In Spain, arraigo offers hope to people without regular immigration status who are seeking to regularize their status. This legal provision covers different types of arraigo in Spain, catering to a range of personal and family circumstances. Below, we take an in-depth look at what arraigo is, its different types and the requirements for qualifying, providing guidance for those seeking legal residence in the country.

What Is Arraigo?

The term arraigo describes the situation of a foreign national who, after living in Spain without regular immigration status for a set period, may apply for temporary residence authorization. This legal mechanism aims to offer a solution to people who, despite not having their paperwork in order, have employment, social or family ties in the country.

What Are the Different Types of Arraigo in Spain?

There are four main types of arraigo in Spain: social, employment-related, family-based and training-based. Each applies to different circumstances and offers a route to legal residence depending on the conditions the applicant can demonstrate.

General Requirements for an Arraigo Residence Permit

Before looking at the specific requirements for each type of arraigo, it is important to understand the general requirements. These include having lived in Spain for a specified minimum period, having no criminal record in Spain or in any country where you have previously lived and, in some cases, providing an employment contract or demonstrating family ties.

How to Apply for Temporary Residence Authorization on Exceptional Grounds of Arraigo

The process begins by submitting an application to the Immigration Office, together with the documents required for the relevant type of arraigo. The authorities issue a decision within up to three months. If the decision is positive, it grants residence authorization valid for one year, subject to renewal.

Arraigo laboral (former employment-related residence pathway): Regularize Your Status Through Work in Spain

Arraigo laboral is an option for people who have worked in Spain for a minimum period without legal authorization to do so. Applicants must demonstrate that an employment relationship existed continuously during that period, usually through a labour inspection or a report confirming the situation.

Arraigo social (social-integration residence route): Your Path to Social Inclusion and a Residence Permit in Spain

Arraigo social is probably the best-known and most frequently requested type. In addition to having lived continuously in Spain, applicants must demonstrate their integration into society, generally through a report issued by the local council or an accredited organization. They must also have an employment contract as evidence that they can support themselves without relying on social assistance.

Arraigo familiar (family-based residence route): Bringing Families Together to Obtain Residence in Spain

For people with family ties to Spanish citizens or legal residents, arraigo familiar requires proof of the relationship through official documents such as a family record book or birth certificates. It is a way to reunite families and uphold the right to family life.

Arraigo para la formación (training-based residence route): Obtain Legal Residence by Studying in Spain

This route is intended for people seeking to regularize their status so they can pursue studies or conduct research. The key is to demonstrate admission to a recognized educational institution and meet the other requirements set out in Spain's immigration law.

To better understand the rules governing these permits, let’s watch this video, which explains in detail the process and requirements for each type of arraigo in Spain.

Frequently asked questions about the different types of arraigo in Spain

How many types of arraigo are there?

There are four main types of arraigo in Spain: arraigo social (social-integration residence route), arraigo laboral (former employment-related residence pathway), arraigo familiar (family-based residence route) and arraigo para la formación (training-based residence route). Each is tailored to the specific needs of people without regular immigration status, providing a legal framework for regularizing their status.

Although they all have the same goal—obtaining residence—the routes differ depending on the ties and circumstances the applicant can demonstrate to the relevant authorities.

Who can apply for arraigo social?

Arraigo social is available to any foreign national who has lived in Spain for at least three years. The person must also have a work contract lasting at least one year and submit a social integration report issued by the social services department of the municipality where they live.

With this residence authorization, foreign nationals can live and work legally in Spain. It is the first step towards possible long-term residence in the future.

What type of contract do I need for arraigo laboral?

For arraigo laboral, applicants must submit a work contract with a minimum duration of one year. The Immigration Office must approve the contract in advance to ensure that the working conditions comply with the law in force.

Applicants must also provide evidence that they have worked in Spain continuously for at least six months, even if their employment status was irregular.

Who can apply for arraigo para la formación?

Arraigo para la formación is intended for people who wish to pursue formal studies or vocational training in Spain. To apply, you must prove that you are enrolled at an accredited educational institution and have sufficient financial means to support yourself during your studies without relying on social assistance.

This type of arraigo not only facilitates residence for the duration of the studies, but also opens the door to the Spanish labour market, allowing you to work a limited number of hours that fit around your training.