In April, Spain will launch a mass legalization program for migrants—a development that has already changed the landscape for hundreds of thousands of families and employers. Authorities promise residence and work permits for those already in the country, but with an important caveat: the new documents are valid only within Spain and do not grant the right to relocate to other European Union countries. This decision has sparked lively debate among politicians, experts, and migrants themselves, as it impacts the labor market, social stability, and Spain’s relations with its EU neighbors.
According to russpain.com, around half a million people are expected to apply for legalization if they can prove they have lived in Spain for at least five months by the end of last year and have no criminal record. The new permits will allow migrants to work in any sector and region of the country, aiming to reduce informal employment and increase migrants’ rights. However, as El Mundo notes, European officials have already warned: these documents do not grant the right to move freely or take up jobs in other EU countries. If a migrant with a Spanish permit tries to settle in Germany or France, they will be sent back to Spain.
Response from Spanish authorities and the EU
The Spanish government, which has reached an agreement with Podemos, insists that the goal of the reform is to regulate the labor market and protect the rights of people who already live and work in the country. Minister Elma Saiz emphasized that the new permits apply only to work and residence in Spain. At the same time, the European Commission and representatives of other EU countries reminded that each country is entitled to decide legalization issues independently, but such decisions should not pose a threat to the Schengen Area. According to European Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier, if a migrant with a Spanish permit is found in another EU country without the right to stay, they must be returned to Spain.
Inside the country, the decision sparked debates between political parties. The government and Podemos support the reform, while PP and Vox oppose it, expressing concerns about increased illegal migration and pressure on social services. In February, warnings were already voiced in the European Parliament: the Spanish permit is not a ‘ticket’ for free movement across Europe. This restriction became a key issue for many migrants who were hoping for broader opportunities.
Practical implications
Organizations working with migrants believe that most newly regularized individuals will remain in Spain. According to Infobae, experts note that legalization grants the right to work and live in the country, but does not open doors to other EU states. Moving to and working in Germany or France would require a separate contract and new paperwork. Many migrants are already employed in Spain, but have so far worked unofficially or on temporary permits. The new reform aims to bring order to these relationships and reduce administrative instability.
The Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration emphasizes that most of those being regularized are already employed in the country, but often face unstable conditions and lack job security. Their status will now become official, which should improve the labor market and reduce risks for employers. However, experts say there is little expectation of mass migration to other EU countries—interest in such moves is minimal, as the Spanish permit does not grant the right to work abroad.
Context and similar cases
In recent years, Spain has already conducted several migrant legalization campaigns, but the current initiative is the largest in the past decade. In 2020, amid the pandemic, authorities temporarily eased rules for agricultural and healthcare workers to address staffing shortages. At that time, permits were also valid only within the country and did not allow free movement across the EU. Similar restrictions exist in other European countries, where national permits do not automatically grant the right to live or work in neighboring states. The new Spanish reform continues this practice, focusing on internal integration and protecting the rights of migrants already residing in Spain.
