The 2026 Extraordinary Regularization is a measure approved by the Government to allow certain foreign nationals already residing in Spain to apply for a residence permit. It is primarily designed for two groups: applicants for international protection and individuals in an irregular administrative situation. The general application period opened on April 16, 2026, and will close on June 30, 2026.
To put it simply: if you have been in Spain for some time, meet specific conditions, and can prove it with documentation, there may be an extraordinary path to regularize your status. Furthermore, the regulation allows you, in many cases, to submit applications for your underage children at the same time.
The Most Important Points at a Glance
This regularization is aimed at people in one of these two situations:
- Having applied for international protection in Spain before January 1, 2026.
- Being in an irregular administrative situation and having arrived in Spain before January 1, 2026.
In both cases, you must also prove a continuous stay of at least five months before submitting the application and have no criminal record under the terms required by the law.
1. Who is Eligible for Extraordinary Regularization?
A) Asylum Seekers or Applicants for International Protection
Foreign nationals who submitted their application for international protection in Spain before January 1, 2026, who are in Spain at the time of the request, and who do not hold a stay or residence permit may apply. They must also not be involved in any other procedure for granting, renewing, extending, or modifying stay or residence permits.
Requirements also include: having remained in Spain continuously for at least five months prior to the application; having no criminal record in Spain or in countries of residence during the last five years; not being a threat to public order, safety, or health; not being listed as “objectionable” (rechazable); and not being subject to a non-return commitment, if applicable.
B) Individuals in an Irregular Administrative Situation
People currently in Spain in an irregular administrative situation may also apply, provided they are in the country when submitting the request, do not have a valid stay or residence permit, do not have another pending residency procedure, and have not held temporary protection for displaced persons from Ukraine.
Additionally, they must prove five months of continuous stay before the application, have no criminal record, and not pose a threat to public order or health. Furthermore, they must prove at least one of these three situations: having worked or intending to work, living with their family unit as established by law, or being in a documented state of vulnerability.
2. Requirements for Each Case, Explained Simply
If you are an asylum seeker:
You qualify through this path if you requested international protection before January 1, 2026. In this case, you are not required to prove a work contract, family unit, or vulnerability. The essential factor is proving you requested asylum on time, have been in Spain for at least five consecutive months, and meet the general requirements. The designated form for this path is EX-31.
If you are in an irregular situation:
In this case, the intended path is Extraordinary Social Roots (Arraigo Extraordinario), and the form is EX-32. Here, proving your presence in Spain for five months is not enough. You must also prove one of the following:
1. Work or intention to work: This can be because you have already worked (as an employee or self-employed) during your stay in Spain, because you have a job offer, or because you declare your intention to be self-employed.
2. Family Unit:
You can prove you live in Spain with underage children, adult children with disabilities who require support, or first-degree ascendants (parents) with whom you reside. In this case, documentation such as school enrollment records for minors or dependents is required.
3. Vulnerability:
You must provide a certificate issued by social services or Third Sector entities registered in the Electronic Register of Foreigner Affairs Collaborators. The vulnerability report model considers situations such as social isolation, homelessness or precarious housing, lack of income, risk of exclusion, difficulties accessing employment, or exposure to exploitation or abuse.
3. What Documents Do You Need to Present?
Basic documents for almost everyone:
Generally, applicants must submit:
- The corresponding official form: EX-31 for international protection applicants or EX-32 for extraordinary social roots.
- A complete copy of your passport, registration certificate, or travel document (even if expired, if recognized as valid in Spain).
- Documents proving you were in Spain before January 1, 2026, and that you were here for at least five consecutive months before applying. Any legally valid evidence including identifying personal data is accepted. The FAQ suggests examples like entry stamps, nominative tickets, bank movements in Spain, training certificates, or nominative rental contracts.
- Criminal record certificate from your country of origin and countries where you lived in the five years prior to entering Spain.
- Proof of fee payment. The information sheet refers to Form 790, code 052, section 2.3.1.
If you cannot obtain your criminal records in time:
The law provides an exceptional solution: if you prove you requested the criminal record certificate and a month has passed without a response, the Administration may attempt to obtain it through diplomatic channels. You will need to submit specific documentation and the corresponding annexes. Important: This option does not replace the certificate; it is an exceptional way to try to obtain it officially.
If your documents are foreign:
Documents issued outside of Spain must be translated into Spanish (or the co-official language of the territory) by a sworn translator. Additionally, foreign public documents must be legalized or apostilled, unless an international treaty provides an exception.
4. Extra Documents Needed Based on Your Case
If you are an international protection applicant:
In addition to the basic documents, you must provide:
- Document proving you submitted your request before January 1, 2026.
- Document proving continuous stay in Spain for at least five months before the application.
If you are in an irregular situation (Extraordinary Social Roots):
You must provide one of these sets of documents:
Work path
Contract, proof of having worked, or a job offer; for self-employment, a formal declaration included in the model.
Family path
Proof of cohabitation and family unity; if there are dependent minors or persons with disabilities, proof of school enrollment may be required.
Vulnerability path
Vulnerability certificate issued by a competent or collaborating entity.
5. How to Regularize Children as Well?
This is one of the most important points of the reform. If the applicant has underage children, or adult children with disabilities who need support, they can simultaneously apply for a residence permit for them.
The regulation also makes requirements more flexible:
- If the child was born in Spain, the application does not need to be submitted within the first six months after birth.
- If the child was not born in Spain, the general requirement of two years of prior residence, economic means, or “adequate housing” for family reunification is waived. However, it must be proven that the minor has remained in Spain uninterruptedly for the five months prior to the application.
These permits for minors can be granted for up to five years, always prioritizing the best interests of the child.
Forms EX-31 and EX-32 include specific boxes to mark if the simultaneous application is for a child born in Spain or abroad.
6. Where to Submit the Application?
The application can be submitted online (telematic) or in person by appointment.
Online (Telematic):
It can take four forms:
- By the applicant themselves using an electronic certificate.
- Through a representative registered in the Electronic Register of Power of Attorney.
- By authorized professionals (lawyers, social graduates, or administrative managers).
- By entities registered in the Register of Foreigner Affairs Collaborators.
The system used is Mercurio, through the electronic headquarters of the Ministry of Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory.
In Person
In-person submission always requires a prior appointment. According to the official FAQ, applications can be submitted at authorized Foreigner Offices (Extranjería), Social Security offices, and Post Offices (Correos). Appointments can be requested on the regularization portal, via Cl@ve or a web form, or by calling 060.
Furthermore, the Royal Decree itself justifies the use of the Post Office as a channel to support online management and submission, precisely to facilitate access throughout the country, including in rural areas.
7. What Happens After Submitting the Application?
A key point: The simple receipt of submission is not yet the formal notification that the procedure has started. That notification is sent by the Foreigner Files Processing Unit. From that notification of commencement (comunicación de inicio), the person is provisionally authorized to reside and work across Spain and in any sector until their file is resolved. Additionally, a Social Security number will be assigned, and the right to healthcare will be recognized.
The initial authorization granted is valid for one year. Afterward, you will need to transition to the ordinary residence categories or request the corresponding extension.
If the decision is favourable, the TIE must be processed within one month.
8. Who Should Not Apply for This Process?
According to the official FAQ, this procedure is not intended for people who already have a valid permit or are in the process of renewal. It is also not for people displaced by the conflict in Ukraine with temporary protection or valid residency, nor for stateless persons (apátridas), as those cases have their own legal regime. If you have already applied for “arraigo” or another permit and are awaiting a decision, you do not need to submit anything new; your current application will continue its course.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I apply if I requested asylum before January 1, 2026?
Yes, if you meet the other requirements (staying in Spain, no other valid permit, 5 months stay, and clean criminal record).
Can I apply if I am in an irregular situation?
Yes, but you must also prove work/intent to work, family unity, or documented vulnerability.
What is the key date?
January 1, 2026. You must have been in Spain before that date.
How long must I have been in Spain?
At least five continuous months before applying.
Does any document prove my presence?
Any legally valid proof with identifying data (tickets, bank moves, training, rental contracts).
Do I need to submit a criminal record?
Yes. If you don’t get it within a month of requesting it, there is an exceptional diplomatic route, but it doesn’t automatically replace the certificate.
Can I include my children?
Yes, you can apply for their residency simultaneously.
Do I need to prove economic means for my children?
For children not born in Spain, this requirement is waived in this specific process.
Where do I apply?
Online or in person (appointment required) at Foreigner Offices, Social Security, or Post Offices.
Can I apply through an NGO?
Yes, if the entity is registered as a Collaborator. They can also provide advice and act as representatives.
When can I start working?
From the moment you receive the notification of commencement (comunicación de inicio) of the procedure.
Does this permit allow working in other EU countries?
No, it is valid for residing and working in Spain only.
At SenValos, we recommend acting with order rather than haste. This regularization is a real opportunity, but a poorly prepared application can lead to problems. First, identify your group, gather clear evidence of your stay, check your criminal records, and prepare your children’s applications carefully. This should be done with attention and, if possible, with specialized guidance.
