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How to legalize in Spain in 2025: A step-by-step guide to the main types of residence

How to legalize in Spain in 2025: A step-by-step guide to the main types of residence

This article is the result of real-life experience and an analysis of official information on legalizing one's status in Spain. The process may seem complex, but with the right preparation, it is entirely achievable. We will explore the main pathways to obtaining a residence permit for those already in the country.

Important Notice: This article is an informational guide and does not substitute for legal advice. Every situation is different, and to get accurate information for your personal case, it is recommended to consult a Spanish immigration lawyer (abogado de extranjería).

General Requirements for Most Permits

Before looking at specific types of residency, it's worth mentioning the basic requirements common to most of them:

  • No criminal record in Spain or in countries where you have lived for the past 5 years.
  • Not being banned from entering Spain or Schengen Area countries.
  • Having a valid passport.

The Main Pathway to Legalization: "Arraigo" (Settlement/Roots)

"Arraigo" is the most common way to obtain residency for those who have lived in Spain for a certain period without a permit. With the 2024 legal reform, the required stay period for many types of arraigo has been reduced.

1. Social Roots (Arraigo Social)

This is the most popular type of arraigo, suitable for most families. It is based on your social integration into Spanish society.

  • Who is it for? For those who have continuously resided in Spain for a minimum of 2 years.
  • Key Requirements:
    Proof of Stay: 2 years in Spain. Absences from the country not exceeding 90 days during this period are permitted.
    Social Integration: Proven through a Social Integration Report (Informe de Integración Social). This is issued by a social worker (trabajador social) from your local council after an interview. It is the most crucial document, confirming that you know the language, are integrated into local life, and your children (if any) attend school.
    Financial Means: You must prove you have sufficient funds to support yourself. For 2025, this is typically 100% of the annual IPREM (Spain's minimum income reference) for the main applicant.
    Family Ties (alternative to the report): If you have close relatives with legal Spanish residency (parents, children, spouse), this can replace the requirement for the integration report.

2. Training Roots (Arraigo para la Formación)

An excellent option for those willing to study to gain a qualification for an in-demand profession in Spain.

  • Who is it for? For those who have continuously resided in Spain for a minimum of 2 years.
  • Key Requirements:
    Proof of 2 years of residence.
    A commitment to enroll in a vocational training course (Formación Profesional), a course leading to a professional certificate (Certificado de Profesionalidad), or other training that prepares for in-demand occupations.
  • How it works: You are first granted a 1-year residency permit to study. After successfully completing the course, you can modify this permit into a work permit.

3. Labor Roots (Arraigo Laboral)

This type is for those who, while in Spain, have had legal work experience.

  • Who is it for? For those who have continuously resided in Spain for a minimum of 2 years and can prove they have worked legally for at least 6 months.
  • What does "worked legally" mean? For example, you worked while on a student visa, as an asylum seeker, or with another permit that you later lost. This is proven with your official work-life report (Vida Laboral).

4. Family Roots (Arraigo Familiar)

This is a special and highly advantageous type of residency, but it is strictly for specific categories of individuals.

  • Who is it for?
    A parent of a minor child with Spanish nationality.
    A spouse or child of a Spanish citizen.
    A child of parents who were originally Spanish.
  • Advantages: It does not require proof of time spent in Spain or financial means. The main thing is to prove the family link.

Our Experience: Practical Tips and Life Hacks

  1. Submit as a Family: If you are legalizing your status with your family, submit the applications for everyone (adults and children) at the same time. This is an official rule (Instruction SEM 1/2025, Octava) that allows all cases to be reviewed together and a decision to be made for the entire family at once.
  2. Online Submission is Your Best Friend: Forget about queues. Get a Digital Certificate (Certificado Digital) and install the AutoFirma software. This will allow you to submit all documents online through the Mercurio platform. It's fast, reliable, and you instantly get an official receipt of submission.
  3. The Problem with Paying Fees (Tasa) for Children: The online system for paying the modelo 790 código 052 fee requires a NIE number, which children do not yet have. The solution:
    Fill out the form online, but instead of online payment, select "En efectivo" (In cash).
    Print the generated PDF with the barcodes.
    Pay it at any partner bank or ATM. The scanned receipt with the bank's stamp is your proof of payment.
  4. Apostille vs. Bilateral Agreements: Typically, civil registry documents (birth, marriage certificates) require an Apostille. However, check for bilateral agreements! For example, a 1985 treaty between Spain and Russia waives the apostille requirement for such documents. A sworn translation (traductor jurado) is sufficient. This saves a lot of time and money.
  5. Document Discrepancies: If you have inconsistencies in your documents, like different addresses (as in our case, between the rental contract and the census registration), do not ignore them. Write an Explanatory Statement (Declaración Explicativa) where you clearly and logically explain the reason for the discrepancy, attaching evidence (e.g., a report from the Property Registry).

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