Spain Launches Extraordinary Regularisation Process for Undocumented Migrants

Madrid/Brussels, April 2026 — Spain has approved an extraordinary regularisation process allowing thousands of undocumented migrants to apply for legal residence and work permits under Royal Decree 316/2026. The measure, which entered into force on 16 April 2026, opens a window for applications until 30 June 2026.

The initiative is aimed at foreign nationals currently in an irregular situation who can demonstrate continuous residence in Spain prior to 1 January 2026. Successful applicants will be granted a one-year residence and work permit, marking a significant step toward inclusion and legal security.

The Jesuit Migrant Service Spain (Servicio Jesuita a Migrantes, – SJM), a member of the JRS Europe network, has welcomed the measure as a positive and necessary response to the realities faced by many migrants living in precarity. SJM highlights that the regularisation provides not only legal recognition but also access to rights, protection, and dignified participation in society.

Across the country, the 14 organisations that make up the SJM network are actively supporting individuals throughout the application process. This includes legal guidance, accompaniment, and the preparation of vulnerability reports required in certain cases. One example is the Centro Pueblos Unidos in Madrid, which is already assisting applicants by documenting situations of vulnerability and facilitating access to the procedure.

JRS Europe also welcomes this development as an encouraging sign within the broader European context. At a time when migration policies across the continent often prioritise deterrence and control, this initiative reflects a people-centred approach grounded in dignity, humanity, and inclusion.

JRS Europe calls on other European Union Member States to consider similar regularisation pathways that recognise the realities of irregular stay and contribute to more cohesive and inclusive societies. Ensuring that no one is left in legal limbo is essential for building communities where everyone can live with dignity and contribute meaningfully.

More information on the legal framework can be found in Royal Decree 316/2026: https://boe.es/boe/dias/2026/04/15/pdfs/BOE-A-2026-8284.pdf

Would you like to check whether you meet the eligibility criteria for regularisation? https://www.inclusion.gob.es/simulador-de-requisitos-regularizacion-extraordinaria-2026