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Arraigo ("putting down roots") is a residence permit for people who have lived in Spain for some time and built social, work or family ties. The new immigration regulation (since 20 May 2025) cut the minimum presence from 3 years to 2 years, and every type of arraigo now allows work.
Types of arraigo
| Type | Main requirement | Permit length |
|---|---|---|
| Socio-labour (sociolaboral) | 2 years' presence + job contract at minimum wage for at least 20 hours a week | 1 year |
| Social | 2 years' presence + family ties and means of €600 a month, or a social integration report | 1 year |
| Socio-training (socioformativo) | 2 years' presence + enrolment in training; work up to 30 hours | 1 year |
| Second chance (segunda oportunidad) | Held a permit within the last 2 years that was not renewed | 1 year |
| Family (familiar) | Parent or guardian of an EU minor (no minimum presence) | 5 years |
General requirements
- Proof of continuous presence, usually through address registration (empadronamiento) and other records
- No criminal record in Spain or in countries of residence in the last 5 years
- No other permit or pending application (a rule added in 2026)
- For socio-labour arraigo, you may start working provisionally once the application is admitted
The 2026 extraordinary regularisation
Under RD 316/2026, Spain ran an extraordinary regularisation from 16 April to 30 June 2026 for people in Spain before 1 January 2026 with at least 5 months of continuous presence. That window is now closed; arraigo is again the main route to legal status.
Frequently asked questions
How long must I have lived in Spain for arraigo?
Under the new regulation, 2 years of continuous presence (except family arraigo, which has no minimum).
Can I work with arraigo?
Yes. Every type of arraigo allows work; socio-training arraigo up to 30 hours a week.
Can I still apply for the 2026 regularisation?
No. The application window closed on 30 June 2026. Arraigo is the alternative route.
Based on RD 1155/2024 as amended by RD 316/2026; position as of October 2026. Have your proof of presence reviewed by a lawyer before applying.
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