2026 Extraordinary Regularisation in Spain: Requirements & How to Apply (Official)

Status: Updated April 23, 2026 — The process is now OPEN following the publication of Royal Decree 316/2026.

If you were physically present in Spain before January 1, 2026, you may now apply for a legal residence and work permit through the new Extraordinary Arraigo route. This is a limited-time opportunity to regularize your status under simplified rules.

At TA Lawyers Group, we provide full legal representation to ensure your application is filed correctly before the fast-approaching deadline.

Key Deadlines

Applications Open: April 16, 2026.

Application Deadline: June 30, 2026 (Strict deadline; no extensions expected).

Resolution Time: The administration has up to 3 months to issue a decision.

Minimum Requirements to Qualify

To be eligible for the 2026 Extraordinary Regularization, you must meet the following criteria:

• Age: Must be at least 18 years.
• Presence in the Country: Must be physically present in Spain at the time the application is filed.
• Legal Status: Must not currently hold a valid stay or residence permit (i.e., must be in an irregular administrative status).
• No Conflicting Procedures: Must not have any other pending applications for a stay or residence permit.
• Special Restrictions: Must not be (or have been) a holder of temporary protection for displaced persons from Ukraine under Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2022/382.
• Valid Documentation: Must provide a full copy of a passport (even if expired) or another valid travel document recognized in Spain.
• Proof of Residency: Must prove continuous residence in Spain for the 5 months immediately preceding the application.
• Criminal Record: Must not have a criminal record that would disqualify the application under applicable legal standards.
• Public Safety: Must not be considered a threat to public order, public security, or public health.
• Entry Restrictions: Must not be listed as inadmissible in countries with which Spain has a relevant agreement.
• Non-Return Commitment: Must not be currently subject to a "commitment not to return" to Spain (usually applicable to those who took part in voluntary return programs).
• Government Fees: Must pay the required administrative processing fees (tasas).

Choose Your Route (One required)

You must qualify under at least one of these three specific categories:

• Employment Route: For those who have a job offer, plan to work as self-employed, or can prove previous labor relations in Spain.
• Family Route: For those with family ties in Spain, such as living with minor children, children with disabilities, or first-degree ascendants.
• Vulnerability Route: For individuals who can provide a certificate of vulnerability from competent social services or recognized entities.

Main Benefits of the Permit

• Legal Work: Allows you to legally reside and work in Spain, both as an employee (working for a company) or as a self-employed individual.
• Validity Period: The initial residence authorization is valid for 1 year.
• Provisional Authorization: Once the application process officially begins, the regulations provide for a provisional residence and work authorization while the applicant is awaiting the final decision.
• Family Synchronization: In certain cases, eligible family members living in the same household may submit their applications simultaneously.

How We Can Help You Succeed

Because you only have until June 30, 2026, mistakes in your documentation can lead to a denial with no time to re-apply. Our firm offers a comprehensive service:

• Document Strategy: We help you build a "timeline" of evidence (medical records, bills, empadronamiento) to prove your 5-month stay.
• Digital Submission: We file your application electronically via the professional lawyers' portal for faster processing.
• Case Follow-up: We handle all notifications from the Foreigner's Office (Extranjería) and assist with the final TIE card (fingerprinting) process.

Don't wait until June. Contact us today for an initial viability review.