Spain is deeply split over the government’s plan to regularise hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants, a new poll has shown.

Around 500,000 people currently living in Spain without legal status are now applying for residency and work permits under the scheme backed by Pedro Sanchez.

The measure grants access to jobs, social security and healthcare for those who have been in the country since before January 1, 2026.

But a new survey by GESOP shows public opinion is almost evenly split.

A country divided

According to the survey, 51.9% of Spaniards support the regularisation, while 48.1% oppose it.

The divide becomes clearer when you break it down. Men tend to reject the plan (54.1% against), while women mostly back it (57.2% in favour).

Age also plays a role, as people aged 45 to 59 are the only group where a clear majority is against it, while those aged 30 to 44 are the most supportive.

Political lines are just as sharp. Voters of PSOE and Sumar largely support the move, while on the other side, most PP and Vox voters oppose it – but about a quarter of PP supporters are in favour.

Seen as necessary

Despite the split, a majority (56.8%) believe the measure is necessary. There is also strong awareness of the policy, with more than 95% of respondents saying they had heard about it.

Many Spaniards also back making the process easier. Around 58.5% support simplifying paperwork for migrants, including controversial requirements like criminal record checks.

Fear of a ‘pull effect’

The biggest worry is what’s known as the ‘pull effect.’ Seven in ten respondents (70%) believe the policy could encourage more irregular migration to Spain.

This concern cuts across all groups – men and women, young and old, left and right. Even among PSOE voters, a majority think the measure could attract more migrants.

Economic hopes, but no consensus

On the economic side, opinion is again split. A majority (56.3%) believe the regularisation could benefit the economy, while 43.7% are more sceptical.

Women are generally more optimistic than men, and younger people tend to be more cautious. Even within political groups, views are mixed – some PP voters see economic benefits, while a portion of left-wing voters do not.

No one escapes criticism

When it comes to how the issue has been handled, no political group comes out strongly.

More than half of respondents (51.9%) rate the government’s management as poor, while only 34% give it a positive assessment.

The opposition fares no better: 56.7% disapprove of the PP’s stance, and 50.7% criticise Vox.