Spain has confirmed it is moving forward with a regularización extraordinaria (often called an “immigration amnesty” in the press) designed to give legal residence to a large number of people who are already living in Spain without a regular status.
If you’re reading this, you’re probably in one of two situations:
- You (or a family member) may qualify for the 2026 regularisation and you want to prepare properly.
- You’re expecting to get approval and you’re already thinking ahead to the next (very real) step: getting the TIE card.
This guide explains what the Government has said so far, what remains unclear until the final rules are published, how to avoid scams, and exactly how www.tiecardspain.com can help you get your TIE card once you have residency approval.
Important: As of 10 February 2026, the Government has published the initiative and supporting Q&A materials, but the final procedure is not “live” until the final Real Decreto is approved and published in the BOE. We will update tiecardspain.com as soon as the definitive rules and step-by-step process are confirmed.
What is the Spanish Immigration Amnesty in 2026?
The Government has announced an extraordinary regularisation process for foreign nationals who are already in Spain and meet specific requirements. The objective is to move people from irregular status into legal residence, creating a more stable, predictable system and reducing exploitation linked to irregularity.
Think of it as a limited-time window (with a clear cut-off date and a closing date) where eligible applicants can apply for a residence authorisation.
Key dates (what’s been announced so far)
Based on official Government communications and the published Q&A:
- Applications are expected to open in early April 2026 (once the Real Decreto completes the legal steps and is published).
- The process is expected to be open until 30 June 2026.
- A core eligibility cut-off is being set at 31 December 2025.
That means the window is likely to be short and intense. If you might qualify, preparation matters.
Who is it aimed at?
Official statements describe the process as being directed at:
- People who were in Spain before 31 December 2025, and
- Who can show continuous presence of at least five months at the time of application, and
- Who do not have criminal records (as described in the official materials).
There is also a specific mention for applicants for international protection (asylum/protection) who submitted their application before 31 December 2025, with the ability to evidence it.
What residence do you get if approved?
The Government’s public summary indicates beneficiaries could obtain a legal residence authorisation with an initial validity of one year, and after that transition into the “ordinary” residence routes under Spain’s immigration framework.
That detail matters because it connects directly to the TIE: once you have a granted residence authorisation, you typically must complete the TIE issuance process (fingerprints + card).
The requirements we know (and the parts still not confirmed)
What the Government has already highlighted
From official Government communications and the Q&A document, the “headline requirements” include:
- Presence in Spain before 31 December 2025
- At least five months continuous presence at the moment you apply
- No criminal record / antecedentes penales
- For some protection applicants, the key is having submitted the application before 31 December 2025 and being able to evidence it
Click here to read how to get a Criminal record check for your TIE Card application
What is still “unknown” until the final Real Decreto + BOE publication
Even when the big requirements are clear, the real-world outcome depends on the final published process, including:
- Exactly how you must prove “continuous presence”
- The exact documents list and acceptable alternatives
- Whether applications are made online, in-person, or both
- Whether there are fees and which forms/tasas apply
- If there will be regional differences in practical handling
- How the process will interact with existing statuses (various edge cases)
- The precise rules on police/background checks, and how “public order” issues are interpreted (this is often a complex area)
That’s why we’re being transparent: we know the general direction, dates, and main eligibility rules, but we will only publish a definitive “how-to apply” checklist once the final text is in force and published.
Scam warning: do not pay anyone claiming they can “guarantee” the amnesty
Whenever a major immigration process is announced, scams follow. Multiple organisations and news reports have already warned about people charging money for “appointments” or “fast tracking” processes that are not even open yet. The Ministry has also stressed the process is not open at this moment and asks people to use official channels.
Rule of thumb:
If someone says “pay me and I’ll get you in early” — walk away.
What you should do now (before April 2026)
Even without the final Real Decreto, you can put yourself in the best position:
1) Make sure your identity documents are in order
If you need a valid passport for your nationality, check validity now. Some processes require it; even when not strictly required at the first step, you will almost certainly need it for later steps.
2) Start collecting proof of presence in Spain
Because “continuous presence” is a key concept, start gathering evidence now. Examples (not an official list) might include:
- Municipal registration (padrón) history
- Medical appointments / health records
- School enrolment for children
- Rental contracts, bills, money transfers
- Bank records, employment-related evidence (where applicable)
We will publish a definitive list once the final rules confirm what’s acceptable.
3) Don’t wait until the last minute
If the application window is roughly early April to 30 June 2026, that’s not long.
After You’re Approved: The “Real World” Step Everyone Forgets — Getting Your TIE Card
Here’s the part people underestimate:
✅ Getting approval for residence is not the finish line.
To actually live normally (prove status, travel, work where permitted, do admin), you typically need the TIE card(Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero).
And the TIE stage is where many people get stuck because it can involve:
- Finding the right police appointment (cita previa / huellas)
- Correct forms and fees
- Correct supporting documents
- Correct photo standards
- Avoiding resubmissions and delays
This is exactly where www.tiecardspain.com steps in.
How www.tiecardspain.com can help you get your TIE card (once you have approval)
Once you have your residency approval/resolution, our focus is simple:
1) We confirm what your approval means (and what you need next)
Approvals can vary by route and wording. We help you interpret what you’ve been granted, and ensure you follow the correct TIE issuance pathway.
2) We prepare your TIE application pack
Your TIE appointment is not the time to “guess” paperwork. We help you prepare the correct set of documents (based on your approval type and your local office’s practical requirements).
3) We help you secure your TIE appointment (cita previa)
Appointments are often the bottleneck. We guide you through the process, avoid common traps, and help you target the correct office.
4) We reduce rejection risk at the police office
Small issues cause big delays:
- wrong fee form
- wrong photo size/background
- missing copy
- incorrect address proof
- unclear passport copy pages
We aim to prevent that.
5) We stay current and update fast
We will maintain a dedicated amnesty/regularisation hub on tiecardspain.com and update:
- the definitive step-by-step
- eligible cases
- official forms/links
- known bottlenecks by province
- what to do if you get stuck
Because in Spain, the rules can be clear on paper and still messy in practice.
A realistic timeline (so you can plan life, work, travel)
Based on the Government’s stated intention:
- Application window opens (expected early April 2026)
- You submit the regularisation application
- You receive a decision/approval (times can vary)
- You complete the TIE issuance process (appointment + fingerprints)
- You later receive/collect your TIE card
The key point: you want to be “TIE-ready” as soon as you’re approved, because many people will apply at the same time, and TIE appointments can become even more competitive.
FAQs: Spanish Immigration Amnesty 2026 + TIE Card
Is the amnesty definitely starting in April 2026?
The Government has said the application period is expected to begin around early April 2026, once the Real Decreto is finalised and published, and has also communicated the process is not open yet.
When does the regularisation window close?
The official Q&A and Government summary indicate the process is expected to be open until 30 June 2026.
What’s the key cut-off date?
The communications refer to having been resident/present in Spain before 31 December 2025.
Do I need to prove “continuous presence”?
Yes — the materials published so far highlight at least five months continuous presence at the moment of application.
Do criminal records matter?
Yes — the Government’s published materials emphasise no criminal records as a core requirement.
I get approved — do I automatically receive a TIE card?
No. Approval gives you the right to residence, but you normally still need to complete the TIE issuance step (fingerprints + card). That’s why tiecardspain.com focuses heavily on the post-approval stage.
Can UK Passport Holders Who Are Irregular in Spain Apply for the Immigration Amnesty?
Yes — many UK passport holders who are currently in Spain without valid residency may be eligible to apply under the upcoming Spanish Immigration Amnesty, provided they meet the final criteria once confirmed by the Spanish authorities.
Following Brexit, a significant number of UK nationals unintentionally fell into an irregular situation — often due to missed deadlines, misunderstandings around residency rules, or extended stays without formal registration. The Spanish government has publicly acknowledged this reality and, as part of broader immigration reform, has announced an extraordinary regularisation (amnesty) process expected to begin in 2026.
Does This Apply to UK Passport Holders?
Although final regulations have not yet been published, UK nationals are expected to be included, particularly where:
- They have been living in Spain continuously
- Their irregular status arose after Brexit
- They can demonstrate social ties, integration, or economic links to Spain
- They have no serious criminal record
- They meet minimum time-in-country requirements (to be confirmed)
Importantly, being “illegal” or irregular does NOT automatically disqualify you — the amnesty exists specifically to address this situation.
What the Amnesty Is Not
It’s important to be clear:
- ❌ It is not automatic
- ❌ It is not guaranteed for everyone
- ❌ It is not a loophole
- ❌ It does not erase past overstays
Each application will be individually assessed, and evidence will matter.
How We Can Help
If you are a UK passport holder currently in Spain without valid residency, early preparation is critical.
We help clients by:
- Reviewing whether your situation is likely to qualify
- Advising on documents to gather now (padron, proof of stay, ties to Spain)
- Monitoring official government updates as rules are confirmed
- Preparing your case so you are ready to apply the moment the system opens
- Assisting with the TIE card application once residency is approved
⚠️ Waiting until the amnesty officially opens may put you at a disadvantage — those who are prepared first tend to succeed first.
Important Disclaimer
At present, final eligibility rules and procedures have not yet been published by the Spanish government. All guidance is based on official announcements, draft reforms, and precedent from previous regularisation processes.
We continuously update our advice to reflect confirmed legal requirements, and we will update this page immediately once the final regulations are released.
Will tiecardspain.com update once the final rules are published?
Yes. We will update our website immediately after the definitive Real Decreto is published in the BOE, with the final process, document requirements, and step-by-step guidance, including how to get your TIE card after approval.
Can I Use the Immigration Amnesty If I Applied for a Visa and It Was Refused?
Possibly — a previous visa refusal does not automatically prevent you from applying under the Spanish Immigration Amnesty, provided you meet the final eligibility requirements once confirmed.
Many UK passport holders currently in Spain have applied for a visa (such as a non-lucrative, work, or digital nomad visa) and been refused, often due to documentation issues, timing problems, or technical eligibility thresholds. This situation is very common and is one of the realities the Spanish government has taken into account when designing the amnesty framework.
Why a Visa Refusal Does Not Automatically Disqualify You
A visa application and an immigration amnesty application are legally different procedures:
- A visa refusal usually relates to:
- Financial thresholds not being met
- Missing or incorrectly formatted documents
- Insurance or income issues
- Timing or procedural errors
- An immigration amnesty focuses on:
- Your presence in Spain
- Your social, economic, or family ties
- Your integration
- Your current situation, not past applications
In most cases, a refused visa does not equal a ban, nor does it mean you are “blacklisted”.
When a Refusal Could Matter
While many refusals will not affect eligibility, there are some important exceptions:
- ❌ Refusals based on serious criminal records
- ❌ Refusals involving false documents or fraud
- ❌ Existing entry bans or expulsion orders
- ❌ Active prohibitions on re-entry to Spain or Schengen
If none of the above apply, a prior refusal alone is unlikely to block an amnesty application.
What If You Stayed in Spain After the Refusal?
This is a key point.
If you:
- Applied for a visa
- Were refused
- Remained in Spain and became irregular
➡️ This is exactly the type of situation the amnesty is designed to address.
The upcoming regularisation process is intended to bring people out of irregular status, not punish them for past procedural failures.
How We Assess Your Case
Before the amnesty opens, we help clients by:
- Reviewing why the visa was refused
- Checking for any hidden legal barriers
- Assessing whether your stay and ties to Spain strengthen your case
- Advising whether it is strategically better to wait for the amnesty or pursue another route
- Preparing your file so it is amnesty-ready from day one
Applications will ultimately be assessed by Spanish immigration authorities under the Ministerio del Interior, so preparation and accuracy are critical.
Final note (and the smartest way to use this window)
The regularisation is expected to be a short, high-demand period. If you might qualify:
- Prepare your evidence now
- Follow official sources (don’t pay scammers)
- And when you get approval, move fast on your TIE card so you don’t lose months to appointment delays
📌 Key News Articles
Spain launches extraordinary regularization to grant legal status to undocumented migrants
https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-02-01/es/spain-launches-extraordinary-regularization-to-grant-legal-status-to-undocumented-migrants/ — Cabinet clears fast-tracked process aimed at granting residence to undocumented residents already in Spain.
Spain to Grant Extraordinary Regularisation to Over 500,000 Irregular Migrants
https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-26/es/spain-to-grant-extraordinary-regularisation-to-over-500000-irregular-migrants/ — Government agreement on historic regularisation expected to benefit hundreds of thousands; one-year permit & work access included.
Spain Opens Public Consultation on Extraordinary Regularisation Decree
https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-29/es/spain-opens-public-consultation-on-extraordinary-regularisation-decree/ — Ministry publishes draft decree for consultation, first formal step of the process.
Migrants Regularised Can Work from Day One — But Not Eligible for Minimum Income
https://www.infobae.com/espana/2026/02/08/los-migrantes-de-la-regularizacion-extraordinaria-no-podran-acceder-al-ingreso-minimo-vital-hasta-que-cumplan-un-ano-de-residencia-legal/ — Coverage of rights & limitations of regularised immigrants under the plan.
Claves de la regulación extraordinaria de personas migrantes
(Spanish coverage of key points in the draft proposal and its public consultation).
España abre consulta pública sobre regularización extraordinaria de inmigrantes indocumentados
https://www.visahq.com/es/news/2026-02-06/es/spain-opens-public-consultation-on-extraordinary-regularisation-of-undocumented-migrants/ — Additional reporting on the public consultation phase.
Las expectativas de los migrantes con la regularización extraordinaria que anunció el gobierno
(Voices and expectations from irregular residents about how the regularisation will affect their lives.)
Entre aplausos y críticas, España le apunta a la regularización de migrantes
(Analysis of political and social reactions to the plan from domestic and international perspectives.)
📌 Just Published Today / Very Recent
Estafas a migrantes ante el anuncio de regularización: “No paguen nada”
https://cadenaser.com/cmadrid/2026/02/09/estafas-a-migrantes-ante-el-anuncio-de-regularizacion-no-paguen-nada-radio-madrid/ — Social organisations warn of scammers exploiting the news by charging for “expedited appointments.”
(Opinion) Radio Jerez discussion on the prudential judgement required before implementation
(Radio discussion covering aspects of planning and justice in the extraordinary regularisation debate.)
📌 Official Government Source
El Gobierno inicia proceso de regularización extraordinaria de extranjeros que ya viven en España (La Moncloa press release summarising Council of Ministers approval with key criteria).
Links
How to replace a lost tie card
Upgrade your GREEN CARD to a TIE CARD
A guide to Digital nomads getting a TIE card