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Extraordinary arraigo (regularization 2026)
Temporary residence authorizations for exceptional circumstances based on extraordinary arraigo
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Description
Temporary authorization aimed at foreign nationals in an irregular situation who were already in Spain before January 1, 2026. It allows access to residence and work by proving labor ties, family ties or a situation of vulnerability. The application can only be submitted until June 30, 2026.
Avantages
✨ Allows obtaining residence and work in Spain.
✨ Authorizes work as an employee and self-employed throughout the national territory.
✨ Provisionally authorizes work from the start of the procedure.
✨ May render ineffective expulsion or return procedures in certain cases.
How to apply? (including family members)
✔️ Foreign nationals of legal age in an irregular situation who were in Spain before January 1, 2026 and remain in the country at the time of application.
✔️ The applicant is the interested person themselves.
✔️ One of the following situations must be proven:
✔️ Employment relationship or intention to work.
✔️ Cohabitation with a family unit in Spain under the applicable terms.
✔️ Proven situation of vulnerability.
✔️ Certain family members (spouse, registered partner or first-degree ascendants living together) may apply simultaneously.
Requirements
✅ Be in Spain at the time of application.
✅ Not hold a residence or stay authorization.
✅ Continuous stay in Spain during the five months prior.
✅ Have no criminal record under the required terms.
✅ Not represent a threat to public order, security or public health.
✅ Not be subject to an entry ban or a non-return commitment.
✅ Pay the corresponding fee.
✅ Prove one of the following pathways:
✔️ Employment activity or intention to work (offer or responsible declaration).
✔️ Family unit in Spain.
✔️ Vulnerability accredited by competent entities.
Required Documents
📌 Valid identity or travel document in Spain (even if expired).
📌 Proof of stay in Spain during the five months prior.
📌 Proof of payment of the fee.
📌 Criminal record documentation.
📌 Depending on the access pathway:
✔️ Employment documentation, job offer or responsible declaration.
✔️ Documentation proving family unit and cohabitation.
✔️ Vulnerability certificate issued by competent entities.
Duration and Renewal
📌 Initial validity of one year.
📌 Allows work as an employee and self-employed without limitations.
📌 Before its expiration, a modification to another authorization must be requested.
📌 Exceptionally, it may be extended in certain cases.
Application Process
Submission
Application by the interested person before the competent office or electronically.
Proof
Demonstration of general requirements and one of the access pathways.
Provisional authorization
Authorization to reside and work from the start of the process.
Decision
Maximum period of 3 months; in case of silence, it is considered denied.
Normative
Royal Decree 316/2026, of April 14, which amends Royal Decree 1155/2024, of November 19, approving the Regulation of Organic Law 4/2000, of January 11, on the rights and freedoms of foreign nationals in Spain and their social integration
Royal Decree 1155/2024, of November 19, approving the Regulation of Organic Law 4/2000, of January 11, on the rights and freedoms of foreign nationals in Spain and their social integration
Organic Law 4/2000, of January 11, on the rights and freedoms of foreign nationals in Spain and their social integration
