Spain | Measure to grant legal status to foreign nationals open for public comment

The Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration announced a new measure granting residence and work authorization to foreign nationals currently residing in Spain.

Key Points:

• On Jan. 27, 2026, the Council of Ministers approved the start of the extraordinary regularization process and opened the measure for public comment.
• According to the measure, foreign nationals currently residing in Spain are eligible for a residence permit if they meet the following requirements:
  • Demonstrate proof of continuous residence in Spain for at least five months prior to Dec. 31, 2025
  • Hold no criminal record nor pose a threat to public order
• Foreign nationals who meet the requirements will be granted a residence permit in Spain with an initial validity of one year, after which they must apply for a standard residency status.
• The application period is expected to open at the beginning of April 2026 and end June 30, 2026.
• Applicants are eligible to work once their application is accepted for processing, which is expected within 15 days of submission.
• The residence permit allows beneficiaries to work throughout Spain and in any sector.
• A decision is expected within three months of submission once the application is fully processed.
• The measure extends residence authorization with a five-year limit to minor children of applicants who already reside in Spain.

Additional Information: All information reflects proposed changes, according to the government announcement. The final scope, timeline and procedures may differ from the current measure as the regulatory process continues.

BAL will continue to monitor related developments and provide updates.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

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