Spain Grants Migrants the Right to Work 15 Days After Regularization Applications Are Approved

The Spanish government announced the adoption of an exceptional royal decree to regularize the status of undocumented migrants residing in the country, as part of a major program aimed at giving half a million migrants the opportunity to live and work legally.

Authorities explained that beneficiaries of the regularization will be able to start working 15 days after their applications are approved by the relevant authorities, under specific conditions, including actual residence for at least five months before December 31, 2025, and a clean criminal record.

This step is part of the Spanish government’s efforts to enhance migrant integration into the labor market, especially in sectors experiencing labor shortages, while ensuring that society and the economy benefit from this initiative.

Officials noted that allowing work 15 days after application approval facilitates faster integration of migrants and eases pressure on social services, while granting temporary residence permits that can be renewed.

Meanwhile, some opposition political factions expressed concerns about the impact of regularization on public resources, whereas civil organizations welcomed the move, viewing it as a historic opportunity to organize the status of undocumented migrants in Spain.

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