Exceptional circumstances
Humanitarian grounds
A residence permit on humanitarian grounds in the cases provided for in the legislation, including some cases after international protection has been refused.
Is this the right option for you?
It is designed for people in Spain who are in especially serious situations protected by the law, even if they do not meet the requirements for other permits.
We review whether your situation fits one of the humanitarian cases and gather the medical, judicial or administrative documents that prove it.
Each case requires specific evidence: a careful review beforehand avoids applications that do not succeed.
Main requirements
These are the essential requirements. The specific documents may vary depending on your nationality, your personal situation and changes in the law.
Serious illness
Suffering from a serious illness that requires specialized healthcare not available in your country of origin, where interrupting it would pose a serious risk to your health or life.
Victims of certain crimes
Having been the victim of crimes such as those committed on racist, antisemitic or discriminatory grounds, or other cases provided for in the law.
Danger on return
Returning to your country would put your safety or that of your family at risk, under the terms of the legislation.
After international protection
In some cases, when international protection has been refused but humanitarian grounds are recognized.
Criminal record
As a general rule, no criminal record in Spain or in previous countries of residence.
Duration
As a general rule, it is granted for one year and can be renewed or changed to another permit.
Work
Permits on exceptional grounds allow you to work, with the particular features of each case.
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.
- Medical reports, in the case of serious illness.
- Court ruling or decision, in the case of crime victims.
- International protection decision, where applicable.
- Criminal record certificate.
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
- Asylum and international protectionApplying for refugee status or subsidiary protection.See procedure
- Arraigo and exceptional circumstancesOther routes to regularize your status if you are in Spain.See procedure
- Victims of gender-based or sexual violenceResidence and work permit for foreign women who are victims.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.