SPAIN — More than 1 million undocumented migrants and asylum seekers applied to regularize their status in Spain under a government program, surpassing the initial estimate of 500,000 beneficiaries. The registration period concluded on a Tuesday.

The program, announced in January and opened for applications in April, offers a residence and work permit valid for one year, which is renewable. Applicants must prove they have no criminal record and demonstrate residency in Spain for at least five months before December 31, 2025. Individuals who sought international protection before that date are also eligible.

On the day the application period ended, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez unveiled a €500 million plan intended to manage migrant flows and facilitate integration. As of mid-June, the government had processed 360,000 applications and stated it would not extend the deadline for submissions received by June 30.

Speaking in Madrid, Sánchez said, "The fact that more than 1 million people submitted applications shows just how necessary this recognition of rights and responsibilities was." He projected that without immigration, Spain's GDP would be 19% lower by 2050, adding that 90,000 bars would close, 50,000 classrooms would lack students, and approximately 220,000 farms would disappear. Sánchez stated, "Spanish society must guarantee equal treatment, combat discrimination, and offer opportunities," and added, "And those who arrive must respect our laws, learn our official languages, and share the democratic values that define us."

Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the People's Party, criticized the effort, stating, "Seeing as the current voters aren't working out, let's see if manufacturing [new] voters pans out." Elma Saiz, Spain's Minister for Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration, responded: "I find them incredibly irresponsible." She added, "They demonstrate the desperation and frustration of someone who has no political project for our country and who already seems to sense an electoral defeat."

Colombian nationals made up 30% of the applicants, followed by Moroccan nationals at 14% and Venezuelan nationals at 10%.

Why It Matters

The program provides a one-year residence and work permit, renewable, for eligible individuals meeting specific criteria. The demographic breakdown of applicants points to key countries of origin for migrants in Spain. This initiative occurs while approximately one in five residents in the country was born outside its borders.