Living in Spain is the starting point of new opportunities, sunshine, culture, and peace of mind for many immigrants. However, the most crucial step in the integration process within the country is acquiring a stable legal status. The new immigration regulation (Real Decreto 1155/2024), which came into effect on May 20, 2025, introduced substantial changes to the mechanisms of foreigner legalization.

Within the framework of this reform, Arraigo Social (Social Roots) continues to remain a central instrument—a temporary residency and work right granted due to exceptional circumstances, allowing individuals already living in Spain to fully legalize their status.

What is Arraigo Social and Who Can Benefit?

Arraigo Social is intended for foreign citizens who have been continuously residing in the territory of Spain for a certain period, have managed to integrate into the local society, and possess socio-economic ties.

Under the new regulation, applications for this type of residency can be submitted by any person who meets the mandatory criteria established by law and can confirm their existence and activities in Spain.

Main Requirements for Arraigo Social

In order to successfully apply for social roots, it is mandatory to fulfill the following conditions:

  • Continuous Residence in Spain — The applicant must be present in the territory of Spain continuously for a minimum of 2 years (under the new regulation, the period for most types of "arraigo" was reduced from 3 years to 2 years). Continuity is confirmed by municipal registration Empadronamiento or other official documents. Leaving Spain during this period is permitted for a total of no more than 90 days.

  • No Criminal Record — The candidate must not have a criminal record either in Spain, in their country of origin, or in countries where they resided during the last 5 years.

  • No Entry Ban in the Schengen Area — The person must not be restricted from entering Spain or countries with which Spain has signed an agreement.

  • Integration Report or Family Tie — The applicant must submit a social integration report Informe de Inserción Social issued by the local autonomous community. In cases where the person has direct relatives (spouse, registered partner, parents, or children) who already hold Spanish residency or citizenship, submitting an integration report is no longer mandatory.

  • Financial Support or Employment Contract — It is necessary to confirm that the applicant will have a source of livelihood. This can be:

  • An employment contract (Contrato de trabajo) where the remuneration meets the Minimum Interprofessional Salary (Sueldo Mínimo Interprofesional - SMI).

  • A business startup plan for self-employed activity (Cuenta propia).

  • Sufficient financial resources from a family member ensuring the applicant's maintenance.

List of Required Documentation

When submitting the application to the Foreigners' Office (Oficina de Extranjería), the following main package must be presented:

  • Official Application Form (EX-10): Filled out and signed.

  • Valid Passport: Original and a copy of all pages (the passport validity period must be at least 4 months).

  • Documents Confirming Continuous Residence: Historical registration certificate Empadronamiento histórico, medical records, bank statements, or any official document confirming 2 years of stay in Spain.

  • Criminal Record Certificate: Authenticated with an apostille/legalization and translated into Spanish by an official sworn translator (Traductor Jurado).

  • Integration Report Informe de Inserción Social: Issued by the social service of the respective municipality or autonomy.

  • Employment Contract or Financial Guarantees: Along with employer data and documents proving the company's solvency.

  • Receipt of State Fee Payment: Corresponding form (Tasa 790, código 052).

Review Deadlines and Residency Duration

According to the new immigration regulation, the primary residency issued on the basis of Arraigo Social includes the right to work (both as an employee and self-employed) and is issued for a duration of 1 year.

The official administrative review period is 3 months from the date the application is registered. Upon expiration of this period, and immediately after receiving a positive response, the applicant receives an appointment for fingerprinting (Toma de huellas) to manufacture the Foreigner Identity Card TIE - Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero.

Useful Tips for Applicants

  • Keep All Official Documents: From the very first day of arrival in Spain, collect any document (doctor visits, bank transfers, language course certificates) as they will be useful to prove continuity.

  • Monitor the Validity of the Criminal Record Certificate: The criminal record certificate obtained from the country of origin has a limited validity period (usually 3 to 6 months, depending on the document text). Plan to obtain it so that it is valid at the time of application submission.

  • Prepare for the Integration Interview: When preparing the social integration report, you may have to undergo an interview with a social worker. Basic knowledge of the Spanish language and respect for the culture/language of the local autonomous community significantly increases the chance of receiving a positive conclusion.

  • Use a Digital Certificate: Submitting the application electronically through a Digital Certificate (Certificado Digital) significantly reduces waiting time and eliminates the problem of physical queues at the Foreigners' Office.

Arraigo Social represents a real and reliable opportunity to become a full-fledged member of Spanish society. Properly prepared documentation and knowledge of current legislative norms are the main guarantee of your successful legalization.

The article is prepared based on official legislative sources of the Kingdom of Spain and verified data from the State Official Gazette (BOE).

— Discover Your Spain.