Legal advice for Iranian citizens in Spain — Head office in Madrid
Residency and Visas

Arraigo Formación in Spain

Another important change under the 2025 reform is the removal of the two-year prior residence requirement for the Arraigo Formación (Training) route. Now anyone enrolled in an official vocational training course in Spain can apply for this type of residency.

What Is Arraigo Formación?

A route to obtaining residency based on enrollment in an official vocational training course in Spain, rather than a lengthy history of residence or employment. This route is particularly suited to young Iranians who want to pursue vocational training in Spain.

An Important Change Under the 2025 Reform

Before Royal Decree 1155/2024, this route also required two years of prior residence in Spain, like the other types of Arraigo. This requirement has now been completely removed.

Requirements

  • Enrollment in an official, formally recognized training course in Spain
  • At least 200 hours of instruction, or a course that leads to a professional certificate (Certificado de Profesionalidad)
  • No criminal record in Spain or in previous countries of residence
During the Course, Only Residency Is Granted

The permit issued during the training course is a residence permit, not a residence-and-work permit. This means you cannot formally work while studying, unless you receive a job offer after the course ends.

Converting to a Work Permit After the Course

After successfully completing the training course, if you receive a job offer related to your field of study, the residence permit is converted into a residence-and-work permit. This feature turns this route into a bridge between studying and formal employment in Spain.

Application Steps

  1. Find and enroll in an official vocational training course of at least 200 hours
  2. Gather your enrollment documents and a certificate of no criminal record
  3. Submit your residency application to the local immigration office (Oficina de Extranjería)
  4. At the end of the course, if you have a job offer, apply to convert to residence-and-work status

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I necessarily need to have resided in Spain for two years?

No. The 2025 reform removed the requirement of two years of prior residence for this route.

What kind of training course is accepted?

The course must be official and formally recognized, have at least 200 hours of instruction, or lead to a professional certificate.

Does this residency allow me to work?

No, during the training course the permit issued is a residence permit only. Work authorization is only issued after the course ends, if you receive a job offer.

What happens after the course ends?

If you receive a job offer related to your field of training, the residence permit is converted into a residence-and-work permit.

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