Spain Legalized 500,000 Migrants – Are Italy, France, Portugal, Germany, Greece or Malta Next in Line?

Spain has approved a sweeping amnesty to legalize around 500,000 undocumented migrants, making it the only major European country taking such a step in 2026. The decision, finalized in January and due to roll out by April, applies nationwide and targets migrants already living and working in the country. Madrid says the move is aimed at easing labor shortages and addressing long-term population decline.

The announcement has sparked one central question across Europe and beyond: which European country could be next to offer an amnesty or legal status to undocumented migrants or asylum seekers? As of now, the answer is none.

Why No Other European Country Is Following Spain

Spain’s amnesty stands in clear contrast to the wider Schengen trend. No other Schengen country has announced plans for a mass amnesty or large scale regularization program. Instead, many European countries are tightening rules for Non-EU nationals.

Portugal, often seen as migrant friendly, has recently closed flexible pathways that once allowed tourists to switch from visit status to residency. Officials there now favor strict rules based migration over broad legalization.

Germany allows limited case-by-case permits tied to work or on humanitarian grounds, but it has ruled out any nationwide amnesty. France, Italy, Greece and Austria are focusing on stronger border controls, faster asylum decisions and fast deportations for people without legal status.

At the EU level, the shift is even clearer. A new asylum and migration pact takes effect in June 2026, prioritizing deportations, reduced irregular arrivals and tougher enforcement. The European Commission has confirmed that Spain’s amnesty is a sovereign decision and does not set a precedent for other European countries.

For undocumented migrants hoping another amnesty is coming, Europe’s direction suggests the opposite.

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