.
It is important to note that we remain in the early stages of the decree’s implementation. Precise documentation requirements and procedural details have not yet been confirmed. Newland Chase will provide further updates as soon as the final text of the decree is published and the application framework is in place.
Newland Chase remains committed to helping clients navigate regulatory change with confidence and efficiency. Please contact your dedicated advisor or reach out to our Spain immigration team for case-specific support.
This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.
