Who the 2026 extraordinary regularisation (regularización extraordinaria) covers

Key rules

• Status: Confirm with the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration that the window is still open before you act.
• Cutoff: You must have been in Spain before the cutoff date at the end of 2025.
• One route: You choose either the extraordinary measure or an arraigo route, not both.
• Exclusions: A criminal record, an expulsion order or an entry ban is expected to rule you out.

The window may have closed or been extended, so check the current status, dates and conditions with the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration and in the royal decree.

Does this measure apply to you?

It applies only if it is in force and you meet its conditions and dates. It is a one-off measure for people living in Spain without legal residence. It is separate from the permanent arraigo routes, which stay open all the time.

The Government approved the measure in early 2026 by royal decree. The application window was reported to run from spring 2026 to the end of June 2026. It may have closed or been extended by now. Ask the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration whether it is still open before you plan around it.

Who it was meant for

These were the reported conditions:

• You were in Spain before a cutoff date at the end of 2025.
• You can show a minimum period of residence in Spain.
• You have no criminal record and are not a threat to public order.
• You have no expulsion order or entry ban.

The exact minimum period and the proof you need are in the royal decree. Read them there, not in summaries. The measure is not for people who already hold valid residence, or for EU citizens.

What you get

The permit is a temporary residence and work authorisation. It can be renewed. Confirm the exact permit type and dates in the royal decree.

If you already have an arraigo application

You choose one route, not both. You cannot hold two applications for the same residence outcome. If your arraigo application is pending, you can generally keep it. You may also be able to withdraw it and apply under the extraordinary measure if that suits you better. The rules on pending files, withdrawal and priority depend on the implementing instructions. Ask your Extranjería office (the immigration office) before you withdraw anything, because a withdrawal may be hard to undo.

The decision, timeline, checklist and questions below help you work through these points. If you are not sure the measure covers you, the arraigo routes are the permanent alternative.

Choosing between options

Should you apply under the 2026 extraordinary measure or through an arraigo route?

• Extraordinary measure: You meet its eligibility and dates, and the window is still open for you.

• Keep your pending arraigo application: You already filed and it looks more favourable or closer to a decision.

• Withdraw arraigo and apply under the extraordinary measure: The extraordinary measure is more favourable for you and you qualify for it.

You choose one route, because you cannot hold two applications for the same residence outcome. The extraordinary measure is a one-off, so check it is still open before you withdraw an arraigo file.

Timeline and deadlines

• Cutoff for having been in Spain: the end of 2025: before the end of 2025

• Application window opens: spring 2026

• Application window closes, unless it was extended: end of June 2026

• Receive a temporary residence and work permit, renewable: after your application is approved

Checklist

• Check that you meet the minimum period of residence in Spain set in the royal decree.

• Check that you have no criminal record and no expulsion order or entry ban.

• Check the application dates and the permit type in the royal decree.

• Ask your Extranjería office what happens to an arraigo application you already filed.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply under the extraordinary measure if I already have an arraigo application pending?

Yes, you can generally keep your arraigo application or withdraw it and apply under the extraordinary measure if that suits you better, but you cannot hold two applications for the same residence outcome. Ask your Extranjería office how a pending file is handled before you withdraw anything.

Can I use both the extraordinary measure and an arraigo route?

No, if you qualify for both you are generally expected to choose one route, not both. The extraordinary measure is a one-off, separate from the permanent arraigo routes, so compare what each one asks of you before you pick.

Is the application window for the extraordinary measure still open?

It may not be, because the window was reported to run from spring 2026 to the end of June 2026 and could have closed or been extended. Ask the Ministry of Inclusion or your Extranjería office for the current closing date before you prepare a file.

What permit does the extraordinary measure give?

It gives a temporary residence and work permit that can be renewed. Confirm the exact permit type and its length with the Ministry of Inclusion before you plan around it.