Spain's immigration regularisation draws over 900,000 applicants, many Brazilians seeking work visas

More than 900,000 immigrants have submitted applications to Spain's extraordinary regularisation process that opened on 16 April and runs until 30 June. The scheme, aimed at foreigners without criminal records who entered Spain by 31 December 2025 and have lived continuously for at least five months, was expected to cover about half a million people. Officials say the overwhelming majority of applicants are from Latin America, with Brazilian nationals representing the largest group – about 90 % of the cases handled by a Madrid law firm that employs four Brazilian lawyers.

Brazilian immigration lawyer Thais Camargo described the move as “a very interesting play by the Spanish government”, noting that regularisation will allow undocumented workers to pay taxes, access health and education services and obtain a provisional one‑year work visa that can later be renewed. The initiative is also expected to increase social‑security contributions and reduce exploitation.

For Brazilians who do not qualify for the regularisation, a separate work‑visa route is required. Applicants must have a job offer from a Spanish employer or present a self‑employment project, apply at a Spanish consulate in Brazil, and pay fees of roughly R$570. The visa cannot be obtained while in Spain as a tourist; successful applicants receive a residence card (TIE) after six months of employment.