Spain's immigration landscape has been rocked recently. While there are plenty of difficulties and challenges everywhere, significant changes have occurred (and continue to occur) in the area of working with foreigners. Against this backdrop, many have jumped at the chance to obtain Spanish residency under the amnesty—the proposed law for the mass legalization of illegal immigrants.
What have we seen lately?
- Tightening of the conditions for reviewing applications for many types of residence permits, and less trust in documents in general.
- A ban on switching from "non-working" to "working" types of residence, including digital nomad status.
- Increasing earnings requirements for filing.
- Possibility of modification of residence permits after 1 year of residence.
- Increased control over applicants who have already received residency.
Against the backdrop of significant tightening of the screws and the tightening of the work of other agencies—primarily the agencia tributaria—the project for a major amnesty for illegal migrants currently residing in the country stands out.
I hasten to disappoint those who say this is a unique event. This isn't the first amnesty in the country; such events are held once every few years and don't attract much attention. Spain has long earned a reputation for not being particularly fond of expelling those who benefit it, even if they entered the country through less-than-legal means.
What makes the current project unique is its scale.
What is planned to be done?
According to the initiators, legalization could affect up to a million illegal migrants . The terms are still being finalized, but here's what's known so far:
- it requires being an illegal immigrant who entered the country until December 31, 2025
- the program is available if the applicant has been continuously residing in Spain at least в течение 5 месяцев
- the applicant has no problems with the law, at least "on paper"
The remaining details concern the rules governing foreigners with protected status and other technicalities. It's worth noting that this initiative has not yet been adopted , and numerous opponents plan to challenge it in the available courts. Nevertheless, the likelihood that the King will sign it is high.
What will happen if the decree is accepted?
Almost all foreigners who are in Spain completely illegally, including those with expired status, asylum applications denied, and other backgrounds, will instantly receive a Spanish residence permit and become legal foreigners with the right to work.
On the one hand, they will begin to be legally employed, and taxes will flow into the treasury from their salaries. On the other hand, if they have already chosen the path of illegal residence, it's quite possible they will prefer not to burden the budget with tax revenues any longer. How this will actually play out is still anyone's guess. But it's certain that Spain's demographics will change even more significantly (as legalized foreigners begin inviting their families and relatives to the country).
There's a caveat. Any adventurers hoping to enter the country illegally after this initiative is announced will be disappointed. Only those already in the country and without valid immigration status will receive Spanish residency under the amnesty. Newly arrived illegal immigrants will not be affected.
We have always been and continue to be supporters of legal immigration—it gives you prospects and guarantees for a long-term, trouble-free stay in the country.
Before your trip, check out our travel planner . It'll help you find tickets, travel insurance, and hotels all in one place—it's a convenient feature.
Subscribe to our Zen channel to stay up-to-date with new articles, and visit us on Telegram.
" Relocator " is a multi-functional agency specializing in foreign assignments. We offer employment abroad, immigration and visa processing, consultations on international banking services, assistance with remote account opening and card applications, investment real estate, and much more.
