The dates for the extraordinary regularization process have been set: April 16 through June 30, 2026. This is the deadline established by the Spanish government. It is a temporary process through which you can obtain a residence and work permit if you are currently in an irregular administrative status and meet the requirements. Take note.
The scope is broad. Government agencies estimate the number to be around 500,000 people nationwide. In Barcelona alone, there are at least 24,000. In the city, City Hall has taken action: it has bolstered its legal services for foreign nationals and its citizen service offices. It has also created specific spaces to assist with the application process.
The main location in Barcelona is Pavilion 2 of Fira de Barcelona, at 10 Rius i Taulet Avenue. There, they assign time slots for these support services and answer questions about the entire process. It is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., without interruption. At this same location, they also assist those who live in the city but are not registered residents: SAIER teams help you prove your residency and process the vulnerability certificate.
The Vulnerability Certificate and Appointments
This certificate is issued by social services or specialized services. It certifies that you are in a situation of social, economic, or personal vulnerability. The government requires this certificate for this regularization process, except in certain cases. If you’ve been assisted by social services, you’ve likely already received a text message or email with a link to download it. When you open the link, the document generates automatically, though it may take a few minutes. If you notice errors in your personal information, call 900 922 357 or visit your designated center to correct them and have the document regenerated. And if you didn’t provide a cell phone number or email address, you can pick it up in person at your social services center.
Anyone who has not yet gone through social services must make an appointment in advance at Pavilion 2 of the Fira or visit accredited partner organizations of the electronic registry for foreign nationals. Keep this in mind: in-person appointments are free, and no one can charge you to arrange them. Get your information only from official channels, starting with the website of the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration. The Generalitat has its own support portal, and the brochures listing the required documentation are available in Catalan, Spanish, English, French, Arabic, Urdu, and Chinese.
The City Council has also sent the residency registration form via email and regular mail to the 93,000 non-EU citizens who were registered as of December 31, 2025. It is also organizing morning and afternoon information sessions in various neighborhoods. To sign up, call 93 153 28 15 or make an appointment with SAIER.
If you’re having trouble with your appointment or the registration process, message us on Telegram: https://t.me/cita_extranjeria
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