What Is Arraigo Familiar?
Unlike other types of Arraigo, which are based on lengthy residence or a work history in Spain, Arraigo Familiar relies on a direct family tie to Spain. This route generally has more flexible requirements than the others, and in many cases does not require any specific minimum period of prior residence.
Since the exact requirements vary depending on each of the three scenarios below, it is advisable to review your family situation and available documents with a legal advisor before taking any action.
Three Main Scenarios
- Parents of a minor Spanish child: the father or mother of a child with Spanish nationality who lives with them or is responsible for their care
- People previously under guardianship: people who, as unaccompanied foreign minors, were under the guardianship of a Spanish child protection institution
- Children or grandchildren of Spaniards of origin: people with direct lineage to a Spaniard of origin
Documents Required by Scenario
| Scenario | Main Documents |
|---|---|
| Parent of a Spanish child | The child's birth certificate, proof of their nationality and proof of the relationship or custody |
| Previous guardianship | Documents from the relevant protection institution and residence records during the period of minority |
| Grandchildren of a Spaniard of origin | Documents proving family lineage (birth certificate, Spanish Civil Registry (Registro Civil) records) |
General Application Steps
- Determine the exact scenario that applies to your case
- Gather the relevant family documents, officially translated and consularly legalized if required
- Submit the application to the local immigration office (Oficina de Extranjería)
- Follow up on the case until the residence card (TIE) is issued
Frequently Asked Questions
I am the parent of a child who was born in Spain and holds Spanish nationality; am I automatically eligible?
Generally yes, parents of a minor child with Spanish nationality who live with and are responsible for that child can obtain residency through this route, but the specific details of the case are reviewed.
Do I necessarily need to have resided in Spain for two years for this route?
No, not necessarily. Unlike Arraigo Social or Arraigo Sociolaboral, in many cases this route has no specific minimum period of prior residence.
What does "people who were previously under guardianship" mean?
People who, as unaccompanied foreign minors in Spain, were under the guardianship of a protection institution and have now reached the legal age of majority.
What if my grandfather or grandmother was a Spaniard of origin?
Children and grandchildren of Spaniards of origin can also be covered by this route. In some cases a direct nationality route may also be available.