An in-depth report by The Times published on 22 February highlights the macro-economic stakes behind Spain’s decision to grant one-year residence and work permits to an estimated 500,000 undocumented migrants. Government economists quoted by the paper predict more than €3 billion a year in new tax and social-security revenue once beneficiaries move into formal employment.
The measure applies to foreigners with no criminal record who can prove they were in Spain before 31 December 2025 and have lived continuously for at least five months. The Interior Ministry says the short residency requirement recognises that many applicants have already been working informally and contributing to sectors suffering labour shortages, from agriculture to hospitality and logistics.
For additional guidance on navigating Spain’s broader immigration system—whether for initial entry visas, residence renewals or post-regularisation formalities—individuals and employers can turn to VisaHQ. Its Spain portal (https://www.visahq.com/spain/) offers streamlined document checks, appointment booking and real-time status tracking, helping applicants and HR teams stay compliant with minimal hassle.
![Regularisation Drive Could Add €3 Billion to Treasury as Half-Million Migrants Gain Status]()
Large employers, including supermarket chain Mercadona and construction firm Acciona, have publicly supported the scheme, arguing it will ease recruitment bottlenecks that pushed wages up 5 percent in 2025. Business-mobility teams see a two-fold benefit: simplified hiring of already-resident talent and fewer delays in obtaining work-authorisation appointments because regularised migrants will bypass Spain’s saturated quota system.
Opposition party Vox denounces the law as an "open invitation" to irregular arrivals and vows to reverse it if elected in 2027, while the conservative PP demands stricter labour-market controls. The political uncertainty means employers should lock in contracts and social-security registrations promptly to secure workers’ rights even if future governments tighten criteria.
For relocation planners the key practical takeaway is timing. Successful applicants will hold a one-year permit renewable into the standard arraigo social route; sponsors should therefore build renewal reminders into HR systems and budget for the €15–€23 per-employee administrative fee for each conversion.
The measure applies to foreigners with no criminal record who can prove they were in Spain before 31 December 2025 and have lived continuously for at least five months. The Interior Ministry says the short residency requirement recognises that many applicants have already been working informally and contributing to sectors suffering labour shortages, from agriculture to hospitality and logistics.
For additional guidance on navigating Spain’s broader immigration system—whether for initial entry visas, residence renewals or post-regularisation formalities—individuals and employers can turn to VisaHQ. Its Spain portal (https://www.visahq.com/spain/) offers streamlined document checks, appointment booking and real-time status tracking, helping applicants and HR teams stay compliant with minimal hassle.
Large employers, including supermarket chain Mercadona and construction firm Acciona, have publicly supported the scheme, arguing it will ease recruitment bottlenecks that pushed wages up 5 percent in 2025. Business-mobility teams see a two-fold benefit: simplified hiring of already-resident talent and fewer delays in obtaining work-authorisation appointments because regularised migrants will bypass Spain’s saturated quota system.
Opposition party Vox denounces the law as an "open invitation" to irregular arrivals and vows to reverse it if elected in 2027, while the conservative PP demands stricter labour-market controls. The political uncertainty means employers should lock in contracts and social-security registrations promptly to secure workers’ rights even if future governments tighten criteria.
For relocation planners the key practical takeaway is timing. Successful applicants will hold a one-year permit renewable into the standard arraigo social route; sponsors should therefore build renewal reminders into HR systems and budget for the €15–€23 per-employee administrative fee for each conversion.
