Arraigo social is one of Spain's five social integration residence authorisations regulated by Royal Decree 1155/2024 (in force from 20 May 2025). It allows non-EU nationals in an irregular immigration situation to regularise their status in Spain by demonstrating at least two years of continuous presence, social integration in the local community, and sufficient means of subsistence. A favourable resolution grants a temporary residence and work authorisation.
In practice
What Is Arraigo Social?
Arraigo social is one of five social integration (arraigo) residence pathways in Spain, regulated by Royal Decree 1155/2024, which entered into force on 20 May 2025. It allows a non-EU national who has been living in Spain without a regular residence permit to regularise their status, provided they can demonstrate meaningful ties to Spanish society and the ability to support themselves financially.
A favourable decision grants a temporary residence and work authorisation, opening the pathway towards renewable standard work residence and, eventually, long-term residence after five years of lawful stay.
Five Arraigo Modalities Under RD 1155/2024
| Modality | Minimum stay | Key additional requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Arraigo social | 2 years | Social integration report or family ties to legal residents |
| Arraigo sociolaboral | 2 years | Active employment contract at time of application |
| Arraigo familiar | None | Parent of a minor EU/EEA/Swiss citizen |
| Arraigo socioformativo | 2 years | Enrolled in accredited education or vocational training |
| Arraigo de segunda oportunidad | Prior legal residence ≥ 2 yrs | Permit lapsed ≤ 3 years ago |
Requirements for Arraigo Social
Under RD 1155/2024, the applicant must demonstrate:
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At least two years’ presence in Spain — evidenced primarily by the padrón histórico (historical municipal registration record), supplemented by employment contracts, utility bills, banking records, or other official communications for periods with gaps in the padrón.
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Social integration — demonstrated by either:
- A social integration report (informe de integración social) issued by the local council or regional authority, or
- Documented family ties to legal residents in Spain (first-degree relatives, spouse, or registered partner).
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Sufficient means of subsistence — typically an employment contract or proof of own income.
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Clean criminal record in Spain and in all countries of residence during the prior five years.
Application Procedure
Applications are filed at the provincial immigration office (Oficina de Extranjería) for the province of the applicant’s habitual residence. The statutory resolution deadline is three months, with negative administrative silence. The process requires careful preparation of documentation — particularly the padrón histórico and any supporting evidence for periods where the padrón record has gaps.
Pathway to Long-Term Residence
Arraigo social is the entry point into a regular immigration pathway in Spain. After the initial authorisation, holders can renew towards standard residence and work permits, and after five years of lawful continuous residence they may apply for long-term residence (residencia de larga duración), which provides a more stable status and broader rights.