More than one million undocumented migrants have applied to regularise their status in Spain under a new administrative process, the Spanish government announced on Tuesday.
Record number of applications
The Spanish Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration confirmed that 1,023,000 applications were received by the deadline on June 30, 2026. The figure far exceeds initial government estimates of 500,000 applicants.
Minister José Luis Escrivá stated: “This is an unprecedented response that demonstrates the scale of irregular migration and the determination of people to integrate legally into Spanish society.”
Details of the scheme
The scheme, launched in April 2026, allowed undocumented migrants who had been in Spain for at least two years to apply for a one-year residency and work permit, provided they had no criminal record and could prove their integration through employment, family ties, or community involvement.
Applicants were required to submit documents such as proof of residence, employment contracts, or certificates from local organisations. The government allocated additional staff to process the surge in applications.
Impact and challenges
The high number of applications is expected to strain Spain’s administrative capacity, with processing times likely extending beyond the initial six-month target. Migrant advocacy groups welcomed the scheme but urged the government to ensure timely and fair processing.
According to the Ministry, the scheme aims to reduce the informal economy and improve labour conditions. Spain’s economy relies heavily on migrant workers in agriculture, construction, and domestic service.
However, opposition parties criticised the move, arguing it could encourage further irregular migration. The right-wing Vox party called it “an invitation to illegality.”
Broader context
Spain has long been a gateway for migrants from Africa and Latin America. The country’s foreign-born population is over 7 million, with an estimated 500,000 to 1 million undocumented residents before the scheme.
Similar regularisation programmes have been implemented in Italy and Portugal, but Spain’s programme is one of the largest in Europe. The European Commission has not commented on the scheme but has previously supported member states’ efforts to manage migration.
The government plans to evaluate the programme’s outcomes before considering any extension or permanent reform.
