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Immigration

Residence through settlement (arraigo)

Arraigo allows foreign nationals who are already in Spain without an authorisation, and who have work, social, family or training ties, to obtain a residence permit. Under the Regulation approved by Royal Decree 1155/2024 there are five types, each with its own requirements. We work out which one fits your case and prepare the full application.

By Aida Elias Soguero, ICAB member no. 44021 · Updated on 14 October 2026

In brief

Who it is for
Foreign nationals in Spain with no stay or residence authorisation and no pending application, who are not applicants for international protection.
Where to apply
At the Immigration Office (Oficina de Extranjería) of the province where you live, in person or electronically. No visa is required.
Decision deadline
Three months. If there is no reply within that period, the application is deemed refused.
Fees
We quote them in the first consultation (€40), with the option to pay in instalments.

Types and requirements

  • Common: two years' continuous stay in Spain (except for family arraigo), no criminal record and not listed as inadmissible in countries that have an agreement with Spain.
  • Social-employment (sociolaboral): one or more job contracts totalling at least 20 hours a week and paying at least the minimum wage or the collective-agreement wage.
  • Social: family ties with foreign residents and financial means available in Spain based on the IPREM index; without such ties, a favourable social integration report.
  • Social-training (socioformativo): enrolment in recognised training (post-compulsory secondary education, vocational training, professional certificates…) and a social integration report.
  • Second chance: having held a residence authorisation, not on exceptional grounds, in the previous two years, not renewed for reasons other than public order.
  • Family: being the parent or guardian of a minor who is a national of another EU country, the EEA or Switzerland, or supporting a relative with a disability from those countries.
  • Criminal record certificate from the countries where you lived in the five years before entering Spain, save exceptions, and payment of the fee.

How we help you

  1. We study your case

    We check how long you have been in Spain, how to prove it and which type of arraigo applies to you.

  2. We prepare your application

    We gather your passport, proof of stay, legalised and translated criminal record certificates, and the contract, enrolment or integration report required.

  3. We file the application

    We file it with the Immigration Office of your province and explain how to pay the fee on time.

  4. Decision and TIE card

    We deal with any requests for information and, once granted, explain how to apply for your foreigner's identity card (TIE) within one month.

Frequently asked questions

Can I work while my application is processed?

Only for social-employment arraigo: once the application is admitted for processing, you are provisionally allowed to reside and work as an employee until the decision. If granted, you must register with Social Security within one month.

How long does it last and what happens next?

One year, except family arraigo, which lasts five. It allows you to work; under social-training arraigo, up to 30 hours a week. It can then be extended for a year, subject to requirements such as actively seeking work, or changed to another residence and work authorisation.

Is the 2026 extraordinary regularisation still open?

No. The deadline to apply for extraordinary arraigo and for arraigo for international protection applicants, both added by Royal Decree 316/2026, ended on 30 June 2026. If you obtained one of these authorisations, we can help you apply for its change or, where applicable, its extension in the two months before it expires.

Legislation

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