A new report released by the think-tank Funcas paints the most detailed picture to date of Spain’s undocumented population and the routes by which they arrive. Researchers calculate that roughly 840,000 people—eight times more than in 2017—now live in Spain without legal status. Contrary to popular perception, the vast majority did not come by small boats; they arrived by air on short-stay visas and overstayed. Colombia, Peru and Honduras top the list of source countries.
Key findings
• Irregular migration is growing by around 90,000 individuals per year and could reach 852,000 by 2027 if no policy change occurs.
• Only 20 % entered via the perilous Atlantic or Mediterranean routes; 64 % flew in legally and subsequently overstayed.
• Madrid, Catalonia and Valencia host two-thirds of the population, reflecting labour-market demand.
Policy context
The study was timed to coincide with the government’s new regularisation decree. Funcas argues that Spain’s existing “arraigo” (roots) procedures had proved too slow and restrictive, hence the ballooning irregular population. The authors recommend coupling the one-off amnesty with structural reforms that speed up work-permit pathways and modernise exit-controls at airports.
![Study Finds 840,000 People Living Irregularly in Spain as Air Arrivals Overtake Boat Crossings]()
Business implications
For corporate mobility teams, the data highlight the importance of monitoring visa overstay risks among short-term visitors and ensuring timely residence-permit conversions for project staff. Airlines and travel-risk departments should expect tighter document scrutiny at boarding gates once Spain rolls out the EU Entry/Exit System in 2026.
For companies and individuals looking to avoid the pitfalls highlighted in the report, VisaHQ’s Spain portal (https://www.visahq.com/spain/) provides step-by-step guidance on choosing the correct visa type, tracking application status and securing extensions or permit switches. Having a reliable partner for paperwork and compliance can drastically reduce the likelihood that a legitimate short-stay evolves into an irregular one.
Looking ahead
The report’s demographic projections bolster the government’s argument that regularising existing residents will aid fiscal sustainability and labour-market flexibility—particularly in sectors relying on Latin American talent.
Key findings
• Irregular migration is growing by around 90,000 individuals per year and could reach 852,000 by 2027 if no policy change occurs.
• Only 20 % entered via the perilous Atlantic or Mediterranean routes; 64 % flew in legally and subsequently overstayed.
• Madrid, Catalonia and Valencia host two-thirds of the population, reflecting labour-market demand.
Policy context
The study was timed to coincide with the government’s new regularisation decree. Funcas argues that Spain’s existing “arraigo” (roots) procedures had proved too slow and restrictive, hence the ballooning irregular population. The authors recommend coupling the one-off amnesty with structural reforms that speed up work-permit pathways and modernise exit-controls at airports.
Business implications
For corporate mobility teams, the data highlight the importance of monitoring visa overstay risks among short-term visitors and ensuring timely residence-permit conversions for project staff. Airlines and travel-risk departments should expect tighter document scrutiny at boarding gates once Spain rolls out the EU Entry/Exit System in 2026.
For companies and individuals looking to avoid the pitfalls highlighted in the report, VisaHQ’s Spain portal (https://www.visahq.com/spain/) provides step-by-step guidance on choosing the correct visa type, tracking application status and securing extensions or permit switches. Having a reliable partner for paperwork and compliance can drastically reduce the likelihood that a legitimate short-stay evolves into an irregular one.
Looking ahead
The report’s demographic projections bolster the government’s argument that regularising existing residents will aid fiscal sustainability and labour-market flexibility—particularly in sectors relying on Latin American talent.
