In this article
Arraigo is the legal mechanism that allows foreign nationals who already live in Spain, without a residence permit, to obtain one based on their ties to the country. In May 2025 a new immigration regulation (Royal Decree 1155/2024) came into force and reorganised all types of arraigo. If you or a family member are in this situation, this is what you need to know.
What changed with the new regulation?
The main changes include:
- The minimum period of prior stay in Spain was reduced from three years to two years for most types.
- Arraigo was reorganised into five clear categories.
- Permits granted through arraigo now generally allow work from the start.
- Initial permits are usually granted for one year, with a pathway to longer permits.
The five types of arraigo
1. Social arraigo
For people who have lived in Spain for at least two years and can show social integration, for example through family ties with legal residents or an integration report issued by the regional or local authorities. It also requires sufficient means or a job offer, depending on the situation.
2. Socio-labour arraigo
For people with two years in Spain who have a job offer or employment contract that meets minimum conditions. It replaces the old labour arraigo in many practical cases.
3. Socio-training arraigo
For people with two years in Spain who commit to training, for example vocational courses or certificates that improve employability. After completing the training, the permit can be converted into a work permit.
4. Family arraigo
For parents or carers of Spanish nationals who are minors or dependants, and for close relatives of Spanish citizens. No minimum prior stay is required in many cases.
5. Second chance arraigo
For people who previously held a residence permit in Spain and lost it in the last two years without renewing. It gives a route back into legal residence.
General requirements
In all cases, applicants usually need:
- A clean criminal record in Spain and in previous countries of residence.
- No entry bans or pending expulsion orders.
- Proof of continuous stay in Spain for the required period, for example through municipal registration (*empadronamiento*), medical records or other public documents.
Proving the period of stay is often the most difficult part. Registering at the town hall as soon as possible is highly recommended.
Common mistakes
- Relying on documents that do not prove continuous presence.
- Job offers that do not meet the minimum conditions.
- Missing or unlegalised criminal record certificates.
- Absences from Spain that break the required continuity.
Our immigration lawyers review each case before applying to choose the right type of arraigo and gather solid evidence.
After arraigo
Once the initial permit is granted, the next steps are renewal and, after five years of legal residence, long-term residence. Having a legal status also makes it possible to regularise family members. Read more about residency in Mallorca and the permits available.
How to prepare your file
Start by gathering every document that shows you have lived in Spain: municipal registration, rental contracts, medical appointments, school records of your children, bank statements and course certificates. Request your criminal record certificates early, as they must be legalised and translated.
Frequently asked questions
Can I work while the arraigo application is being processed?
Generally not until the permit is granted, except under specific transitional provisions.
Does a trip abroad break the two-year period?
Short absences may be acceptable, but long ones can break continuity. Each case must be assessed.
What if my application is refused?
You can file an administrative appeal or a new application with better evidence.
Conclusion
The new regulation makes arraigo more accessible, but applications still require careful preparation. Castell.law assists individuals and families in Mallorca and the Balearic Islands to regularise their situation, in English, German and Spanish.
