Spain’s government has approved a new plan to give legal status to around 500,000 people who are living in the country illegally. These people will be able to live and work legally in Spain once the new rule takes effect.
The government said this step is a big change from tough rules that are followed by other countries in Europe. The law will start soon without needing a vote in parliament because the government is using a special order called a royal decree.
To qualify, people must have lived in Spain before December 31, 2025, and must have been there for at least five months without leaving. They must also show that they have no criminal record. This applies to adults and also to their children who already live in Spain.
Once the applications open, people will be able to apply for a residence permit that allow them live and work legally. The application period is expected to open from April 2026 to June 2026. People will be able to work from the first day when their application is approved.
Spain’s Minister for Migration, Elma Saiz, said the government wants to make the system fair and open for people who are already part of Spanish society. She said the plan is to build a society that includes people who have already made Spain their home and to make sure they can work with legal rights.
The plan was agreed by the government and its partner political party Podemos, which has long pushed for a legal status for illegal migrants. Podemos leaders said this could help many people who live and work in Spain without rights and protections. Some estimates showed the total number of affected people could be between 500,000 and 800,000.
Many people and groups that support migrant rights have welcomed the decision. They say this move will help families live with dignity, access jobs, and contribute fully to Spanish society. They also say it is a practical way to help sectors of the economy that need workers, such as farming, tourism, and healthcare services.
The decision comes as Spain faces serious challenges, including an ageing population and a need for more workers. Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, has said that migration is important for the country’s future and that welcoming them can help Spain’s economy to grow and remain strong.
This new law looks different because many other countries in Europe are tightening immigration rules. Instead, Spain is choosing a more open path by giving legal status to people who were living there illegally, and allowing them to work and live as a normal citizen.
Not everyone agrees with the plan. Some political opponents say that it could encourage more people to enter in the country through illegal ways and put pressure on public services like housing and healthcare. Still, the government says it has made clear rules for who can qualify and that the focus is on fairness and social unity.
The step also shows a bigger effort to help migrants in a kind way while supporting economic growth. Spain has become one of the major arrival points in Europe for migrants, and many of the people who will get benefit from this change already live and have families in Spain.
Applications for legal status and work permits are expected to open in early April and continue until June. This means many people could soon be living and working legally, paying taxes, and contributing to their communities, this is a unique step that supporters say will make families and Spain stronger.
This change shows how Spain is taking a different path on immigration compared to other countries, choosing to provide legal rights and stability to people who have lived in the country for years and are already part of daily life.