It is estimated that the extraordinary regularization of foreigners in Spain will benefit nearly 500,000 people who are in an irregular situation. In this way we seek to facilitate their social and labor integration.
However, a recurring doubt arises among those who may benefit from this process: when can public aid be requested? According to the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, migrants who obtain their residence permit through this process will not be able to request the Minimum Vital Income (IMV) immediately.
One year waiting period as a requirement
Although regularization allows you to work legally from day one in any sector, access to the IMV social protection network has its own times. According to ministerial sources, to receive this benefit it is required to prove legal and continuous residence in Spain for at least one year, as detailed. Europa Press.
This means that newly regularized people will have to wait to renew their first authorization to be able to process the application. It is important to remember that the IMV is a benefit aimed at preventing the risk of poverty, and the current law prevents people in an irregular situation or with legal residence of less than 12 months from accessing it.
Amounts and economic requirements for 2026
Once the year of residence has expired, the applicant must demonstrate their economic vulnerability. For this year, the key data to know are:
- Guaranteed income: for an individual beneficiary, the amount is 733.6 euros per month.
- Coexistence units: the figure increases according to the number of people. For example, a household with an adult and a minor is guaranteed 953.68 euros.
- Childhood Assistance Supplement (CAPI): monthly bonuses are added for each child. That is, 115 euros if it is under three years old; 80.50 euros between three and six years old and 57.50 euros if over six years old.
Now, the IMV is not always a fixed figure. It is calculated as the difference between your current income and the guaranteed income. The minimum amount to be collected, if you have other small income, is 10 euros per month.
How to apply for regularization?
If you are pending this process, which is expected to take place between April and June 2026, it is essential to know the requirements to access the residence and work permit.
You must have entered Spanish territory before December 31, 2025, prove that you have lived in the country for a minimum of five months continuously and not have a criminal record either in Spain or in the country of origin.
To demonstrate that the required residence time is met, the Administration will be flexible with the tests. Social Security and Immigration will accept official documents such as the registration certificate, reports of care in health centers, rental contracts in the name of the interested party or even proof of sending money.