MADRID (Realist English). The immigration amnesty launched by the Spanish government in April 2026 attracted more than twice as many applicants as expected.
According to final data from the Ministry of Integration, Social Security and Migration, 1,174,978 undocumented migrants applied for the legalisation programme. The government’s initial forecast was around 500,000.
Amnesty Mechanism
The programme, enacted by royal decree, grants undocumented migrants a one-year temporary residence and work permit, renewable upon expiry. To qualify, applicants had to meet three criteria:
- have been living illegally in Spain for at least five months before January 1, 2026;
- have no criminal record;
- not pose a threat to public order.
Applications were accepted from mid‑April to June 30. The authorities are required to process all applications within three months. More than 608,000 applications have already been accepted for processing, granting applicants temporary residence and work permits.
Applicant Geography and Demographics
Latin America was the main source of applicants, accounting for 67% of the total:
| Country | Share |
| Colombia | 25.9% |
| Morocco | 13.3% |
| Venezuela | 11.8% |
| Peru | 8.8% |
African countries accounted for 22.9% of applications. Among applicants, 80% are under 45; men made up 57%, women 43%.
The highest number of applications were submitted in Catalonia (over 257,000), Madrid (202,000), the Valencian Community (167,000) and Andalusia (161,000).
By June 30, 159,097 applicants had already found official employment and registered with the social security system.
Political Reaction
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called the amnesty “an act of justice and necessity.” Integration Minister Elma Saiz described the programme as “a true milestone in migration policy.” Spanish business leaders supported the initiative, noting its benefits for the construction sector and other industries facing labour shortages.
Conservative opposition and far‑right parties strongly criticised the amnesty, arguing it would encourage a new wave of illegal migration. The programme comes amid tightening migration policies in most European countries and the growing influence of right‑wing parties.
Judicial Challenge
Spain’s Supreme Court is considering whether to refer the case to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) to test the compatibility of the Spanish amnesty with EU‑wide legislation. Appeals have been filed by the regional governments of Valencia and Aragon, challenging specific aspects of the decree.
The court has asked the parties for their opinion on whether the Spanish regulation violates the 2024 EU Pact on Migration and Asylum and provisions of the Schengen Agreement.
The government insists on the legality of the measure, stressing that the permit is valid only within Spanish territory and does not grant freedom of movement within the EU. The Justice Ministry expressed confidence that even if the CJEU is consulted, it will not affect permits already issued.
Spain’s immigration amnesty, which doubled government expectations, has become one of the largest in European history. It has exposed deep divisions in Spanish society and legal uncertainty at the EU level.
The final decision of the Supreme Court and the position of the European Court will determine whether this programme becomes a model for other countries or a unique experiment that will not be repeated.
