Introduction
If you have a life in Spain but are not officially registered with the authorities, residency by ‘arraigo’ may be for you.
The Arraigo access to residency is primarily for unregistered third country nationals and provides an opportunity to gain a residence and work permit based on the fact that you have already put down your roots (‘arraigos’) in Spain.
The Arraigo routes all allow you to apply for a residence and work permit directly from within Spain. The majority require you to have been in the country for 2 or more continuous years and last for 1 year. They can be converted into temporary or permanent residency afterwards.
1. Arraigo Social (Social Roots)
For the Arraigo Social, you need to have either;
- Family ties to registered residents, proven through the existence of children, a ‘pareja de hecho’ status or marriage.
- A social integration report (informe de arraigo) from the local or regional council which confirms your local connections to the community, your basic Spanish level and financial means (100% of the IPREM, €7,200/year in 2025, from income or support).
2. Arraigo Socio-Laboral (Social and Work Roots)
For the Arraigo Social-Laboral, you need a job offer with a signed contract. The contract must be for 20+ hours/week at or above the Spanish minimum wage, €15,876/year in 2025. The contract needs to be signed by both you and the employer with a ‘cláusula suspensiva’, meaning it should only start once you receive the arraigo authorisation. If you are self-employed, see here.
3. Arraigo Socio-Formativo (Social and Training Roots)
Arraigo Social-Formativo is for those wanting to undergo a list of approved training activities, vocational or language courses. This route allows you to work up to 30 hours/week while training.
4. Arraigo de Segunda Oportunidad (Second Chance Roots)
If you have previously had legal residency for another reason other than one of these Arraigo options in the past 2 years, Spain may give you a second chance to regain it.
5. Arraigo Familiar (Family Roots)
Since May 2025, the Arraigo Familiar is just for parents, guardians or carers of an EU or resident in Spain that is a minor or has a disability. For the Arraigo Familiar, you don’t need to have stayed in Spain previously for any set period and the initial permit lasts for 5 years.
If you have a partner or relative who is a Spanish citizen, see Residence Permit for Relatives of Spanish Nationals – Guide instead.
Application Process
Step 1 – Book an appointment with the Immigration Office
You can book an appointment online here. Choose the region you live in and then select the option “AUT. DE RESIDENCIA TEMPORAL POR CIRCUNS. EXCEPCIONALES POR ARRAIGO”; if that option does not appear, choose instead “SOLICITUD DE AUTORIZACIONES”.
Step 2 – Collate the documents needed
It is advisable to check the requirements outlined by the specific Oficina de Extranjeros where you will be making your application as the required documents vary. Here is a list of the documents we are aware of:
- A completed and signed EX-10 form (original and a copy)
- Your passport.
- A complete copy of your passport, including all pages.
- Tasa 052 – select “autorización de residencia temporal por circunstancias excepcionales por arraigo” and pay the fee at any bank within 10 days of your appointment.
- Documents registered in your name that prove how long you have been living in Spain ie. bills, contracts, school registration.
- A criminal record check covering the last 5 years, including from any other country you lived in within
- Proof of local connections
- Evidence of sufficient financial means or support ie. bank statements or a work contract. This can be your own or a relative’s income and savings.
- For the Arraigo-Laboral, you may also need;
- a copy of the company’s NIF and deeds
- a copy of a professional report confirming you are qualified for the job
- Proof the company is solvent
- Your job description
Note: You will need a sworn Spanish translation or apostilled version of all foreign-language documents. We can recommend these professional services.
Step 3 – Attend the appointment
Bring all the required documents with you and any others that may be helpful. If you need Spanish language support, consider bringing someone with you to help.
Step 4 – Wait, then celebrate
It can take up to 3 months for a decision to be made. If successful (resolución favorable), your residency starts the date the decision was made. However, if you applied using an employment contract, your residency starts when you register with Social Security (see Step 6).
Step 5 – Get your residency card (TIE)
Within one month of receiving the positive news, you must apply for a residency card (TIE). Learn how to get a TIE here.
Step 6 – Register with Social Security
If you are working, you also need to register with Social Security (dar la alta) to activate your work rights.
After the Arraigo period ends
Two months before the expiry of your Arraigo, you can apply to extend your status. To do so, you must continue to be in work or training, or to be registered as actively seeking work. The permit should be extended for a further 4 years.
After 5 years, you can apply for permanent residency.
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