A practical guide to residency by “arraigo” under the new immigration rules

In 2025, Spain introduced a new immigration regulation — Royal Decree 1155/2024 — and the SEM 1/2025 Instruction, which redefine all forms of residencia por arraigo.
These changes simplify the legalization process and open new paths for those already living in Spain.

⚠️ Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. For personal legal advice, consult a certified immigration lawyer (abogado de extranjería).

📘 What’s new in 2025

The reform creates a unified system for all arraigo types:

• 🫶 Social,
• 💼 Labor,
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Family,
• 🎓 Training (Socioformative),
• ♻️ and the new Second Chance Arraigo.

The goal: make legalization in Spain 2025 faster, clearer, and more human-centered.

🧾 General requirements

• No criminal record in Spain or other countries.
• No entry ban to Schengen countries.
• Valid passport.
• At least 2 years of continuous residence in Spain (absences under 90 days).

🧩 Main types of “Arraigo” Residency

🫶 Social Arraigo

For people integrated into Spanish society after 2 years of residence.
Requires a social integration report or proof of family ties (spouse, parents, or children with residency).

💰 Minimum income:

• 100% IPREM (~€8,400/year), or
• 200% if supported by a family member you live with.

🎓 Socioformative Arraigo (Training)

For those willing to study and qualify in an official program (vocational training, adult education, SEPE courses).
At least 50% of the classes must be in-person.
After completion, the permit can be modified into a work residence.

💼 Labor Arraigo

For people who have legally worked in Spain for at least 6 months.
Requires:

• Contracts lasting over 90 days,
• At least 20 working hours per week,
• Salary matching the Spanish minimum wage (SMI).

👨‍👩‍👧 Family Arraigo

For parents of Spanish children, spouses, or children of Spanish citizens.
Also applies to relatives caring for a person with a disability (one caregiver per family).
No minimum residence time required.

♻️ Second Chance Arraigo — New in 2025

Created for those who lost or couldn’t renew their residence card due to economic or timing issues.
Cannot be used if the previous card was cancelled for security or public health reasons.

This new option allows many to recover legal status in Spain.

👶 Family applications

Families can now submit all applications together, including newborns (SEM 1/2025, Instruction Eight).
All permits are issued simultaneously.

💡 Practical tips

• Apply online using Sede Electrónica - Mercurio with a digital certificate.
• Pay Tasa 790 Code 052 in cash if children don’t yet have NIE numbers.
• Russian civil documents don’t need an apostille (1985 Agreement) — a sworn translation is enough.

📎 Useful links

• Immigration portal: extranjeros.inclusion.gob.es
• Fee payment: sede.policia.gob.es/Tasa790_052
• Case status check: Cómo va lo mío

Conclusion:
The 2025 immigration reform made residency by arraigo more accessible and realistic.
With new options like Second Chance Arraigo and Socioformative Arraigo, legalization in Spain 2025 is now within reach for many who call Spain home. 🇪🇸