On April 14, the government approved the most extensive regularization in decades. If you have been in Spain since before January 1, 2026, you may be eligible for a residence and work permit. We explain everything, without technical jargon.
On April 15, 2026, Royal Decree 316/2026 was published in the BOE, amending the Foreigners’ Regulations and launching the process of extraordinary mass regularization. Today, April 16, the application deadline has already opened.
This is not a new foreign law. It is a modification of Royal Decree 1155/2024 that introduces two specific pathways for people in an irregular situation to obtain a one-year residence and work permit, renewable. The deadline is June 30, 2026.
This is what you need to know.
Who can apply for it?
There are two profiles with different requirements: those who applied for asylum before January 1, 2026, and those who did not apply but have been in the country since before that date as well.
If you did NOT apply for asylum
The common requirements for the general route are:
- Be of legal age and have arrived in Spain before 01/01/2026
- Having been in continuous residence for 5 months without any departures, prior to the application
- No criminal or police records in Spain
- No previous history in the country of origin or in the countries of residence in the last 5 years
- Not represent a threat to public order or be prohibited from entry
- Without another residence or stay permit in effect, nor any applications in progress
In addition, you must comply at least one of these three paths:
Employment status: Have worked in Spain, or have an employment offer of more than 90 days, or a self-employed declaration
Family situation: Coexisting with minor children, adult children dependent on disability or health, or first-degree relatives
Path of vulnerability: Situation of vulnerability accredited by social assistance or Third Sector entities registered in the Foreigners Register
If you applied for asylum before 01/01/2026
You can apply to a specific pathway. The requirements are similar, but You do not need to give up your asylum application or appeal To present you. This also applies if your application was denied or is pending resolution.
Key dates: when and how to apply
15 April 2026: Publication of Royal Decree 316/2026 in the BOE
16 April 2026 · Entry into force. Opening of the telematics application period
20 April 2026: In-person presentation opening at designated points
30 June 2026: Closing date for applications. No exceptions
Up to 3 months later
Maximum resolution time. Administrative silence is negative
The preferred method is telematics. Physical points will also be set up (Social Security offices, Government Delegations and Sub-Delegations, Correos and Foreigners' Registration Offices). People without resources can turn to non-profit organizations affiliated with the Register of Official Foreigners' Collaborators.
What will you get if your application is approved?
- Residence and work permit for 1 year, renewable
- Authorization to work for others and on your own (self-employed)
- High in Social Security since the application was submitted for processing
- The possibility of registering as a self-employed person in the RETA from the moment of admission
- Priority and simultaneous processing of the entire family unit
- Residence permit for 5 years for minor children and for adult children with disabilities
- The period of residence counts towards Spanish nationality, with retroactive effect from the submission.
Important: The government is committed to resolving the admission to proceedings within 15 working days. From that moment, you can start working legally even if you do not yet have the physical TIE.
This process can be a great opportunity, but it also involves requirements and documentation that must be submitted correctly.
En Nomadis Legal We’ll guide you step by step: we review your case, prepare the application, and make sure you make the most of this opportunity.