Regular Extraordinary 2026: Requirements, Deadlines and How to Apply
You've been in Spain without papers for months and you know you can't keep going like this forever. The Government approved a mass regularization in April 2026 that gives you the chance to get out of that situation. But the deadlines are very tight, and mistakes in your paperwork could cost you the only opportunity you have this year.
This guide explains exactly what you need, how much it costs, and what to do starting tomorrow.
What is the 2026 extraordinary regularization
Royal Decree 316/2026, published in the BOE on April 15, 2026, opens a special process to regularize the situation of foreign nationals who have been living in Spain without a residence permit.
This is not a permanent amnesty. It's a 76-day window — from April 16 to June 30, 2026 — to submit your application. If you meet the requirements and submit on time, you'll receive a provisional authorization for 12 months.
Who can apply: the 4 requirements
- You've been in Spain for at least 5 months. It doesn't matter if it was continuous or with a short trip out. You need to prove that stay with documents.
- No criminal record in Spain or in any country where you've lived in the last 5 years.
- You're not currently facing deportation or have an enforceable deportation order right now.
- You haven't been deported from Spain in the last 5 years.
The most expensive mistake you can make
A lot of people are going to submit their application without the municipal registration (padrón), thinking a passport is enough. The padrón is the most important document for proving you've been here 5 months — and getting it can take weeks.
The most common trap: waiting until June to start the process. By then, city councils will be overwhelmed with registration requests. In Madrid, Barcelona, or Valencia, an appointment can take 3–4 weeks. If you show up on June 30 without a padrón, your application will be incomplete.
What nobody tells you: the historical padrón — the one that proves how long you've been here — is different from a regular registration certificate. Ask specifically for the empadronamiento certificate with historical data.
Documents you need to gather
| Document | Where to get it | Estimated time |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport (and full copy) | Your embassy if it's expired | Weeks — start now |
| Historical empadronamiento certificate | Your local city council | 1–4 weeks |
| Criminal record certificate from your home country | Your country's embassy or consulate | 2–6 weeks |
| Criminal record certificate in Spain | Ministry of Justice (online portal) | 1–2 days online |
| Official application form | Ministry of the Interior website | Immediate |
| Paid modelo 790 fee (€38.28) | Any bank or AEAT online portal | Immediate |
| 2 passport-style photos on white background | Photo booth or photographer | Immediate |
How much it costs: exactly €38.28
The official fee for this regularization is €38.28. You pay it using modelo 790, code 052, at any bank or through the AEAT online portal.
Don't pay anyone who asks for more money promising to process your application faster or with better guarantees. There's no official handler who can speed up the process. The only way to succeed is to have your documents complete from day one.
How to submit your application step by step
The application must be submitted in person at the Foreigners' Office (Oficina de Extranjería) in the province where you're registered. In major cities you'll need a prior appointment, which you can book at sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es.
- Gather all the documents from the table above.
- Pay the fee (modelo 790, code 052) and keep your proof of payment.
- Book an appointment at the Foreigners' Office in your province.
- Show up on your appointment day with originals and photocopies of everything.
- Keep your submission receipt — it's proof that you applied before June 30.
What happens next: the 12-month provisional authorization
If your application is approved, you'll receive a provisional residence permit for 12 months. With it you can live legally in Spain, work (if the permit includes a work authorization — check your resolution), and access healthcare and education.
What you can't do: leave Spain and come back without risk. Before taking any trip abroad, talk to an immigration professional.
Before the 12 months are up, you'll need to so