Arraigo in Spain: 2025 regulatory changes

Arraigo in Spain is one of the most relevant pathways for the regularization of foreign nationals in an irregular administrative situation. This legal figure, justified by exceptional circumstances, allows for a residence authorization when a significant level of integration into Spanish society is proven—whether through social, family, labor, or educational ties.

As of May 20, 2025, the new Regulation on Foreigners has come into force, introducing substantial changes to arraigos with the aim of adapting them to social changes and improving migrant inclusion. Below, we analyze in detail the different types of arraigo, general and specific requirements, as well as the main updates introduced.

What is arraigo?

Arraigo is a temporary residence permit based on exceptional circumstances, intended for foreign nationals who are in Spain without legal residence authorization but have established personal, social, employment, or educational links that justify their integration into the country. It is structured as a legal tool to promote the social and family stability of foreign residents.

General changes to arraigos from May 2025

Reduction in the required period of stay

Until now, many arraigo categories required three years of continuous residence in Spain. The new regulation reduces this period to two years, except for specific cases such as family arraigo, which requires no minimum residence time.

Duration of authorizations

• General duration: 1 year, extendable if conditions are maintained.
• Family arraigo: Granted for 5 years, allowing residence and work in Spain under the same conditions as family members of EU citizens.

Regulatory flexibility

The new regulation clarifies the requirements based on the type of arraigo being applied for and better recognizes the realities faced by many applicants. For example, it allows asylum seekers’ previous stay time to count under certain conditions and simplifies some documentation processes.

Types of arraigo and their characteristics

Social arraigo

• Requires two years of continuous residence in Spain.
• Requires proof of family ties (registered partner, spouse, or direct relatives) or submission of an employment contract.
• Must submit a social integration report issued by the local city council.
• The employment contract must guarantee at least the minimum interprofessional wage, proportional to the working hours, and have sufficient duration.

Family arraigo

• No minimum residence period required.
• Aimed at parents or legal guardians of minor children who are nationals of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland.
• The applicant must live with the minor and prove they are responsible for their care.
• The permit allows residence and employment (both self-employed and employed), with no geographic limitations, for five years.

Socio-educational (socioformativo) arraigo

• Requires enrollment in or attendance of an official vocational training course included in the Catalogue of Hard-to-Fill Occupations.
• Applicant must have resided in Spain for two years and provide a social integration report.
• The application must be submitted within the two months prior to the course’s official enrollment deadline.

Employment-based (sociolaboral) arraigo

• Must prove a valid employment relationship in Spain.
• Must present one or more employment contracts totaling at least 20 hours per week, in compliance with labor regulations.
• No family ties are required, but the applicant must show evidence of having worked effectively in Spain.

Second-chance arraigo

• Aimed at individuals who previously held a residence permit that was not renewed, except for reasons of public order or safety.
• Can also be requested if the applicant has an acquittal or dismissal of criminal charges.
• Its goal is to facilitate legal reintegration for people who lost their status without committing serious offenses.

General requirements to apply for any type of arraigo

• A valid passport (Venezuelan nationals may submit an expired passport).
• Certificate of residence (empadronamiento) proving two years of continuous stay in Spain.
• No criminal record in Spain or any country lived in during the last five years.
• Not being an asylum seeker at the time of application or during its processing.
• Absences from Spain must not exceed 90 days in the two years prior to the application.
• Payment of the application fee.
• Submission of documents proving social, family, labor, or educational ties, depending on the type of arraigo.

Specific notes for asylum seekers

People who have applied for asylum and whose case is still pending cannot apply for arraigo. The time spent as an asylum seeker does not count towards the required stay for arraigo.

However, a transitional provision (fifth clause) allows this time to be considered if asylum was denied and the person remained in an irregular situation for at least six months afterward in Spain.

Extensions and modifications of arraigo authorizations

• Arraigo permits can be converted to regular residence and work permits, provided the applicant meets the necessary requirements.
• In socioformativo cases, a one-year extension may be granted if the applicant continues their studies and meets attendance and academic performance expectations.
• In other types of arraigo, conversion depends on fulfillment of the relevant employment or social conditions.

Final thoughts on arraigos in 2025

The reform of the Regulation on Foreigners marks a significant shift in Spanish migration policy. By reducing the required period of residence, introducing flexible requirements, and creating new categories such as second-chance or socioformativo arraigo, the regulation aims to respond to complex migration realities, foster integration, and facilitate legal access to residence and employment in Spain.

However, applying these legal pathways correctly still requires technical and up-to-date legal knowledge. It is strongly recommended that individuals looking to regularize their situation through any type of arraigo consult with legal professionals to ensure a successful application and avoid potential rejection due to errors or incomplete documentation.

Not sure which type of arraigo best suits your case?
Our team of immigration experts is here to help.
📩 Write to us at info@sternaabogados.com and receive personalized guidance for your regularization process in Spain.