What Is Arraigo Social?
A route to obtaining legal residency that allows foreign nationals living in Spain without legal documentation to settle their status without having to return to their home country. This route is a realistic option for many Iranians who entered Spain for various reasons but whose period of legal residence has expired.
Royal Decree 1155/2024 (in force since May 2025) updated the rules on entry, residence, and the Arraigo routes in Spain. The requirements on this page are written based on this reform.
Requirements
- Two years of continuous, provable residence on Spanish soil (with municipal registration, Empadronamiento, as one of the most important pieces of evidence)
- No criminal record in Spain or in the country or countries of residence over the past five years
- Meeting one of three routes: a job offer, a family tie, or a social integration report (table below)
Three Possible Routes
| Route | Main Requirement |
|---|---|
| Job offer | A contract of at least 20 hours per week and a minimum term of one year |
| Family tie | A spouse, child or parent holding Spanish nationality or legal residency |
| Social integration report | A report issued by the autonomous region where the applicant lives |
Contrary to common belief, you do not need to meet all of these conditions; it is enough for the applicant to fully document just one of these three routes.
Result: A One-Year Residence and Work Permit
If approved, Spain's immigration authority (Extranjería) issues a one-year residence and work permit. This permit can be renewed like any other residence and work permit, and its duration counts toward the years required for Spanish nationality.
Application Steps
- Gather evidence of two years of continuous residence (municipal registration, lease agreement, utility bills, medical records)
- Choose and document one of the three routes (employment, family, or an integration report)
- Obtain a certificate of no criminal record
- Submit the application to the local immigration office (Oficina de Extranjería)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many years of residence in Spain are required for Arraigo Social?
Two years of continuous, provable residence on Spanish soil are required, even if that residence was unauthorized.
Do I need to have a job offer?
Not necessarily. A job offer is only one of three possible routes; a family tie or a social integration report is also sufficient.
What is a social integration report and how is it obtained?
It is a report issued by the social services of the autonomous region where you live, confirming your level of integration into Spanish society.
How long is this residency valid and does it allow me to work?
Yes, Arraigo Social grants a one-year residence and work permit, which can then be renewed.