This article is the result of real-world experience and analysis of official information from the Spanish Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration. The material is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for legal advice.

New Rules for Legalization (Arraigo) in Spain 2025

Effective May 20, 2025, Real Decreto 1155/2024 and the new Instrucción SEM 1/2025 have come into force, completely updating the rules for legalization. Now, all types of Arraigo (residence through roots/settlement) are merged into a single system, the residency period is shortened to 2 years, and filing documents is simplified if you have a digital certificate.

Who Can Apply for Residency by Settlement (Arraigo)

Basic requirements for all types:

• Continuous residence in Spain for 2 years.
• No criminal record for the last 5 years.
• No entry ban into the Schengen area.
• Valid passport.
• No more than 90 days outside Spain in the last 2 years.

Types of Arraigo in 2025

1. Arraigo Social – Social Settlement

• Requirements: 2 years of residence, integrated into society.
• What is needed:
  Informe de Integración Social (Social Integration Report - interview with a social worker).
  OR having resident family members (spouse, children, parents).
  Financial means: 100% of the IPREM (approx. €8,400/year) for the applicant, 200% if there are dependents.

2. Arraigo para la Formación – Training Settlement

• Requirements: 2 years in Spain + enrollment in a course.
• Formats: Formación Profesional (Vocational Training), Bachillerato (A-levels/High School equivalent), SEPE courses.
• After training: Status can be changed to a Work Residence Permit.

3. Arraigo Sociolaboral – Work and Social Settlement

• Requirements: 2 years in Spain + 6 months of legal employment.
• Employment Requirements:
  Contract for 20 hours/week or more.
  Salary no lower than the SMI (Minimum Interprofessional Salary).
  Employer must not have debts.
• Note: Residency by social settlement with the right to self-employment (Arraigo social por cuenta propia) has been abolished.

4. Arraigo Familiar – Family Settlement

• Requirements:
  Parent of a Spanish citizen child.
  Spouse/child of a Spanish citizen.
  No requirements for the length of stay or income.

5. Arraigo de Segunda Oportunidad – Second Chance Settlement (New for 2025)

• Requirements: You previously held a Residence Permit (VNC/TIE) but failed to renew it for a valid reason.
• Cannot apply: If the Residence Permit was revoked for security reasons.

Legalizing the Whole Family

According to Instrucción SEM 1/2025, Octava, documents can be submitted for all family members simultaneously, including children born in Spain. A single decision is issued, significantly simplifying the process.

Life Hacks and Practical Advice

Life of an Undocumented Person before applying for Arraigo...

You have the right to:

• Enroll children in school.
• Register at your address (empadronamiento).
• Buy and rent out real estate.
• Open a business in your name (as the owner).
• Open a bank account and obtain a NIE (even with a tourist visa).

Preparation for Submission

• The residency registration (padrón) must be continuous or with a break of no more than 1 month.
• Prove integration:
  Certificate of Spanish language study.
  Library or fitness club card.
  Clinic/medical center statements.
  Courses, participation in associations.
• Passport: Minimal stamps to prove no trips >90 days.
• Social Integration Report from a social worker.

Filing Documents

• Online via Mercurio with a digital certificate (Certificado Digital + AutoFirma).
• Payment of Tasa 790 052.
• All documents must be translated by a sworn translator (traductor jurado).
• In case of clarification of doubts, attach an Explanatory Declaration (Declaración Explicativa).

 

Useful links

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

Spain appreciates those who strive to be a part of it.