Arraigo in Spain: Residency Through Roots & Social Ties
If you’ve been living in Spain without legal residency, there’s still hope. Spain offers a unique path to legalize your stay called “arraigo” — based on social, family, or work ties.
This guide explains the types of arraigo, eligibility, documents needed, and how a lawyer can help you get residency in Spain legally.
🇪🇸 What Is Arraigo?
“Arraigo” means “rootedness” — and it’s a special residency permit granted to foreigners who have developed strong ties to Spain while living here irregularly.
✅ Legalizes your stay in Spain
✅ Grants temporary residency (1 year)
✅ Allows you to work and access public services
✅ Can lead to long-term residency and citizenship
It’s a one-time opportunity — and success depends on proving your ties and social integration. That’s why working with an arraigo lawyer is essential.
📂 Types of Arraigo in Spain
There are four main types of arraigo:
1. 🤝 Arraigo Social (Social Ties)
The most common type. You must show:
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At least 3 years of continuous stay in Spain
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A job offer OR proof of income (self-employed)
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Strong integration into Spanish society
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A certificate of social integration from your town hall
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Clean criminal record
This path grants work and residence authorization.
2. 👷 Arraigo Laboral (Work Ties)
For people who worked informally or under the table. Requires:
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At least 2 years in Spain
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Proof that you worked for at least 6 months
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Must prove labor relationship (e.g. court ruling, inspection report)
Often used by migrants whose employers exploited or fired them illegally.
3. 👪 Arraigo Familiar (Family Ties)
Applies if you have close family ties to Spanish citizens or legal residents.
Eligible if you are:
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Parent of a Spanish minor
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Child of a Spanish parent (born in Spain or naturalized)
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Spouse or partner of a Spanish citizen
You do not need to prove years of residence for this type.
4. 🎓 Arraigo para la Formación (For Studies/Training)
Allows you to legalize status without a job offer if you enroll in official training.
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Must have lived in Spain for 2 years
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No criminal record
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Enroll in certified vocational training
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No work authorization (until studies complete)
This is ideal for those looking to prepare for future employment in Spain.
🧾 What Documents Do You Need?
While requirements vary slightly by type of arraigo, you’ll generally need:
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Valid passport
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Proof of residence in Spain (rent contracts, empadronamiento, bills)
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Criminal background check from country of origin and Spain
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Social integration report (for arraigo social)
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Job offer or business plan (if self-employed)
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Proof of family relationship (for arraigo familiar)
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Proof of work history (for arraigo laboral)
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Enrollment in training (for arraigo formación)
📌 Many documents must be translated and apostilled.
🧑⚖️ Why You Need a Lawyer for Arraigo
Arraigo applications are complex and highly discretionary. Immigration authorities assess:
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Your documentation
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Whether your ties are “strong enough”
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Your integration into Spanish society
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Your employment or study plan
A Spanish immigration lawyer helps you:
✅ Choose the right type of arraigo for your case
✅ Collect and translate the correct documents
✅ Get the required social integration certificate
✅ Prepare job offers or self-employment plans
✅ Avoid common mistakes that lead to rejections
✅ Represent you if the application is denied or delayed
📅 Timeline & Process
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Prepare your application (with legal help)
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Gather and translate all documents
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Book an appointment with Extranjería
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Submit your arraigo application in person
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Wait for decision (usually within 3 months)
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If approved: Apply for TIE (residency card)
🚫 Common Mistakes
❌ Not proving continuous presence
❌ Using fake or outdated documents
❌ No job offer or poor business plan
❌ Criminal records not translated/apostilled
❌ No legal representation in complex cases
✅ A lawyer gives you the best chance of success by building a solid and legal case.
👨⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Can Help
We have helped hundreds of undocumented migrants legalize their status through arraigo. Our services include:
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In-depth case review and strategy
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Document collection and translation
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Guidance on social integration certificates
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Help obtaining valid job offers or training enrollments
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Filing your application and representing you legally
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TIE application after approval
📞 Speak to our immigration lawyers today — we’re ready to help you stay in Spain legally.
💬 Ready to Get Legal Residency in Spain?
Arraigo could be your path to legal status — but it must be done right. Let Borderless Lawyers guide you through every step, with expert legal support and honest advice.