Spain’s left-wing government has approved a fast-track plan allowing up to 500,000 undocumented migrants to apply for legal residency, marking one of Europe’s largest regularizations in years.

The measure applies to people who have lived in Spain for at least five months by December 31, 2025, have no criminal record, and will allow them to work nationwide under renewable permits.

Migration Minister Elma Saiz called the move historic, saying it reflects a human-rights-based model aligned with economic growth and social cohesion.

The government argues migration has driven much of Spain’s recent economic growth, though opposition parties accuse it of bypassing parliament and acting recklessly, the DW has reported.

While migrant groups and the Catholic Church welcomed the policy, the far-right Vox party has announced legal action to try to block it.