At Fuster & Associates, we are closely monitoring the new extraordinary regularisation of foreign nationals in an irregular administrative situation in Spain, announced by the Government of Spain on 27 January 2026.
Although the regulation is expected to enter into force in the coming months, the main criteria currently under consideration have already been made public.
For those British citizens 🇬🇧 who were unable to regularise their situation after Brexit, now is the time to apply for residency and obtain legal status in Spain 🇪🇸.
This procedure may be requested even if a process is already underway.
For example, if you have been waiting for some time to obtain residency through settlement, this process will be much faster and simpler.
Main expected requirements
Among the criteria announced by the Government, the following stand out:
- Having resided in Spain before 31 December 2025.
- Continuous stay of at least five months, which may be evidenced through administrative records or documentary proof (such as registration certificates, medical reports, contracts, or service receipts).
- Having no criminal record in Spain or in the country of origin.
Regularisation process timeline
The key dates for the procedure have already been established:
- Opening of the application period: early April 2026.
- Deadline for submission: 30 June 2026.
In this context, and given the short timeframes envisaged, it is essential to anticipate and carefully plan each case from this preliminary stage prior to the regulation’s entry into force.
Key developments of the new regulation
Among the most significant new features are:
- The automatic granting of the right to legally reside in Spain from the moment the application is formally admitted for processing.
- Upon completion of the procedure, a one-year residence authorisation will be granted, allowing the holder to carry out work activities during that period.
- Once this period has elapsed, it will be necessary to apply for one of the residence options provided for under the Immigration Regulations.
Specific measures for family reunification
The new regulation also introduces measures aimed at family reunification:
- The possibility of submitting, at the same time, applications for the regularisation of minors, whether or not they were born in Spanish territory.
- Minors will be granted an initial residence authorisation valid for five years.
Our commitment
At Fuster & Associates, we are aware that this new regulation represents a significant opportunity for many individuals in an irregular administrative situation, as well as for their family units. For this reason, we rely on a team of specialised professionals focused on the early preparation of documentation, feasibility analysis, and comprehensive support throughout the entire procedure, from the admission of the application to the granting of the corresponding authorisation.
Our objective is clear: to reduce uncertainty, avoid errors, and facilitate an efficient and secure process, within a regulatory framework that demands foresight, precision, and a solid legal approach.
We want to help you navigate all the legal complexities that come with your home buying in Spain, but this article is legal information and should not be seen as legal advice.
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