Spain to end humanitarian residence permit program

Starting June 12, 2026, Spain will no longer issue or renew residence permits granted for humanitarian reasons linked to international protection applications. The decision will directly affect Venezuelans who have gained legal status through this route, particularly since 2018.

According to reports based on an information note from the Spanish Ministry of the Interior, temporary humanitarian residence permits granted in connection with international protection applications will no longer be issued or renewed as of June 12, 2026. The decision is reportedly linked to the entry into force of the European Union's new Pact on Migration and Asylum.

This program was of great importance, especially for those who came to Spain due to the political and economic crisis in Venezuela. Since 2018, Venezuelans have been able to obtain residence permits on humanitarian grounds in most cases, even if their asylum applications were rejected. Over time, this path had almost turned into a "fast-track regularization" mechanism for Venezuelans.

As reported by El País, approximately 240,000 Venezuelans have gained legal status through this system. It is noted that the number of humanitarian residence cards issued in 2025 alone is approximately 50,000.

The new decision does not mean immediate deportation for current cardholders. It is stated that individuals who currently hold a residence permit for humanitarian reasons will be able to transition to other residence and work permits under Spain's updated regulations for foreigners. However, it is not expected that new permits will be issued through this specific route or that existing permits will be renewed under the same status after June 12.

Therefore, Venezuelans will now have to rely on more conventional paths to residency. Work permits, residency through social roots, family-linked permits, or other regular immigration categories will come to the fore. However, it is expected that requirements such as income, employment contracts, insurance, criminal records, and length of stay in Spain will be scrutinized more strictly for these options.

The decision is also expected to affect employers. Until now, many companies were able to hire Venezuelans with humanitarian residence cards more quickly. With the closure of this route, companies will need to turn to direct work permit processes for job candidates and account for longer processing times.

The Spanish government views the change as part of the process of aligning with the European Union's new migration and asylum rules. The new system aims to more clearly separate humanitarian residence permits from international protection applications. For this reason, it is stated that the exceptional model applied to Venezuelans since 2018 will be terminated.

News Source: 12punto