Quick answer
Arraigo is the main way to gain residency from inside Spain by proving ties to the country. The main routes are social, familiar, laboral and para la formación (training). Requirements and timeframes were reshaped by the 2025 immigration reform, so it's a route to run with a specialist lawyer.
The routes at a glance
| Route | Based on |
|---|---|
| Arraigo social | Continuous residence + job offer or means + integration. |
| Arraigo familiar | Family ties (e.g. parent of a Spanish/EU minor) — usually fastest. |
| Arraigo laboral | Residence plus proven work in Spain. |
| Para la formación | Permit to study/train, then convert to a work permit. |
The 2025 reform changed several timeframes and conditions — confirm the current rules for your route.
Frequently asked questions
What is arraigo in Spain?▼
Arraigo (literally 'roots') is a group of exceptional residency routes for non-EU people already in Spain who can prove ties to the country — social, family, work or training ties. It's the main path to regularise your situation from inside Spain, and almost always needs a lawyer.
What are the main types of arraigo?▼
The best-known are: arraigo social (period of continuous residence in Spain plus a job offer or means and integration), arraigo familiar (family ties, e.g. being the parent of a Spanish minor — usually the fastest, with no long prior-residence requirement), arraigo laboral (residence plus proven work), and arraigo para la formación (a residence permit to study/train and then work). The exact requirements were updated in the 2025 immigration regulation reform.
How long do I need to have been in Spain for arraigo social?▼
Historically arraigo social required around three years of continuous residence in Spain. The 2025 reform adjusted several arraigo figures and timeframes, so confirm the current period for your specific route with a lawyer before applying.
Which arraigo is fastest?▼
Arraigo familiar is generally the quickest because it's based on a family tie (such as being the parent of a Spanish or EU minor, or the spouse/partner of a Spaniard) rather than a long prior-residence period.
Can I work with an arraigo permit?▼
Most arraigo permits either include or lead to a work authorisation. Arraigo social typically requires a job offer or proof of means; arraigo laboral is based on work; arraigo para la formación converts to a work permit after training. A lawyer will confirm what applies to you.
Do I need a lawyer for arraigo?▼
Strongly recommended. Arraigo cases are exceptional, document-heavy and were reshaped by the 2025 reform — a specialist immigration lawyer greatly improves your chances and avoids costly mistakes.
Related guides & services
General information, not legal advice. Arraigo rules changed with the 2025 reform and vary case by case — confirm your position with a licensed immigration lawyer before applying.