DT5 or DT6? Choose your path
Royal Decree 316/2026 offers two main pathways for extraordinary regularization: DT5 and DT6. Although both lead to legal residence and work in Spain, they have different requirements, conditions, and timelines.
In this guide we explain the key differences so you can identify which one is most suitable for your personal situation.
Side-by-side comparison
| DT5 — International protection applicants | DT6 — Extraordinary settlement |
|---|---|
| Main requirement | |
| Have filed asylum application before January 1, 2026 | 5 consecutive months in Spain + one additional condition |
| Conditions | |
| Application status: denied, inadmissible or pending | Employment, dependent family, or vulnerability |
| Expected timeline | |
| 1-2 months typically | 1-3 months typically |
| Work authorization | |
| From submission (provisional) | From submission (provisional) |
Who is each pathway for?
DT5 is for you if...
- ✓
You filed an asylum application before January 2026
- ✓
Your application was denied or is pending resolution
- ✓
You already have a file open with Immigration
- ✓
You want to leverage your protection applicant status
DT6 is for you if...
- ✓
You have been living in Spain continuously for more than 5 months
- ✓
You have an employment contract or job offer
- ✓
You have dependent family in Spain
- ✓
You are in a documented vulnerable situation
Help deciding
Some people might meet requirements for both pathways. In that case, consider:
- 1
If asylum process is more advanced: DT5 might be faster
- 2
If you have no asylum application: DT6 is your only option
- 3
If you have both possibilities: consult a lawyer to choose the best for your case
Can I use both?
Technically you could submit applications for both pathways simultaneously, but it is not recommended without legal advice. The ideal is to evaluate carefully which is your best option and focus on that.
⏰ Same deadline for both
Both pathways share the same deadline: June 30, 2026. There are no extensions. Act now if you consider either of these options.