Spanish Immigration Regulations · Royal Decree 1155/2024
Arraigo and exceptional circumstances
Advice for people who are in Spain and may qualify for a residence permit on exceptional grounds.
Is this the right option for you?
Arraigo is a residence permit based on your ties to Spain. The strategy is set individually according to how long you have been in Spain, family ties, integration, employment, training, administrative history and the applicant’s other circumstances.
Within this category, we review the different forms of arraigo provided for in current legislation and identify which one really fits your situation.
Choosing the wrong form can lead to a refusal: that is why we start by reviewing your case, not with the form.
Main requirements
These are the essential requirements. The specific documents may vary depending on your nationality, your personal situation and changes in the law.
Second-chance arraigo
For people who held a residence permit in the previous two years (not a stay permit, such as a student stay) and could not renew it for reasons other than public order, security or public health. It requires having lived in Spain continuously for the previous two years.
Socio-labor arraigo
Two years of continuous presence in Spain and an employment contract with a solvent employer, with the minimum working hours and salary set by the regulations.
Social arraigo
Two years of continuous presence in Spain, sufficient financial means or family ties, and a favorable social integration report.
Socio-training arraigo
Two years of continuous presence in Spain and a commitment to complete training that leads to employment.
Family arraigo
Reserved for specific cases, such as the father, mother or guardian of a minor who is a national of another EU country, the EEA or Switzerland, or a person supporting a family member of those nationalities with a disability.
Common requirements
Being in Spain and having no criminal record in Spain or in the countries where you have lived in the last five years.
Duration
As a general rule, arraigo permits are granted for one year and allow you to work, with the particular features of each form.
Family members of Spanish nationals
The father, mother or guardian of a Spanish minor and other family members of Spanish nationals now have their own permit, separate from family arraigo.
How can we help?
- Initial eligibility review.
- Immigration strategy.
- Personalized checklist.
- Legal review of your documents.
- Preparing and filing your application.
- Follow-up with the authorities.
- Responding to requests for documents where applicable.
- Assistance with the steps after approval.
Usual documents
- Valid passport.
- Proof of continuous presence in Spain: municipal registration and other documents.
- Criminal record certificate.
- Employment contract, for socio-labor arraigo.
- Social integration report, for social arraigo.
- Enrollment or training commitment, for socio-training arraigo.
- Documents proving the family relationship, where applicable.
The final documents will depend on the applicant’s personal circumstances, nationality and the applicable procedure. After the initial review you will receive a personalized checklist.
Related procedures
- Family member of a Spanish nationalIf you are a family member of a Spanish national, this is usually the route rather than arraigo.See procedure
- Renewals and extensionsBefore renewing, we check that the requirements of the previous period have been maintained.See procedure
- Appeals against refusalsIf your application has been refused.See procedure
Tell us about your situation
We will review your case and explain which route may fit your circumstances.
The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration requirements may vary depending on the applicant’s personal circumstances and the legislation in force at the time of the application.