Mass Legalization of Foreign Nationals in Spain in 2026

At the beginning of 2026, the Spanish government prepared a draft amendment to the Immigration Regulation (Royal Decree 1155/2024), which could make 2026 one of the most favorable periods for resolving the immigration status of foreign nationals. In practice, this concerns a large-scale legalization of people who are already in Spain and have a genuine connection with Spanish society. For many, this is a direct answer to the question of how to obtain documents in Spain in 2026, especially if they previously lacked a stable contract or legal status.

It is important to understand that this is not an amnesty in the classical sense, but rather the introduction of special transitional mechanisms for obtaining a residence permit based on extraordinary (exceptional) circumstances. The draft law aims to increase legal certainty for foreign nationals, recognize their actual integration, and reduce the number of people living in a “grey zone” without documents. The text of the draft explicitly emphasizes the goal of granting legal status to those who are already rooted in Spanish society and have a stable connection to the country.

One of the key measures concerns individuals who applied for international protection before December 31, 2025. Such applicants will be able to request legalization based on extraordinary circumstances, provided they are in Spain, have no serious criminal record, are not subject to an entry ban, and pay the applicable government fee. A major advantage is that immediately after the application is accepted for processing, the person is allowed to reside and work temporarily—both as an employee and as a self-employed person—throughout Spain until a decision is issued. Applications on this basis may be submitted until June 30, 2026.

An even more significant innovation is the so-called “single” legalization based on extraordinary circumstances. It is intended for foreign nationals who were in Spain before December 31, 2025 and have lived in the country continuously for at least five months at the time of application. The absence of serious criminal records, entry bans, and threats to public order is also required. In addition, the applicant must meet at least one of the following criteria: having worked or having a job contract, living with family members (for example, children attending school or dependent relatives), or being in a situation of vulnerability. Notably, the draft explicitly allows administrative irregularity itself to be considered a sign of vulnerability. This is where real mechanisms appear for those seeking to legalize their stay in Spain without a work contract.

Thus, legalization in Spain in 2026 becomes not a theoretical but a practical possibility. Grounds may include vulnerability, family ties, proven residence in the country, and social integration. A work contract is no longer the only path to legalization, which fundamentally changes the strategy for many foreign nationals.

The draft also introduces additional safeguards. Filing an application suspends return or deportation procedures if they are related to expired documents or unauthorized work. If a criminal record certificate from the country of origin is delayed, a sworn declaration of no criminal record from the applicant is permitted. Moreover, applicants are granted a temporary right to work while their application is under review.

The application period under these mechanisms is limited to June 30, 2026, which makes the present moment strategically important for documenting and preparing proof of presence in Spain. At the same time, it must be taken into account that this is still a draft law and not yet a rule in force, and certain provisions may still be adjusted. Nevertheless, the overall direction of migration policy is clear: Spain is demonstrating a willingness to legalize those who already live in and are integrated into the country.

The practical conclusion is that for foreign nationals in Spain without status, those who previously applied for asylum, those living with family, or those working informally, 2026 may become a real opportunity to obtain legal documents. Proper preparation and a well-planned strategy can significantly increase the chances of successful legalization.