Arraigo Social
Arraigo Social
Arraigo Social is a residency pathway for non-EU citizens who have been living in Spain without legal status for at least 2 years continuously (reduced from 3 years in the May 2025 reform). Applicants must demonstrate social integration through family ties with other foreign residents, or by obtaining a social integration report (informe de arraigo) from their local autonomous community. Since the 2025 reform, a job contract is no longer required â applicants can instead prove they have sufficient financial means (at least 100% of the IPREM monthly indicator). The permit is granted for 1 year and allows the holder to live and work in Spain. It is renewable and can lead to long-term residency.
This guide is based on official Spanish government requirements and the May 2025 immigration reform. This is informational content, not legal advice.
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Required Docs
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Steps
Up to 3 months from submission
Processing
Application fee (Modelo 790 code 052): ~âŦ16
Main Fee
Eligibility Requirements
- Have resided continuously in Spain for at least 2 years (reduced from 3 in the 2025 reform)
- Not be a citizen of an EU/EEA/Swiss country
- Have no criminal record in Spain or in countries of residence in the past 5 years
- Not have an active entry ban or be flagged in the Schengen Information System
- Demonstrate social ties: family connections with other foreign residents in Spain, OR a favorable social integration report (informe de arraigo) from the autonomous community
- Prove financial means of at least 100% of IPREM (~âŦ600/month in 2025), OR present a job contract of at least 1 year
- Not be currently an asylum seeker with a pending application
- Total absences from Spain must not exceed 90 days during the 2-year period
Document Checklist
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Step-by-Step Application Process
Gather empadronamiento and residence proof
Request a certificado de empadronamiento historico from your local Ayuntamiento (town hall). This document must show continuous registration for at least 2 years. Collect any additional proof of presence in Spain (medical records, school enrollment, utility bills).
Obtain the social integration report
Contact the social services department of your autonomous community to request an informe de arraigo social. This process involves an interview and evaluation of your social ties, language skills, and integration. Processing can take 1-3 months, so start early.
Get your criminal record certificates
Request criminal record certificates from your country of origin and any country where you lived more than 6 months in the past 5 years. Have them apostilled (Hague Apostille) and translated by a sworn translator (traductor jurado).
Prepare financial documentation
Gather bank statements showing sufficient funds (at least IPREM level), or prepare your employment contract if going the work route. If relying on a third party's financial support, prepare their documentation too.
Submit the application at the Oficina de Extranjeria
Book an appointment (cita previa) at your provincial Oficina de Extranjeria. Submit the completed EX-10 form with all supporting documents. Pay the modelo 790 code 052 fee beforehand.
Wait for resolution
The administration has 3 months to resolve your application. If no response is received within 3 months, the application is considered denied by administrative silence (silencio administrativo negativo).
Processing Time
Up to 3 months from submission. The social integration report alone can take 1-3 months to obtain, so total timeline from start to TIE card is typically 4-8 months.
Costs
- Application fee (Modelo 790 code 052): ~âŦ16.08
- TIE card fee: ~âŦ16-âŦ21 (Tasa 790 modelo 012)
- Criminal record apostille: varies by country (âŦ5-âŦ50)
- Sworn translations: âŦ30-âŦ80 per document
- Social integration report: Free (provided by autonomous community)
- Legal assistance (optional but recommended): âŦ500-âŦ1,500
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Gaps in empadronamiento registration
The most common reason for denial. You must have continuous empadronamiento for 2 years. Any gaps â even brief ones â can be grounds for rejection. If you moved, make sure to re-register promptly.
Exceeding the 90-day absence limit
You cannot have been absent from Spain for more than 90 days total during the 2-year period. Authorities may check passport stamps and travel records.
Not requesting the social integration report early enough
The informe de arraigo can take months to process. Many applicants start this too late. Begin the process at least 3-4 months before you plan to apply.
Insufficient financial proof since the 2025 reform
Since a job contract is no longer mandatory, some applicants fail to provide adequate alternative proof of financial means. Make sure your bank statements clearly show at least IPREM-level income or savings.
Tips & Advice
- âStart the social integration report process as soon as possible â it's the most time-consuming step and you can't apply without it (unless you have qualifying family ties).
- âKeep your empadronamiento current at all times. If you move within Spain, update your registration immediately at the new town hall. Gaps are the #1 cause of denials.
- âThe 2025 reform removed the mandatory job contract requirement. You can now prove financial means through savings, regular income, or third-party financial support â this is a major improvement for many applicants.
- âEven if not required, presenting a job contract strengthens your application significantly. Employers in hospitality, agriculture, and domestic work are often familiar with this process.
- âTake Spanish language courses â they strengthen your social integration report and are evaluated positively. Many NGOs and local councils offer free Spanish classes.
Official Sources
- Ministry of Inclusion â Arraigo
- Sede Electronica â Immigration Procedures
- Portal de Inmigracion
- IPREM Reference (BOE)
Information verified against official sources. Always confirm current requirements directly.
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