The Pakistani consulate in Barcelona was packed with people queuing to obtain proof of their clean criminal record in their home country.
In recent days, the Spanish Government has announced the start of the legislative process for a Royal Decree introducing an extraordinary regularisation for foreign nationals already residing in Spain. As publicly announced, the measure could benefit around 500,000 people and aims to provide "legal certainty" to an existing social reality. (RTVE). It will be interesting to see how Europe responds, since although this is a domestic measure, any person holding a residence permit may travel freely throughout Europe — and a Spanish company can deploy them to work anywhere across the EU.
Important: as of today, the information in circulation is provisional and remains subject to the final text and its official publication; requirements, documentation and deadlines may still change. (RTVE)
What is this extraordinary regularisation?
This is an exceptional procedure (distinct from the standard routes such as arraigo (residence by social/family/employment ties) social/employment ties, etc.) that would allow certain undocumented individuals to obtain a temporary authorisation which, according to published reports, would include the right to reside and work in Spain for one year. (Cadena SER)
Who is eligible? Requirements under discussion
Reports covering the announcement point to the following key criteria:
1) Presence in Spain before 31 December 2025
This cut-off date is intended to limit the scope of the measure. (Noticiastrabajo)
2) Proof of minimum continuous presence (reports indicate 5 months)
There is a requirement to demonstrate at least five months of residence linked to that prior period. (Cadena SER)
3) No criminal record
The requirement of having no criminal record appears as a key condition.
Instruct us here at this link on how to proceed with the expungement of criminal records.
4) Alternative linked to international protection
Some reports indicate that the measure could also apply to those who had initiated international protection (asylum) proceedings before that date, although this point must be confirmed once the final text is published. (RTVE)
How is residence in Spain evidenced? Commonly accepted documents
Pending the final wording, the standard practice in these procedures is to provide evidence of presence and continuity, for example:
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municipal registration (empadronamiento) (individual or historical certificate).
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Medical documentation (appointments, reports, health card where applicable).
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School enrolment records (for the applicant or their children).
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Contracts and receipts (rental agreements, utility bills, money transfer records, named transport passes where applicable).
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Bank documents, social assistance records, etc.
The practical key is usually to build a coherent and verifiable timeline covering the required period.
Timeline: when could an application be submitted?
The probable window published is between April 2026 and 30 June 2026, but we stress: until the Royal Decree is approved and published, the timetable may change. (OndaCero)
What do you obtain if your application is granted?
Based on information reported in the media and official statements, the outcome would be a one-year residence and work authorisation. Whether and how subsequent renewals will be available — and on what conditions — will depend on the final wording of the regulation and any accompanying administrative guidance. (Cadena SER)
Why legal advice matters — and how a law firm can help
In extraordinary regularisation processes, the most common pitfalls tend to be:
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Insufficient or poorly organised evidence of continuous stay in Spain.
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Criminal or police records that may lead to rejection of the application.
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Procedural errors: fees, appointments, deadlines, application forms, representation, translations and legalisation of documents.
If you are looking for an immigration lawyer in Barcelona, an immigration lawyer in Valencia or an immigration lawyer in Madrid, case preparation typically focuses on: assessing whether your situation meets the eligibility criteria, a full document checklist, a strategy for proving continuous residence, and a review of any criminal or administrative records before submission.
Immigration lawyer
The 2026 extraordinary regularisation is attracting significant attention, and if it is confirmed in the Spanish Official Gazette (BOE) on the terms announced, it could open an exceptional pathway for many people already living in Spain. Until the final text is published, the most prudent course of action is to gather documentation proving your length of stay, review your records and keep a close eye on the official publication and the criteria set by the Immigration Authorities. (RTVE)
