Residency Permit Spain via Regularisation Programme 2026 in Spain

In 2026 Spain is running a one-time programme that lets foreign people who already live there without legal papers apply for a residence permit. Applications can be made during a three-month window, from April to June 2026. The programme is open to people of any nationality.

Who it is for

• People who have lived and worked in Spain for a long time without papers
• People who asked for asylum (protection as a refugee) before 31 December 2025, whether the request is still open or was refused
• People working without a contract who cannot work openly
• Parents whose children already go to school in Spain
• People who just missed other routes to legal status because of missing papers or timing

Main conditions

• You were in Spain before 31 December 2025
• You have lived in Spain without a break for at least five months just before you apply
• You have no criminal convictions in Spain or in the countries where you lived before in recent years, and you are not seen as a risk to public order, safety or health
• There is no ban on you entering or staying in Spain
• For asylum seekers: your asylum request was made before 31 December 2025

An application is stronger if you can show a job or job offer, family links in Spain (such as children at school) or a situation of hardship.

How it works

• Checking if you qualify and which route fits you best.
• Collecting proof that you were in Spain in time, such as medical records, rental contracts, school records, bills or receipts for money sent home.
• Criminal record papers from Spain and, if needed, from your home country, with help when papers from abroad are very hard to get.
• Extra proof of work, family or hardship, depending on your case.
• Preparing the full application with forms, translations and fees.
• Filing it during the April to June 2026 window.
• Admission check: the authorities have 15 days to decide whether to accept the application for review. Once it is accepted, you may already work legally, even before the final decision.
• Final decision: the authorities then have three months to decide. Any requests for more information are answered.
• After approval: the first permit lasts one year. Work then starts on moving you to a normal residence permit, for example based on your roots in Spain, work or family, so your legal status can continue.