More than 1 million undocumented migrants and asylum seekers have applied to regularise their status in Spain under a government programme designed to harness the benefits of immigration, at a time when most European countries are tightening their borders. The initiative, announced by the socialist-led government in January, was originally expected to benefit around 500,000 people but attracted over double that number by the time the registration period ended on Tuesday.
Scheme Details and Requirements
The scheme offers a residence and work permit, initially valid for one year, to applicants who can prove they have no criminal record and have lived in Spain for at least five months—or sought international protection—before 31 December 2025. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, speaking in Madrid on Tuesday, said the overwhelming response demonstrated the programme's necessity. "The fact that more than 1 million people submitted applications shows just how necessary this recognition of rights and responsibilities was," he said.
Economic and Demographic Impact
Sánchez emphasised that Spain needs immigration to grow its economy, address its demographic crisis, and sustain its welfare state. He stated that without immigration, Spain's GDP would be 19% lower by 2050. "And what does that mean in business terms? It means, for example, that 90,000 bars would have to close, that 50,000 primary and secondary classrooms would find themselves without students, and that around 220,000 farms would disappear," he added. He warned that without immigration, Spain would be "poorer, emptier, weaker and without the resources to fund its welfare state."
Political Opposition
The regularisation programme has faced fierce criticism from the right-wing People's Party (PP) and the far-right Vox party. The PP has argued that the move will overwhelm public services, while Vox claimed Sánchez is attempting to bring about "the demographic, social, labour and electoral transformation of Spain." The PP regional governments of Valencia and Aragón have lodged appeals against the programme. On Tuesday, a court said it was considering asking the European Court of Justice whether aspects of the regularisation decree could conflict with EU law.
Accusations of 'Electoral Engineering'
PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo also criticised the government's democratic memory law, introduced four years ago, which offers Spanish citizenship to descendants of Spaniards exiled during the civil war and Franco dictatorship. Over 2.4 million people applied under that law, with more than 544,000 approved. In a radio interview on Monday, Feijóo accused Sánchez of "electoral engineering" to secure more socialist voters. "What's behind this is an obvious interest in getting new voters," he told Es Radio. "Seeing as the current voters aren't working out, let's see if manufacturing voters pans out."
The government dismissed Feijóo's accusations as desperate. Minister for Inclusion, Social Security and Migration Elma Saiz said, "I find them incredibly irresponsible. They demonstrate the desperation and frustration of someone who has no political project for our country and who already seems to sense an electoral defeat."
Integration Plan
Sánchez has consistently defended the need for migration while other European leaders have adopted far-right rhetoric on immigration. Addressing parliament in October 2024, he said Spain faces a demographic crossroads and needs migration for economic growth and welfare state maintenance. "Throughout history, migration has been one of the great drivers of the development of nations while hatred and xenophobia have been—and continue to be—the greatest destroyer of nations," he said. "The key is in managing it well."
On Tuesday, Sánchez unveiled a €500 million (£431 million) "integration and citizenship" plan to manage migrant flows and ensure integration. "Spanish society must guarantee equal treatment, combat discrimination, and offer opportunities," he said. "And those who arrive must respect our laws, learn our official languages, and share the democratic values that define us."
