Spain quickly legalized hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants.

Omissions

• The claim was made during an ongoing regularization process (applications opened April 20, 2026) rather than after completion. The exact number of successful applications was not yet known at the time of the claim.
• The program requires applicants to meet specific criteria including proof of residence in Spain before January 1, 2026, at least five months of continuous residence, and no criminal record.
• The regularization provides renewable one-year residence permits rather than immediate permanent legal status.

Sources

• SecondaryEl País in EnglishSpain approves granting legal status to around 500,000 undocumented migrants; announced by Elma Saiz, minister for inclusion, social security and migration
• SecondaryBBC NewsSpain plans to give half a million undocumented migrants legal status; regularisation available to foreign nationals without criminal record who can prove residence for at least five months before January 1, 2026
• SecondaryECRE (European Council on Refugees and Exiles)Government approves plan to regularise approximately 500,000 undocumented people; announced April 27, 2026
• SecondaryFrance 24Spain launches programme to offer amnesty to 500,000 undocumented migrants; applications opened April 20, 2026