Immigration
Arraigo social (social roots residence)
Temporary residence authorization on exceptional grounds based on arraigo social
- Duration and renewal
- The authorization is initially valid for 1 year
- Updated
This page is for general guidance only. Only the regulations in force when the application is filed will apply.
Description
This authorization allows foreign nationals who are in Spain and have lived there continuously for at least two years to regularize their status. Its purpose is to open a path to legal residence for those who can show social integration through family ties or an informe de arraigo (integration report) issued by the regional government (comunidad autónoma).
Advantages
- Allows you to live lawfully in Spain for one year
- Makes it possible to work as an employee or as a self-employed professional if the required conditions are met
- Offers the option of proving your own financial means instead of an employment contract
Who can apply? (including family members)
- Non-EU nationals who are in Spain and have lived there continuously for at least two years may apply
- The main applicant is the foreign national who proves that period of stay and their social integration
- The following may be part of the family unit from the outset: spouse or registered partner, minor children or children with disabilities, and dependent parents or other ascendants who live with the applicant
Requirements
To apply for the authorization:
- Continuous presence in Spain for at least 2 years
- Proof of family ties with legal residents, or an informe de arraigo issued by the regional government
- Proof of sufficient financial means through an employment contract or your own income
- No criminal record in Spain or in previous countries of residence
- Not listed as inadmissible in the Schengen Area or banned from entering Spain
- Not within the period of a non-return commitment following a voluntary return
Required documents
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Application process
Gathering the documents
The applicant must collect all required documents, including the registration certificates (certificados de empadronamiento), an employment contract or proof of financial means, and documents proving family ties or the informe de arraigo.
Filing the application
The application is filed in person with the Oficina de Extranjería (immigration office) in the province where the applicant lives, together with all required documents.
Decision and visa issuance
The Oficina de Extranjería has 3 months to decide. If no decision is issued within that time (silencio administrativo, or administrative silence), the application is deemed denied.
Final steps
Once the authorization is granted, the applicant must apply for the TIE (foreigner identity card) at the relevant police station.
Duration and renewal
- The authorization is initially valid for 1 year
- It can be renewed by applying for a residence and work authorization for salaried employment or self-employment, if the requirements of the Reglamento de Extranjería (Immigration Regulation) are met
FAQ
At least 2 years of continuous presence is required, proven through empadronamiento records or other official documents.
No. Integration can also be shown through an informe de arraigo social, together with proof of your own financial means.
Your spouse or registered partner, minor children or children with disabilities, and dependent parents or other ascendants who live with you.
It can be shown through family ties with legal residents or through a social integration report (informe de integración social) issued by the regional government.
Applicable law
- Ley Orgánica 4/2000, de 11 de enero, sobre derechos y libertades de los extranjeros en España y su integración social
- Real Decreto 557/2011, de 20 de abril, por el que se aprueba el Reglamento de Extranjería
- Real Decreto 1155/2024, de 20 de noviembre, por el que se modifica el Reglamento de Extranjería
