The Spanish government announced a plan to legalize the status of undocumented migrants, a measure expected to benefit at least half a million people.

Regularization will be available to foreign nationals who do not have a criminal record and can prove they lived in Spain for at least five months prior to 31 Dec 2025.

"This is a historic day for our country," said Elma Saiz, Spain's minister of inclusion, social security and migration.

The measure will provide beneficiaries with an initial one-year residence permit, which can then be extended. Requests for legalization are expected to begin in April and the process will remain open until the end of June.