If you’ve been living in Spain for years without a residence permit and want to legalise your status, one of the most common and effective legal pathways is to apply for Social Roots Residency (Arraigo Social). This permit allows you to obtain a temporary residence authorisation under exceptional circumstances, provided you can prove a continuous stay in the country and a solid connection to Spanish society.
This guide will walk you through, step by step, the Arraigo Social requirements in Spain, detailing the documents you’ll need and the critical factors you should focus on to maximise your chances of a successful application.
What is Social Roots Residency (Arraigo Social)?
Social Roots Residency is a temporary residence permit for non-EU citizens who have been living in Spain irregularly. It allows you to legally reside and work for one year (renewable) by demonstrating social integration or family ties after living in Spain continuously for at least two years.
Meeting the Key Arraigo Social Requirements
To be eligible for Social Roots Residency, you must meet the following criteria. Understanding these Arraigo Social requirements is crucial for a successful application:
- Continuous Stay in Spain (Minimum 2 Years): You must prove you have lived in Spain for at least two years. This is typically done with documents like your padrón registration certificates, utility bills, school enrolment records, or medical certificates. You are allowed a maximum absence of 120 days from Spain during this period.
- No Criminal Record: You must provide official criminal record certificates from both Spain and your country of origin. These certificates must be less than three months old and, if necessary, legalised and translated.
- Demonstrate Social Integration or Family Ties:
- Social Integration: This is shown through a social integration report issued by the social services of your local town hall or regional government. This report evaluates your participation in community life, courses you’ve taken, and your overall integration.
- Family Ties: You can also qualify by having close family members (spouse, children, parents) who are legal residents in Spain.
- Proof of Financial Means: You must demonstrate you have sufficient funds to support yourself. This can be done in one of three ways:
- A job offer for at least one year (the minimum working hours are no longer a strict requirement for Social Roots applications).
- Having sufficient financial means, equivalent to the monthly IPREM (€600 in 2024, subject to change in 2025).
- Income from self-employment.
Required Documentation
To submit your application, you will need to prepare the following documents:
- Passport: A full, valid passport.
- Historical Padrón Certificate: A certificate showing your registration history at your local town hall.
- Proof of Continuous Stay: Documents proving your uninterrupted stay in Spain (e.g., utility bills, school or medical certificates).
- Criminal Record Certificates: From both Spain and your country of origin.
- Employment Contract or Financial Proof: The signed job contract or documents proving you have the required financial means.
- Social Integration Report: Required if you are not applying based on family ties.
- Form EX-10: The completed official application form.
- Payment of Fee 790-052: Proof of payment for the application fee (around €38.28 in 2025).
Where to Submit Your Application
You can submit your application with a prior appointment at the Foreigners Office (Oficina de Extranjería) in your province of residence or electronically via the online “Mercurio” platform if you have a digital certificate.
Processing Times and Legal Silence
The administration has a maximum of three months to process your application. If you do not receive a response within this period, it is considered a denial by administrative silence (silencio administrativo negativo). In this case, you can file an appeal or reapply if you still meet the requirements.
Favourable Resolution and Post-Approval Steps
If your application is approved, you will receive a temporary residence and work permit (valid for work as an employee or self-employed person anywhere in Spain). Within one month of receiving the favourable decision, you must:
- Register with the Social Security System: Get registered by your employer or on your own if you are self-employed.
- Apply for your TIE Card: Schedule an appointment at a police station or Foreigners Office to get your Foreigner Identity Card (TIE).
Key Tips for a Successful Application
- Document Validity: Make sure all your documents, especially certificates, translations, and legalisations, are up to date and valid.
- Strong Integration Report: If you’re relying on social integration, provide a robust report. Include evidence of attending language classes, participating in volunteer work, or other community activities.
- Financial Proof: Ensure your job offer or financial means meet the minimum required levels.
- Online Submission: If you have a digital certificate, consider applying online via the “Mercurio” platform for a faster process.
Social Roots Residency remains one of the most effective ways for individuals who have lived continuously in Spain to legalise their situation and fully integrate into society. While the process can be complex due to the Arraigo Social requirements, a careful and well-prepared application significantly increases your chances of success.
If you need personalized assistance, at Entre Trámites we offer management and advisory services on immigration matters. You can contact us through this contact form for us to call you, or if you prefer, you can schedule a free consultation or write to us on WhatsApp.
