Spain has received nearly 1.2 million applications from undocumented migrants seeking legal status under a major regularisation scheme introduced by the government of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
According to final figures released on 2 July, a total of 1,174,978 applications were submitted between mid-April and 30 June, when the application window officially closed. The scheme, launched in April, has become one of the largest immigration regularisation programmes in Europe at a time when many other European countries are tightening their rules on irregular migration.
Secretary of State for Migration Pilar Cancela confirmed during a press conference in Madrid that more than 600,000 applications are already being processed.
Spain Moves Against Europe’s Tougher Immigration Trend
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has repeatedly defended immigration as an economic necessity for Spain. His government argues that migrants can help fill major labour shortages in sectors such as construction, where businesses need more workers.
While several European countries are introducing stricter immigration controls due to political pressure from conservative and far-right parties, Spain has taken a different path by offering undocumented migrants a chance to regularise their status.
Spanish business leaders have welcomed the move, saying it could support the labour market and help industries struggling with workforce shortages. However, the conservative and far-right opposition have strongly criticised the policy, arguing that it may encourage further irregular migration.
Who Applied Under Spain’s Regularisation Scheme?
Latin American nationals made up the majority of applications, accounting for 67% of the total. Colombia was the largest single nationality group, representing 25.9% of all submissions.
African nationalities followed with 22.9% of applications. Morocco was the second-largest country of origin after Colombia.
| Category | Share / Number |
| Total applications submitted | 1,174,978 |
| Applications already being processed | More than 600,000 |
| Latin American applicants | 67% |
| African applicants | 22.9% |
| Colombian applicants | 25.9% |
| Moroccan applicants | 13.3% |
| Venezuelan applicants | 11.8% |
| Peruvian applicants | 8.8% |
| Male applicants | 57% |
| Female applicants | 43% |
| Applicants under 45 years old | 80% |
Main Countries of Origin
The largest number of applications came from the following countries:
- Colombia – 25.9%
- Morocco – 13.3%
- Venezuela – 11.8%
- Peru – 8.8%
The figures show that the scheme attracted a large number of young workers, with eight out of ten applicants under the age of 45. This supports the Spanish government’s argument that immigration can contribute to the country’s workforce and economy.
Who Can Qualify?
The application total does not mean that all applicants will receive legal status. Earlier estimates suggested that around 500,000 people could eventually be regularised.
To qualify, applicants must meet certain conditions. They must prove that they have a clean criminal record and that they have spent at least five consecutive months in Spain before 1 January.
Spanish authorities now have three months to process the applications and decide whether to issue successful applicants a work and residence permit. The permit will be valid only in Spain.
A Divisive Immigration Policy
The regularisation scheme has created a major political debate inside Spain. Supporters say it is a practical response to labour shortages and gives undocumented migrants a legal path to work and contribute to society.
Critics, however, argue that such a large-scale programme sends the wrong message and could attract more irregular migration in the future.
For Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, the policy reflects a broader belief that immigration should be managed through legalisation, integration and economic participation rather than only through restrictions and enforcement.
As the processing period continues, the final number of successful applicants will show how far Spain is willing to go in turning undocumented migration into legal residence and employment.