Spain’s Migrant Regularisation Set to Close With 1.3 Million Applications

Spain’s regularization program for undocumented migrants was approved by royal decree in April 2026, with applications open from April 16 through June 30. It applies specifically to people who were already living in Spain before January 1, that is, before the end of December 31, 2025, and who can show five months of continuous residence in the country at the time they applied.

By the eve of the deadline, applications under this single program had reached roughly 1.3 million, more than double the government’s original estimate of 500,000 when the decree was first announced in January. The total climbed steadily through the window, from about 900,000 by mid June to past 1.27 million in the final days before the deadline, according to figures cited by Spanish unions and media.

What the government has not yet released is a breakdown of which nationalities are applying. As of today, no official data on applicant nationality has been published, and outlets including El Pais note the government has yet to confirm even the final total, let alone its composition.

What we can estimate

Regional snapshot, Canarias. A refugee aid organisation reports that, among the roughly 1,500 cases it has processed locally under this program, Colombian nationals lead by a wide margin, 46 percent of applications, followed by Moroccans at 15 percent, Cubans around 5 percent, and Hondurans around 4 percent. This is one region’s data, not a national figure, but it is the most granular breakdown available so far.

Background demographics. Spain’s foreign born population has grown to nearly 10 million people, with Colombians, Venezuelans and Moroccans forming the largest existing communities. Since this program targets people already settled in the country before the cutoff date, these three nationalities are reasonable bets to top the eventual national breakdown, though this remains an inference rather than confirmed data.

What’s next. AcSpanish radio network has reported that the government may present final, consolidated figures within days of the deadline, potentially alongside a study on the program’s economic impact. Until then, any nationality breakdown, including the estimates above, should be treated as provisional.

Note, figures and attributions in this piece reflect reporting available as of June 29, 2026, and should be verified against the government’s official release once published.

Please note: The information provided is based upon our understanding of current legislation. It is not legal advice but is provided freely to enable you to be properly informed. We recommend that if you are considering taking action, you should seek professional advice.