Arraigo por segunda oportunidad (second-chance roots residence)

Description

This is a residence authorization on exceptional grounds (circunstancias excepcionales) that allows third-country nationals to regularize their status in Spain if they can prove at least five years of continuous presence in the country and, due to circumstances that arose later, find themselves in a situation of particular personal or family vulnerability. It was introduced by Real Decreto 1155/2024 (Spain's new Immigration Regulation) as a measure to promote integration and safeguard fundamental rights, within the framework of the new model of migration governance.

Advantages

• Grants an initial residence authorization for five years
• Allows certain family members to be included from the time of application
• No job offer or prior financial means required
• Authorizes both salaried employment and self-employment for its entire validity

Who can apply? (including family members)

• Non-EU nationals who can prove continuous residence in Spain for at least five years before applying
• The main applicant must be the person in the situation of supervening vulnerability who meets the length-of-stay requirement
• From the outset, the applicant may be joined by a spouse or registered partner, dependent parents or other ascendants over 65, and minor children or children with disabilities, provided they live with the applicant in Spain

Requirements

• For the authorization (no prior visa required)
• Prove continuous presence in Spain for the five years immediately preceding the application
• Be in a situation of particular personal or family vulnerability that arose after arrival (for example, loss of livelihood, separation from or death of a family member you lived with, gender-based violence or other grounds set out in the regulations)
• Have no criminal record in Spain or in the countries where the applicant has lived during the last five years
• Not be banned from entering Spain or listed as inadmissible in the Schengen Area
• Commit to taking part in a social integration program if the decision so requires

Required documents

Application process

1. 1

   Gathering the documents

   The applicant must gather documents proving five years of continuous presence in Spain and the supervening vulnerability.

2. 2

   Filing the application with the Oficina de Extranjería

   The application is filed in person, or through a legal representative, at the Oficina de Extranjería (immigration office) for the applicant's place of residence.

3. 3

   Review by the authorities

   The competent authority reviews the documents submitted and may request additional reports if it considers them necessary.

4. 4

   Decision and issuance of the authorization

   If granted, a five-year residence authorization that includes permission to work is issued. The applicant must then apply for the TIE (foreigner identity card).

Duration and renewal

• The initial authorization is valid for five years
• After that period, it may be renewed or changed to another status under the general immigration rules or the long-term residence regime, provided the legal requirements are met

FAQ

Applicable law

1. Ley Orgánica 4/2000, de 11 de enero, sobre derechos y libertades de los extranjeros en España y su integración social
2. Real Decreto 1155/2024, de 19 de noviembre, por el que se aprueba el Reglamento de Extranjería (deroga el RD 557/2011)