The Spanish government has announced a historic plan to legalize the status of undocumented migrants, expected to benefit at least half a million individuals. Regularization will be open to foreign nationals who can demonstrate residency in Spain for at least five months by December 31, 2025, and have no criminal record.
This is a historic day for our country, commented Elma Saiz, the Spanish Minister of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration. Under the new measures, beneficiaries will receive an initial one-year residence permit, with the option for extension. Applications are set to commence in April and will remain open until the end of June.
Saiz further explained, We are reinforcing a migratory model based on human rights, integration, co-existence, and which is compatible with economic growth and social cohesion. Over the years, Spain has experienced a surge in migration, mainly from Latin America, with reported undocumented migrants increasing from 107,409 in 2017 to approximately 837,938 in 2025.
The socialist-led government contrasts with broader European trends by emphasizing the economic contributions of immigrants. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez heralded immigrants as representing wealth, development and prosperity for Spain, highlighting their essential role in the social security system. The leftist coalition government has been steadfast in its approach to treating migrants humanely, promoting legal rights as a path to combating racism.
This legislation, which will be enacted by royal decree, marks the first large-scale regularization initiative in two decades. Critics, including leaders from Spain's conservative People's Party and far-right Vox, have raised concerns over the potential strain on public services and national identity. Despite opposition, this proposed regularization of undocumented migrants is positioned as a fundamental step in recognizing their importance to Spanish society and the economy.
This is a historic day for our country, commented Elma Saiz, the Spanish Minister of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration. Under the new measures, beneficiaries will receive an initial one-year residence permit, with the option for extension. Applications are set to commence in April and will remain open until the end of June.
Saiz further explained, We are reinforcing a migratory model based on human rights, integration, co-existence, and which is compatible with economic growth and social cohesion. Over the years, Spain has experienced a surge in migration, mainly from Latin America, with reported undocumented migrants increasing from 107,409 in 2017 to approximately 837,938 in 2025.
The socialist-led government contrasts with broader European trends by emphasizing the economic contributions of immigrants. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez heralded immigrants as representing wealth, development and prosperity for Spain, highlighting their essential role in the social security system. The leftist coalition government has been steadfast in its approach to treating migrants humanely, promoting legal rights as a path to combating racism.
This legislation, which will be enacted by royal decree, marks the first large-scale regularization initiative in two decades. Critics, including leaders from Spain's conservative People's Party and far-right Vox, have raised concerns over the potential strain on public services and national identity. Despite opposition, this proposed regularization of undocumented migrants is positioned as a fundamental step in recognizing their importance to Spanish society and the economy.
