Spain will soon allow hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants to apply for legal residency under a new policy.

The government announced Tuesday it will grant legal status to potentially hundreds of thousands of people living and working in the country without authorisation. This move stands out as many countries tighten immigration policies.

Migration Minister Elma Saiz said after a cabinet meeting that the government will change immigration laws through an expedited decree. Immigrants living in Spain without authorisation will be able to obtain legal residency for up to one year and receive permission to work.

The policy applies to people who arrived before December 31, 2025, and can prove they have lived in Spain for at least five months. Applicants must also show they have no criminal record.

“I believe today is a great day for our country,” said Saiz.

The measure could help an estimated 500,000 to 800,000 people, many of whom are Latin American or African immigrants working in agriculture, tourism, or services.

The decree bypasses a similar bill stalled in parliament and is expected to take effect in April. Saiz said applications for legal status will begin once the decree is in force.

The decision follows a last-minute deal between the ruling Socialist Party and Podemos for parliamentary support. The move was welcomed by migrant rights groups and Catholic associations, who had gathered 700,000 signatures for a similar proposal.