Arraigo social (social roots)

This is a temporary residence authorisation on exceptional grounds that regularises the situation of people who have already been living in Spain for some time. Under the Regulation approved by RD 1155/2024 (applicable since 20 May 2025), arraigo social requires 2 years of residence and no longer requires an employment contract: what you prove is sufficient financial means and roots in the community.

The authorisation is granted for one year and allows you to work as an employee and as a self-employed person anywhere in Spain.

• Non-EU foreign nationals in Spain who can prove at least 2 years of continuous stay.
• EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and their family members covered by free movement rules cannot use this route.

• Continuous stay in Spain of at least 2 years immediately before the application. Limited absences are accepted (generally no more than 90 days in that period): check the limit on your office information sheet.
• No criminal record in Spain or in the countries where you have lived in the last 5 years.
• No entry ban in Spain and no alert in the Schengen area.
• Sufficient financial means (generally at least 100% of the monthly IPREM, increased for each dependent family member). They may be your own, come from self-employment, or be provided by a spouse/partner or first-degree relatives living with you.
• Social integration report (informe de arraigo social) issued by the Autonomous Community or the town hall where you live.

• Official form EX-31, completed and signedIn duplicate (original and copy) if you file it on paper. Always download it from the Ministry website so you use the current version.Official link
• Full passport, validA copy of every written page (including blank ones if the office asks for them) plus the original for checking. Many procedures require at least 4 months of validity.
• Proof of payment of fee form 790 code 052It is generated and filled in on the official fee website, paid at a bank or online, and submitted as the stamped copy.Official link
• Municipal registration certificateRequested at the town hall of the municipality where you live. Arraigo procedures usually require the historical or joint certificate.
• Evidence of 2 years of stay in SpainHistorical municipal registration certificate and any other evidence: health card, medical reports, school enrolments, rental contracts, bills, transfers, certificates from social organisations.
• Social integration reportIssued by the Autonomous Community (or the town hall by delegation) where you are domiciled. It is requested separately and usually takes weeks: apply for it early.
• Criminal record certificateFrom the countries where you have lived in the last 5 years, issued by the authorities of that country, legalised or apostilled and translated into Spanish.
• Evidence of financial meansPayslips, employment history, tax return, bank statements, the contract of the relative supporting you together with their documents and proof of cohabitation and family ties.
• Documents on the self-employment projectif applicableIf you prove your means through self-employment: activity plan, viability, qualifications or licences required.

Always download the form from the Ministry website: the templates are updated and offices reject outdated versions.

Amounts are updated periodically: the one shown when you generate form 790 is the one in force.

• Maximum decision period: 3 months from filing. If there is no reply within that period, administrative silence means refusal.
• Once granted: 1 month to apply for the TIE (fingerprints).
• Duration of the authorisation: 1 year, extendable or convertible into a residence and work authorisation.

• Application forms (EX-31)Official download of the form.
• Immigration Regulation (Royal Decree 1155/2024)Consolidated text in the BOE.
• Fee 790 code 052Generate and pay the fee.
• Migration portalMinistry information sheets and procedures.