Official Timeline for the Extraordinary Regularization
Spain's extraordinary regularization follows a specific timeline established by the Royal Decree approved on January 27, 2026. It is essential to know the exact dates to avoid missing any deadline.
- January 27, 2026: Approval of the Royal Decree by the Council of Ministers and publication in the BOE
- February - March 2026: Preparation period: gather documents, request certificates
- April 1, 2026: Application window opens
- June 30, 2026: Application window closes (absolute deadline)
- July 2026 onwards: Processing of applications by the Administration
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for Spain's extraordinary regularization, you must meet all of the following requirements:
- Present in Spain before December 31, 2025: You must be able to prove you were physically in Spanish territory before this date.
- Continuous residence of at least 5 months: You must have resided continuously in Spain for at least 5 months before the deadline.
- No criminal record: No criminal record in Spain, your country of origin, or any country where you have resided in the last 5 years.
- No active deportation order: No active deportation or entry ban order.
Required Documents: Complete Checklist
Below is the complete list of documents you will need to gather. We recommend starting as soon as possible, as some may take weeks to obtain.
1. Identity Documents
- Valid passport (original and copy)
- Any other identity document from your country
2. Proof of Entry into Spain
- Passport stamp with entry date
- Boarding pass or flight/bus ticket
- Copy of visa if you entered with one
- Witness statement (if you lack other evidence)
3. Proof of Continuous Residence
- Empadronamiento (municipal registration certificate). If you do not have one, you can register at your local town hall for free.
- Utility bills (electricity, water, gas, internet) in your name
- Current rental contract
- Bank statements showing activity in Spain
- Medical documents from Spanish health centers
- School documents (if you have children enrolled in Spanish schools)
4. Criminal Record Certificates
- Criminal record certificate from your country of origin (apostilled or legalized)
- Certificates from all countries where you lived more than 6 months in the last 5 years
- Requesting these certificates may take weeks: do it now
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Step 1: Verify your eligibility (today)
Before gathering documents, confirm you meet the requirements. You can use ImmigraFlow's free tool to check your eligibility in under 2 minutes.
Step 2: Request your criminal record certificates (as soon as possible)
This is the document that takes the longest to obtain. Contact your country's embassy or consulate immediately.
Step 3: Register your empadronamiento (if you do not have one)
Go to your local town hall with your passport and proof of address (rental contract, utility bill). It is a free procedure.
Step 4: Gather all residence proofs (February-March)
Collect utility bills, contracts, bank statements, and any document proving your continuous presence in Spain.
Step 5: Submit your application (April-June 2026)
You can submit the application on your own or with the help of a specialized lawyer. ImmigraFlow connects you with verified immigration lawyers from β¬99 (Review), β¬199 (Assistance), or β¬299 (Full Service).
Why Work with a Lawyer?
Although the application can be done independently, working with a specialized immigration lawyer offers significant advantages:
- The consequences of errors are serious: a rejected application can complicate your legal situation
- Deadlines are immovable: there is no second chance after June 30, 2026
- Each case is unique: a professional can identify the best strategy for your situation
- Correct documents: a lawyer verifies that all documentation is complete and correct
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for regularization without empadronamiento?
Empadronamiento is an important requirement but not the only means of proof. However, we recommend obtaining it as soon as possible since it is the strongest document for proving residence.
How much does it cost to submit the application?
The official Government fee has not yet been confirmed. Through ImmigraFlow, the professional preparation and submission service with a lawyer starts from β¬99 (Review), β¬199 (Assistance), or β¬299 (Full Service), with no hidden fees.
What happens if I am missing a document?
It is essential to submit the application as complete as possible. However, in some cases the Administration may request additional documentation. A lawyer can advise you on available alternatives.
