This process, the largest mass regularization of foreigners in two decades, could transform the lives of some 26,000 foreign nationals residing in the autonomous community of Euskadi without proper documentation, and provide much-needed relief to key sectors of the labor market. Following the opening of the online application system and appointment scheduling last Thursday, this Monday marks the start of in-person processing at 23 post offices located in Bilbao, Getxo, Barakaldo, Vitoria, San Sebastián, and Irún, as well as at the three Social Security offices, one in each provincial capital.

The profile of individuals eligible for regularization is predominantly active: 98.6% are of working age, and over 13,500 have already had some prior contact with Lanbide. The procedure demands extreme rigor. To secure the coveted in-person interview, applicants had to manage their appointments through the Clave system on the Ministry's website or by calling 060. Once before the official, they must provide their complete passport, documents certifying residency in Spain before January 1, 2026, and proof of uninterrupted stay for five months.

A crucial detail of this process is that the simple communication of the start of the procedure will automatically enable the applicant to work legally in any sector of activity. Once granted, the authorization will be valid for an initial period of one year, after which beneficiaries must transition to the ordinary foreign national regime. The deadline for submitting applications, both online and in person, is June 30.

This mass regularization process has become a true test for the public administration. The fear of collapse is real, as Social Security offices have been grappling with saturation issues since the pandemic. To avoid bottlenecks and bridge the digital divide, the Government will structurally rely on a network of 22 Basque social entities, such as Cáritas and Zehar Errefuxiatuekin, to act as mediators.