Spain launches one of the most talked-about initiatives in recent years—the government has officially announced a special decree that will allow over one million migrants to gain legal status. For many residents, this decision came as a surprise, sparking a wave of emotions ranging from support to concern over the future of the labor market and the social system.
At the heart of the matter is the fate of those who have been living in Spain for a long time but have so far remained undocumented. Now, they will have a chance to legalize their status if they can prove they have been in the country for at least five months and have no serious legal issues. Authorities stress: this only applies to those who arrived before the end of 2025. Applications can be submitted until June 30, 2026.
Who qualifies
The new decree applies only to those who can confirm their stay in Spain up to December 31, 2025. To do this, they will need to provide documents proving residence, as well as a certificate confirming the absence of serious criminal convictions. Importantly, even brief absences from the country will not be an obstacle if the total period of stay exceeds five months.
Experts estimate this will be the largest regularization in recent decades. Authorities promise the process will be as transparent and quick as possible to avoid bureaucratic delays. Yet, concerns are already being raised within society: could this move lead to greater competition in the job market and added pressure on social services?
Society’s Reaction
The announcement of the upcoming legalization has sparked strong reactions in Spanish cities. People are discussing on social media and in the streets how life will change once the decree comes into force. Some believe it will bring thousands of people out of the shadows—those who have been working and paying taxes unofficially for a long time. Others fear that an influx of new legal workers could impact wage levels and job availability for locals.
Particular attention is being paid to security: authorities emphasize that all applicants will undergo mandatory background checks for serious offenses. Nevertheless, skeptics point out potential risks and are calling for additional oversight measures.
Political context
The initiative is the outcome of lengthy negotiations between the government and left-wing party representatives. Recent statements by the Prime Minister, saying that ‘in Spain, no one is superfluous,’ served as a starting point for this decision. As a result, a compromise was reached, launching the legalization process already this year.
Experts note that such steps could reshape the country’s political landscape. For the first time in a long while, migration has become a central focus of public debate, and the authorities’ decision has triggered heated arguments both in parliament and among ordinary citizens.
What’s next
While the application process is still being prepared for launch, many potential participants are already gathering the necessary documents. Authorities promise that detailed instructions will be published soon, and the procedure itself will be as clear and accessible as possible.
In the coming months, the topic of migrant legalization is expected to remain one of the hottest issues on Spain’s agenda. How life in the country will change after the decree comes into force remains to be seen. For now, Spaniards are closely following developments, weighing the possible pros and cons of the government’s new step.
