Spain has officially approved its controversial migrant regularisation scheme that will see up to 500,000 illegal overstayers granted residency.

The measure, signed off by the Cabinet on Tuesday, will allow undocumented migrants to apply for legal residency and work permits from this week, with applications open until June 30, 2026.

The scheme marks Spain’s seventh extraordinary regularisation in history and the first since 2005.

How and when to apply

Applications can be submitted online from Thursday, and in person from April 20 at designated offices including Social Security centres, post offices and immigration offices.

The process will be handled under a fast-track system, with authorities aiming to resolve applications within three months – although legal experts warn that timeline may prove optimistic given existing backlogs.

A reinforced team of more than 350 officials will be tasked with processing the cases.

Who qualifies

To be eligible, applicants must prove they have lived in Spain for at least five months prior to December 31 last year and have no criminal record.

The scheme also opens the door – for the first time – to asylum seekers and those seeking international protection, who are expected to make up a significant portion of applications.

Successful applicants will initially be granted a one-year residence and work permit, renewable thereafter.

Importantly, migrants will be allowed to live and work in Spain while their application is being processed.

Key exclusion sparks criticism

One of the most controversial aspects of the reform is the exclusion of stateless people, a group that largely includes Sahrawi migrants who arrived in Spain via the Balearic Islands.

Their omission has raised eyebrows, particularly given Spain’s historical ties to Western Sahara.

Government defends move

Government spokesperson and Migration Minister Elma Saiz described the reform as a ‘major milestone’, arguing it carries ‘social, political and economic legitimacy’.

Officials say the measure will help bring workers out of the shadow economy, boost tax revenues and address Spain’s growing demographic crisis.

With an ageing population and declining birth rates, ministers argue that integrating working-age migrants is essential to sustaining the country’s welfare system and labour market.

System already under pressure

However, the rollout comes amid serious strain on Spain’s immigration system.

There are currently close to half a million unresolved cases in immigration offices, including more than 200,000 linked to residency claims based on long-term stay.

An additional 25,000 asylum applications are also pending.

Despite this, the government insists the involvement of public companies TRAGSA and Correos – which will assist with administrative processing – will help speed things up and avoid bottlenecks.

A politically charged reform

The government estimates up to 500,000 migrants could benefit, although some internal projections suggest the final figure may be significantly lower.

Either way, the policy places Spain at odds with a broader international trend toward tightening immigration controls – with Madrid instead opting to formalise the status of those already living and working in the country.

The true scale and impact of the scheme will become clearer once the application window closes at the end of June.