In 2026, Spain has once again become the focus of attention due to a large-scale migrant legalization initiative. The government’s decision impacts not only the lives of hundreds of thousands, but also the country’s economy, labor market, and social sphere. For many, it’s an opportunity to come out of the shadows, gain rights, and change their lives, while for society, it is a reason to reflect on the future and on how Spain itself is changing.
Life in invisibility
For years, thousands lived in Spain, hiding from both the police and the public. They worked in kitchens, on construction sites, in homes, without documents or the right to protection. Their everyday life was filled with fear: every morning felt like a trial, every trip outside was a risk. In 2005, the situation shifted: the then president launched a legalization drive that enabled nearly 600,000 migrants to get documents and start a new life.
The stories of those who have gone through this journey still serve as reminders of the price of freedom. A young woman from Morocco, who once hid in a Barcelona restaurant kitchen, recalls paying thousands of euros for a chance to get a contract and legalize her status. A Romanian woman who arrived without knowing the language eventually passed her citizenship exams after years of hard work, and now speaks Spanish confidently. For many migrants, work became their only shelter, and legalization—a ticket to a new reality.
A new wave of change
In 2026, the government announced a new legalization that will cover at least half a million people. This time, the requirements are simpler: it is enough to have lived in the country for five months by the end of 2025 and not have any serious legal violations. Experts believe that the actual number of those able to take advantage of this opportunity could be significantly higher.
Migrants greet the news with joy and hope. For many, it is a chance to stop living in fear, work officially, pay taxes, and make plans for the future. Recalling past legalizations, people describe real happiness—the opportunity to live without fear, see their children attend Spanish schools, and watch their parents receive pensions for years of hard work.
Economy and society
Legalization of migrants is not only a humanitarian measure but also an economic calculation. According to analysts, each newly legalized worker brings the state thousands of euros in taxes and contributions. This supports the pension system, boosts employment, and decreases the size of the shadow economy.
However, not everyone is pleased with these changes. Critics fear that the new wave of legalization may fuel further illegal migration and put extra pressure on social services. At the same time, studies show that most migrants take jobs that are not sought after by the local population and contribute to the country’s development.
Personal stories
Among those who made the journey from undocumented status to citizenship, there are many different stories. An electrician from Senegal, now thinking about retirement, recalls working on construction sites without papers. A woman from Ecuador, who became disabled after years of hard labor, now receives a benefit and has managed to buy a home in Barcelona. A Pakistani man who started out delivering gas cylinders now owns two shops and is proud that his children speak Catalan fluently.
For many migrants, legalization became not only an opportunity to work but also a chance to build a family, give their children an education, and feel part of society. Some return to their homeland, but most stay, tying their lives to Spain forever.
Politics and controversy
The decision on a new legalization sparked heated debate in political circles. Some accuse the government of populism and trying to influence the electorate, while others see this step as necessary to support the economy and maintain social stability. Despite the criticism, officials are confident: without migrants, the country cannot develop or provide a decent life for everyone.
Many migrants who received documents in past years do not associate their gratitude with political preferences. For them, the main thing is the chance to live legally, work, and not fear for their children’s future. The new legalization offers the same prospects to thousands of families who, until recently, were invisible to society.
In recent years, Spain has repeatedly faced the need to rethink its migration policy. In 2024, a public initiative gathered hundreds of thousands of signatures in support of a new legalization, while political parties debated the timing and conditions. Despite disagreements, experience shows that regular waves of legalization help reduce the level of informal employment, increase budget revenues, and facilitate the integration of migrants into society. Similar measures have been adopted in other European countries, where Spain’s experience is often cited as a successful balance between humanitarianism and pragmatism.
