New Immigration Regulations: Key Points on Extraordinary Regularization

If you have been in Spain without documents for some time, there is a new way to regularize your status. The government has approved Royal Decree 1155/2024, which amends the Immigration Regulations. The key measure: an extraordinary residency permit for those who were already in the country before January 1, 2026. There is also a specific provision for asylum seekers.

When and how do you apply?

Applications can be submitted online starting April 16, 2026. On that same day, you can schedule an in-person appointment, although you won’t need to go to the office until April 20. The deadline is June 30, 2026. So you have time, but don’t wait until the last minute. If you meet the requirements, you can start gathering your documents now.

Basic Requirements and Evidence

In addition to having been in Spain before 2026, you must be of legal age, not hold any other valid authorization, and have resided in the country continuously for the five months prior to your application. You must also have no criminal record. To prove this period of residence, any legally valid evidence is acceptable: contracts, receipts, municipal registration, etc. However, the documents must include your personal information. If the government already has a copy of a document, they won’t require you to provide it again. For proof of social ties, the integration report from your autonomous community or local government serves as proof of your length of residence.

The Integration Report

If you do not have family ties, you need a report on your integration efforts. This is issued by the Autonomous Community or the local government, and they must provide it within one month. They assess your length of residence, financial resources, and participation in integration programs. If they do not issue it within that timeframe, you can prove your efforts through other means. It also serves to certify your proficiency in the official languages if you request an extension.

Vulnerability and Minors

One basis for extraordinary ties to the community is being in a situation of vulnerability. This can be verified by social service organizations and registered NGOs. You are considered to be in a vulnerable situation if your undocumented status seriously affects your living conditions or basic rights. For minors, there is flexibility: they can apply together with their parents without being required to have resided in Spain for two years or meet financial requirements, provided they have been in Spain for at least five months.

While the Application Is Being Processed

Once you submit the application, you are provisionally authorized to reside and work, either as an employee or self-employed. If your application is denied, this authorization is automatically revoked. The decision takes up to three months. If you do not receive a response, it is considered a denial by administrative silence. You can submit the application in person or through a representative at immigration offices, post offices, or Social Security offices.

If you have questions, call 060 (Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.). But if you run into trouble with your appointment or the application process, don’t get stuck.

If you’re having trouble with your appointment or the process, message us on Telegram: https://t.me/cita_extranjeria