For people who have lived in Spain for 2 years and have one or more job contracts adding up to 20 hours a week or more.
€445VAT included · government fees not included
Arraigo: the five types and what they all require
Official name: Temporary residence authorisation for exceptional circumstances based on arraigo (Autorización de residencia temporal por circunstancias excepcionales por razones de arraigo)
Arraigo is a residence authorisation for foreign nationals who already live in Spain and have ties here. The word means “roots”. There are five types. Almost all of them require 2 continuous years in Spain; family arraigo does not. Here you can see which type fits you and which requirements they all share.
In short
- Who it is for
- Foreign nationals who live in Spain and do not yet have a residence authorisation, with work, family or training ties
- Duration
- 1 year; family arraigo, 5 years
- Can I work?
- Yes, in all five types. With socio-training arraigo, up to 30 hours a week
- Where to apply
- The Immigration Office (Oficina de Extranjería) of your province, in person or online through the Mercurio platform
To talk about your case, at any time (24 hours). Please don't send documents on WhatsApp: if we need any, we'll give you a secure way to send them.
Types of arraigo
Each type has its own requirements. If you don't know which one is yours, take the test or tell us about your situation.
For people who have lived in Spain for 2 years and have close family with residence, or a favourable integration report.
€445VAT included · government fees not included
For people with 2 years in Spain who are training: bachillerato, intermediate vocational training, professional certificates or adult education.
€445VAT included · government fees not included
For the mother, father or guardian of a child from another EU or EEA country or Switzerland. It lasts 5 years.
€395VAT included · government fees not included
For people who had a residence authorisation in the last 2 years that was not renewed.
€445VAT included · government fees not included
Not sure which procedure you need?
Answer a few questions and we tell you which routes could fit your case. It runs in your browser and sends nothing.
To take the test you need JavaScript turned on. In the meantime, these are the most common situations:
- I want my first residence permit
- I have the permit from the extraordinary regularisation
- My arraigo is about to expire
- I want to renew my residence permit
- I am a family member of a Spanish national
- I am a family member of someone from another EU country
- I want to bring my family to Spain
- My application was refused
Question of
Before you start
- Just a few questions, one per screen.
- On every screen you can choose “I don't know” and go back without losing your answers.
- It runs in your browser: nothing is sent or saved.
Do you currently have a permit or a pending application?
We mean permits for a stay or for residence in Spain.
Which permit do you have, or did you have?
Do you, or does someone in your close family, have Spanish nationality or the nationality of another country in the EU, the EEA or Switzerland?
Close family: partner, children, father or mother. EU: European Union. EEA: European Economic Area (the EU plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway).
How long have you been living in Spain without interruption?
If you applied for international protection, the time your application was pending does not count for arraigo (art. 126.b).
Do you have a signed employment contract or a job offer, or do you want to be self-employed?
Are you studying, or are you going to enrol on a course?
Have you recently had an application refused, or been asked for documents?
Routes that could fit your caseBest to look at it with you
Based on your answers, these routes could fit your case. For each one you'll see the requirements, the documents and the price breakdown.
From your answers we can't point you to a specific route. This is very common when there are doubts: tell us about your situation and a member of the team will give you guidance. The first guidance on WhatsApp is free.
For an appeal for reconsideration (recurso de reposición) you have 1 month from the day you are notified of the refusal (Ley 39/2015, art. 124). If more time has passed, tell us about your case and we'll look at what options are left.
A formal request for documents (requerimiento) is not appealed: you reply within the time limit it gives. If you like, we prepare the reply with you.
While your application for international protection is open, you cannot apply for an arraigo (art. 126.a), and that time does not count towards the 2 years (art. 126.b). We don't handle asylum: for that, we recommend a specialist organisation or a lawyer.
While you have a pending application, you cannot apply for an arraigo (art. 126.h). The usual approach is to wait for the reply and answer on time if you are asked for anything.
If you already have a permit or a pending application, arraigo is not your route (art. 126.h). If you're not sure, we help you check.
If your permit expired more than 3 months ago, you can no longer apply for a renewal or an extension. There are other routes, and we explain them to you.
With the permit from the extraordinary regularisation, you don't apply for a new arraigo. In the 2 months before it expires, you need to apply for the change to a residence and work permit (art. 191) or, if that isn't possible, the exceptional extension (additional provisions 20 and 21, section 10).
Your arraigo lasts 1 year. In the 2 months before it expires, you can apply for the extension (art. 132.3) or, if you have a job, the change to a residence and work permit (art. 191).
From what day can you apply? Work it out with the deadline tool
The renewal depends on whether your family member is Spanish or from another EU country: each case has its own rules.
The long-term residence permit does not expire, but the card (TIE) does need renewing: after 5 years, then every 5 years until you are 30, and every 10 years after that (arts. 178.1 and 185.1).
Each permit has its own rules for renewing or changing it. It's best for a member of the team to look at yours.
If you have finished higher education and don't have a job offer yet, there is also a residence permit to look for work or start a business project (art. 190.10).
Almost all types of arraigo require 2 continuous years in Spain (art. 126.b). If you don't have them yet, we can look with you at what options there are and what to prepare in the meantime.
Almost all types of arraigo require 2 continuous years in Spain (art. 126.b). If you don't know from when they count, we help you work it out. See the types of arraigo
All types of arraigo also have common requirements (art. 126): for example, not having another permit or another pending residence application. See the common requirements
This is general guidance: it does not replace a review of your case, and the decision always rests with the authorities.
- Only the code for your result goes on WhatsApp, not your answers. Please don't send documents on WhatsApp: if we need any, we'll give you a secure way to send them.
- Your answers are not sent or saved: they disappear when you close or reload the page.
Do you want to bring your family from your home country? See family reunification
For citizens of the EU, the EEA or Switzerland living in Spain for more than 3 months: compulsory registration with your NIE.
€125VAT included · government fees not included
To ask the same authority to review an immigration refusal, within the month after the notification.
From €540VAT included · government fees not included
For people who already have the authorisation from the 2026 extraordinary regularisation and must decide what to apply for before it expires.
Fixed price before we start
To move from temporary residence, such as arraigo, to a residence and work authorisation without leaving Spain.
Fixed price before we start
To apply for 1 more year of your socio-labour, social, second-chance or socio-training arraigo before it expires.
Fixed price before we start
If you have 5 years of legal residence in Spain: authorisation to live and work indefinitely, national or EU.
€195VAT included · government fees not included
If your work, family reunification or non-lucrative residence is about to expire: renewal of the authorisation and a new TIE.
€245VAT included · government fees not included
If you are the partner, son, daughter, father or mother of a Spanish national: 5-year residence to live and work in any sector.
€345VAT included · government fees not included
If your partner, father, mother or child is from another EU country and lives in Spain: a 5-year card to live and work.
€345VAT included · government fees not included
If you studied in Spain with a stay for studies: move to residence and work without a visa, as an employee or self-employed.
€395VAT included · government fees not included
For the mother, father or guardian of a child from another EU or EEA country or Switzerland. It lasts 5 years.
€395VAT included · government fees not included
For people who had a residence authorisation in the last 2 years that was not renewed.
€445VAT included · government fees not included
For people who have lived in Spain for 2 years and have one or more job contracts adding up to 20 hours a week or more.
€445VAT included · government fees not included
For people with 2 years in Spain who are training: bachillerato, intermediate vocational training, professional certificates or adult education.
€445VAT included · government fees not included
For people who have lived in Spain for 2 years and have close family with residence, or a favourable integration report.
€445VAT included · government fees not included
Is this your procedure?
It is for you if…
- You have lived in Spain for at least 2 continuous years. You also have a job contract, family with residence, an integration report or a training course.
- You are the mother, father or guardian of a child who is a national of another country of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland. Or you support a family member with a disability who has that nationality. No minimum time in Spain is required.
- You have lived in Spain for 2 continuous years and, in the last 2 years, you had a residence authorisation that was not renewed. This does not apply if it was an arraigo or another exceptional authorisation.
It is not for you if…
You have the authorisation from the 2026 extraordinary regularisation and its year is ending: you do not apply for a new arraigo.
See: Extraordinary arraigoYou already have an arraigo and it expires in the next few months: what you need is the extension.
See: Arraigo extensionYour son, daughter or partner has Spanish nationality: your procedure is residence as a family member of a Spanish national.
See: Family of a Spanish nationalYou are a national of an EU or EEA country or Switzerland: you do not need arraigo.
See: EU registration certificateYour application for international protection (asylum) is still open: until there is a final decision, you cannot apply for arraigo (art. 126.a). We do not handle asylum: we recommend a specialised organisation or a lawyer.
If you were looking for…
- «arraigo with 3 years of residence»
- Since 20 May 2025, all types of arraigo require 2 years of continuous stay, except family arraigo, which has no minimum time (art. 126.b).
What is arraigo?
It is a residence authorisation “for exceptional circumstances” (autorización de residencia por circunstancias excepcionales). You apply from inside Spain and without a visa (art. 130.1). The Immigration Office (Oficina de Extranjería) grants it if you meet the requirements and have ties to the place where you live (arts. 125 to 127).
With it you can live and work in Spain. The decision always belongs to the authorities.
The five types
Socio-labour arraigo (arraigo sociolaboral)
For people who have lived in Spain for 2 years and have one or more job contracts adding up to at least 20 hours a week. Once your application is accepted for processing, you can work on a provisional basis. See socio-labour arraigo.
Social arraigo (arraigo social)
For people who have lived in Spain for 2 years and have close family with residence and financial means. If you do not have that family here, a favourable integration report is accepted instead. See social arraigo.
Socio-training arraigo (arraigo socioformativo)
For people who have lived in Spain for 2 years and are studying or training: enrolment in a valid course or a commitment with the public employment service. It requires an integration report. It lets you work up to 30 hours a week. See socio-training arraigo.
Family arraigo (arraigo familiar)
For the mother, father or guardian of a child from another EU or EEA country or Switzerland. Also for people who support a family member with a disability who has that nationality. There is no minimum time in Spain and it lasts 5 years. See family arraigo.
Second-chance arraigo (arraigo de segunda oportunidad)
For people who have lived in Spain for 2 years and, in the last 2 years, had a residence authorisation that was not renewed. It does not apply if that authorisation was an exceptional one, such as an arraigo. And the reason cannot be public order, public security or public health. See second-chance arraigo.
Not sure which one is yours? Take the guidance test.
If you have the authorisation from the regularisation
The 2026 extraordinary regularisation closed on 30 June 2026. If you were granted that authorisation, you do not apply for a new arraigo. While you hold a valid authorisation, the rules do not allow it (art. 126.h).
Before its year ends, you need to change it to residence and work or, if that is not possible, extend it. We explain this in extraordinary arraigo.
After the first year
When the year ends, depending on your case, you apply for the arraigo extension or move to residence and work with the article 191 change. Family arraigo lasts 5 years.
Common requirements
Be in Spain and not be an applicant for international protection when you apply or while your application is processed.
RD 1155/2024, art. 126.a
Have lived in Spain for at least 2 continuous years before applying. Family arraigo has no minimum time.
RD 1155/2024, art. 126.b
If you applied for international protection, the time that procedure lasted until its final decision does not count towards the 2 years.
RD 1155/2024, art. 126.b
Not be a threat to public order, public security or public health.
RD 1155/2024, art. 126.c
Have no criminal record in Spain or in the countries where you lived in the 5 years before arriving. Only offences that exist under Spanish law count.
RD 1155/2024, art. 126.d
Not be listed as a person to be refused entry in the countries with which Spain has an agreement on this.
RD 1155/2024, art. 126.e
If you left Spain under a voluntary return programme, the period in which you agreed not to return must have ended.
RD 1155/2024, art. 126.f
Pay the government fee for the procedure.
RD 1155/2024, art. 126.g
Not have any stay or residence authorisation, or any other application in progress to obtain, extend, renew or change one.
RD 1155/2024, art. 126.h (added by RD 316/2026)
Documents
Guide list only. Before we start, we tell you exactly which ones you need in your case.
- Form EX-10, filled in and signed.
- Full copy of your valid passport (or of your registration certificate, cédula de inscripción, or travel document).
- Proof that you have lived in Spain for 2 years (not needed for family arraigo). For example: the padrón (your town hall's register of residents) or care in the public health system.
- Criminal record certificate from the countries where you lived in the 5 years before arriving in Spain.
- The documents specific to your type of arraigo (contract, family ties, integration report, enrolment…). You can find them on each page.
- Documents from other countries, translated by a sworn translator and legalised or apostilled.
Please don't send documents on WhatsApp or by email. If we need any, we'll give you a secure way to send them.
Deadlines
- Legal time limit for a reply
- The authorities have 3 months from the date your application enters their register. If they do not reply, it is deemed refused (negative administrative silence) and you can appeal (additional provisions 7 and 8 of RD 1155/2024).
- If they ask for more
- If a document is missing, you get up to 15 days to provide it. If you do not, the application is closed (art. 130.3).
- Foreigner identity card
- Once you are notified that it has been granted, you have 1 month to apply in person for your TIE (foreigner identity card). Fingerprinting is done in person (art. 130.6).
- Before it expires
- The extension is requested in the 2 months before the expiry date (art. 132.3).
How we work
1. You tell us about your situation
On WhatsApp, by phone or with the form. A few lines are enough.
2. We tell you which procedure, which documents and what it costs
Before we start, with a fixed price and government fees on top. If it isn't the right procedure for you, we tell you.
3. We prepare your application file
We review your documents and make sure the file is complete and well explained. Once we have everything, we tell you the date it will be ready.
Online submission on your behalf when the procedure allows it.
4. Follow-up and an update on every development
We follow your file until the decision. If the authorities ask for anything else, we prepare it with you.
Fingerprinting for the TIE is done in person, by you: that part is yours.
In Barcelona and Catalonia
In Catalonia, the integration report is requested from the town hall where you are registered on the padrón. You need it for socio-training arraigo, and for social arraigo if you do not have family with residence. The Generalitat (the Catalan government) works with town halls to prepare it.
Immigration in Barcelona: offices and data for the provinceFrequently asked questions
Which type of arraigo is right for me?
It depends on your ties to Spain. With a job contract, socio-labour arraigo. With close family who have residence, or with an integration report, social arraigo. If you are going to study or train, socio-training arraigo. With a child who is a national of another EU country, family arraigo. If your residence authorisation was not renewed in the last 2 years, second-chance arraigo.
Can I have left Spain during those 2 years?
The rules require continuous stay (art. 126.b). The Ministry of Inclusion's information sheets on social and socio-training arraigo (April 2026) give the detail: absences cannot add up to more than 90 days in that period.
Does the time I spent applying for asylum count?
No. Time as an applicant for international protection does not count towards the 2 years until there is a final decision. And while your application is still open, you cannot apply for arraigo (art. 126.a and b).
I have another residence application in progress. Can I apply for arraigo at the same time?
No. Since 16 April 2026 you cannot have another stay or residence authorisation, or another residence application in progress (art. 126.h, added by RD 316/2026).
Do I need a criminal record certificate from other countries?
Yes, from the countries where you lived in the 5 years before arriving. You do not need it if you have lived in Spain for 5 continuous years before applying. Nor if you already provided it in another application in the last 5 years and have not left Spain since then (art. 130.2).
Can I work while I wait for the answer?
Only with socio-labour arraigo: once your application is accepted for processing, you can work as an employee on a provisional basis (art. 130.5). With the other types, you can work once the authorisation is granted (art. 131).
Review and sources
Written with the help of AI and reviewed by the Un Papel Menos team on 13 October 2026.
Last updated: .
Legislation
Sources
- BOE, RD 1155/2024, consolidated text (update published on 22 September 2026), arts. 124 to 132 and transitional provisions · accessed on 13-10-2026
- Ministry of Inclusion, Information sheet 28: social arraigo (April 2026) · accessed on 13-10-2026
- Ministry of Inclusion, Information sheet 30: socio-training arraigo (April 2026) · accessed on 13-10-2026
- BOE, RD 557/2011 (repealed), art. 124: former social arraigo (3 years) · accessed on 13-10-2026
- Generalitat de Catalunya, Department of Social Rights and Inclusion: immigration reports (informes d'estrangeria) · accessed on 13-10-2026
Related procedures
To apply for 1 more year of your socio-labour, social, second-chance or socio-training arraigo before it expires.
Fixed price before we start
To move from temporary residence, such as arraigo, to a residence and work authorisation without leaving Spain.
Fixed price before we start
For people who already have the authorisation from the 2026 extraordinary regularisation and must decide what to apply for before it expires.
Fixed price before we start
To ask the same authority to review an immigration refusal, within the month after the notification.
From €540VAT included · government fees not included
Tell us about your situation
Before we start, we tell you which procedure fits your situation and what it costs.
Or, if you prefer:
- Message us on WhatsApp
To talk about your case, at any time (24 hours). Please don't send documents on WhatsApp: if we need any, we'll give you a secure way to send them.
Phone
+34 623 82 89 38At any time, 24 hours a day, every day.