Spain’s government has approved a sweeping regularisation programme that will grant legal residency and work rights to up to 500,000 undocumented migrants, in one of the largest amnesties of its kind in recent European history, as ministers argue the move is essential to sustaining the country’s ageing workforce.
A nationwide path to legal status
The government of Spain has moved to legalise the status of around half a million undocumented migrants, allowing them to formally regularise their residence and work permits under a nationwide programme designed to address demographic pressures and labour shortages.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who leads the Socialist government, described the decision as “an act of justice and necessity,” stressing that migrants are essential to maintaining public services in a country with an increasingly elderly population. He warned that without migrant labour, key sectors risk facing severe staffing shortages.
Who qualifies for the scheme
Applications for the scheme can be submitted online. Eligible migrants must have entered Spain before January 1, 2026 and have lived continuously in the country for at least five months at the time of application. Applicants must have no criminal record and must not pose a threat to national security.
Successful applicants will initially receive temporary permits, which can be renewed after one year. The scheme also extends to individuals whose previous applications were rejected, effectively widening access to legalisation for those already embedded in Spanish society.
The announcement has triggered public demonstrations in which migrants celebrated the government’s decision. Many expressed relief at the prospect of finally gaining legal status after years of precarious living conditions.
Celebrations in the streets
A Bangladeshi migrant said many undocumented workers were living in extreme hardship: “They have no jobs, no housing. Life is very difficult, they are barely surviving. That is why everyone is so happy now.”
Another added: “There are more opportunities here. So thank you, Pedro Sánchez. Thank you, Spain.”
However, trade union representatives within immigration services have warned that the system may be overwhelmed by the expected surge in applications. Staff have announced plans to begin strike action from April 21, citing insufficient resources and administrative capacity.
Scale of migration in Spain
Spain has a population of around 50 million, including an estimated 10 million foreign-born residents. According to the research institute Funcas, approximately 840,000 undocumented migrants are currently working in the country.
Sánchez defended the policy as both economically and morally justified, arguing that migrants already make a significant contribution to Spain’s economic growth and social cohesion.
Opposition parties, including the People’s Party, condemned the move as reckless, warning it could place additional strain on public services and weaken border enforcement.
