Spain is on the verge of a sweeping change affecting hundreds of thousands of foreigners: a new regularization program is expected to launch, allowing those already in the country to obtain work and residence permits. The initiative, brokered by the government and Podemos, could impact more than half a million people. However, the lack of official guidelines and delays in publishing the law in the Boletín Oficial del Estado (BOE) have already led to a surge in fraud and growing anxiety among migrants.
While authorities have yet to announce exact terms or timelines, dozens of notices from so-called intermediaries have appeared in the service market. They promise to fast-track paperwork, demand advance payments, and guarantee results, even though the procedure has not officially started. Some post enticing offers on popular online platforms, using phrases like “guaranteed services” or “rapid document processing.” According to RUSSPAIN.COM, fees for such services range from €50 to €450, and sometimes even higher.
Surge in fraud
The situation is made worse by the fact that not only individuals, but also some agencies and even law firms, have joined in the deception. They charge for consultations or to review draft documents, which hold no legal weight until the law is published. Representatives of the Regularización Ya movement point out that such practices only heighten stress and uncertainty among migrants, many of whom have waited years for a chance to legalize their status.
Organizations supporting migrants warn: until the official text of the law is released, any offers to speed up the process are a trap. They advise not to pay anyone before official information appears and not to trust promises of ‘limited spots’ or ‘exclusive opportunities.’
Problems accessing services
Another issue is overloaded government services. It is expected that documents will be accepted via Correos and other public centers, since foreign affairs departments are already unable to handle the volume of applications. In some municipalities, additional documents are still required for residency registration, even though this is not mandatory by law. Without registration, migrants cannot access healthcare, education for their children, or other basic services.
Activists urge local authorities to simplify procedures and remove the requirement for appointments to register residency. They are also preparing a list of organizations offering free assistance with paperwork and vulnerability certification.
Waiting for official guidelines
According to preliminary information, to participate in the legalization process, you will need either to apply for international protection by the end of 2025 or to confirm that you have been living in Spain for at least five months before that date, as well as having no criminal record. However, the application deadlines have not yet been announced, and all details will only become known after the law is published in the BOE. Until then, it is recommended to follow updates exclusively through the official resources of the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration.
It is important to understand that obtaining a residence permit does not grant the right to participate in national elections. Only those who acquire citizenship will be allowed to vote in parliamentary or autonomous community elections, and this process takes several years and requires meeting specific criteria. Participation in municipal elections requires special agreements between countries.
In recent years, Spain has already experienced waves of migrant legalization. For example, in 2005, a large-scale amnesty was carried out, enabling hundreds of thousands of foreigners to obtain legal status. At that time, there were also reported cases of fraud and abuse, which led to stricter controls and greater public awareness. The situation is repeating itself now: the lack of transparency and delays in publishing the law are once again creating opportunities for scams and speculation.
