Regularization: You can now schedule an appointment, but in-person processing begins on April 20

If you arrived in Spain before January 1, 2026, and are undocumented, you can now apply for extraordinary regularization online. You can also schedule an appointment to complete the process in person—though you’ll have to wait until Monday, April 20, to visit the office. In the first 24 hours, the government has already recorded 13,500 online applications and 19,633 in-person appointments.

Where can you apply?

There are five designated Immigration Offices: Madrid, Alicante, Valencia, Almería, and Murcia. In addition, there are 60 Social Security offices and 371 post offices, located throughout all provincial capitals and cities with more than 50,000 residents. To apply online, you’ll need a digital certificate or assistance from a professional or entity registered in the Immigration Collaborators Registry.

Key requirements

You must prove that you were in Spain before January 1, 2026, and that you have been residing here continuously for at least five months up to the day you apply for regularization. The municipal registry is valid, but a medical report, an electricity or rental contract, or proof of money transfer will also work. However, you must have no criminal record. If you already applied for asylum before that date, you are also eligible.

What you get and what happens next

The permit you receive is valid for one year and allows you to live and work in any sector. As soon as your application is accepted for processing, you’ll be given a provisional work authorization. Once you receive a favorable decision, you have one month to apply for the Foreigner Identification Card—or “TIE,” for short. Note: this permit does not allow you to work or reside in other EU countries. If you are a minor, the residence permit is extended to five years. For the entire family, you can handle everything in a single appointment. After a year, you’ll need to transition to another status under immigration regulations. And if you don’t meet the standard requirements, there are alternative pathways with an integration report from a social organization. So, you know the drill: you have a year to get your affairs in order.

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