Support for Applicants and Employers
The Barcelona City Council, through its economic development agency Barcelona Activa, has launched two practical guides to assist individuals and companies navigating Spain's extraordinary migrant regularisation process. The initiative, announced on Tuesday 20th October 2026, aims to clarify procedures for both applicants and employers during this critical administrative window.
Guide for Migrant Applicants
The first document is designed for individuals who have applied or are considering applying. It explains how to check the status of an application, outlines rights maintained during processing, and details the steps to take after a favourable resolution. According to Barcelona Activa, the guide also includes practical advice on entering the labour market, renewing permits, and completing key administrative tasks related to the NIE (Foreigner Identification Number), Social Security, the Servei d'Ocupació de Catalunya (SOC), and the foreigner identity card (TIE).
Guide for Employers
The second guide is tailored for businesses interested in hiring individuals participating in the regularisation process. It outlines the documentation required to legally employ someone under the scheme, explains how to track case file progress, and highlights resources available to support integration into the workforce. Employers can access advisory services on hiring incentives and talent management through Barcelona Activa.
Legal Basis and Local Context
The regularisation process stems from Royal Decree 316/2026 of 14th April, which allows certain foreign nationals already residing in Spain to apply for temporary residence and work authorisation. In Barcelona, an estimated 87,000 people have applied, according to Barcelona Activa. The 'communication initiation document' issued during the process allows individuals to reside and work legally across Spain while their application is processed.
The guides aim to remove uncertainty for both individuals and companies during this exceptional administrative process.
Available Support Services
Both guides direct users to municipal support channels. The Service for the Attention of Immigrants, Emigrants, and Refugees (SAIER) provides specialised advice on immigration and international protection matters. Barcelona Activa offers job search support, training, and labour market integration services for applicants, while companies can access talent management and hiring incentive advisory services.
The guides are available via the official Barcelona Activa website, where applicants and employers can access up-to-date information and direct support. The launch underscores the city’s ongoing commitment to inclusive labour market policies.
Primary sources: Ayuntamiento de Barcelona, ajuntament.barcelona.cat, lamoncloa.gob.es. Reported by europapress.es, Europa Press, barcelonactiva.cat, empreses.barcelonactiva.cat, Redacción Infomigrante, Europa Press Barcelona.
