Social Roots Residence Permit (Arraigo Social)

Spain•Europe

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Social Roots Residence Permit (Arraigo Social)

Skilled Migration PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

At a Glance

Processing Time

1-3 months

Application Fee

Free

Stay Duration

1 year (renewable)

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Not Specified

PR Pathway

Available

Remote Work

Not Required

Official Information

Living in Spain

Cost of Living

25% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary€24,000

Quality of Life

186/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

The Arraigo Social is Spain's exceptional-circumstances permit for non-EU nationals living irregularly in the country for at least 2 continuous years. Reformed by Royal Decree 1155/2024 (in force May 2025), it grants a 1-year residence-and-work permit to those demonstrating social integration or family ties.

No job offer is needed; applicants show at least 100% of the IPREM in funds (200% when a legally-resident family member sponsors them). The permit renews annually and counts toward the 5-year long-term residency threshold. Spouses gain no automatic work rights; family reunification is a separate process.

This visa is ideal for non-EU nationals already in Spain informally who can document 2 years of continuous presence and want a legal pathway into the formal labour market.

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Employee Work Visa (Visado de trabajo por cuenta ajena)

Spain

Employee Work Visa (Visado de trabajo por cuenta ajena)

Validity1 year

Processing3 months

View Visa Details

Spain

Self-Employment Visa (Autónomo)

Validity1 year

Processing4-6 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Proof of 2 years of continuous residence in Spain (reformed from 3 years by RD 1155/2024, effective May 2025)

KEY CRITERIA

Education

none or higher

Min. Income

7,200 EUR/yr

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Provides a legal pathway to residency for individuals in an irregular situation
Includes authorization to work as an employee or self-employed person
Time spent under this permit counts toward permanent residency and citizenship eligibility

Worth Knowing

Requires proof of continuous residence, which can be difficult to document if living irregularly
The permit is initially granted for only one year and requires subsequent modification or renewal
Administrative processing times and appointment availability can vary significantly by region

Application Process

Gather required documentation including proof of residence and integration

Submit application (EX-10 form) to the local Immigration Office or online via the Mercurio platform

Await resolution from the immigration authorities

Register with the Social Security system (if applicable) and apply for the TIE residence card

Application Forms

EX-10

Solicitud de autorización de residencia o residencia y trabajo por circunstancias excepcionales

Fill online

Verified Claims (20)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps	Gather required documentation including proof of residence and integration; Submit application (EX-1…	inclusion.gob.es
Fees	Approximately €55-€60 (comprising the administrative application fee of ~€38.28 and the TIE residenc…	inclusion.gob.es
Forms	—	inclusion.gob.es
Forms · EX-10 · description	Solicitud de autorización de residencia o residencia y trabajo por circunstancias excepcionales	inclusion.gob.es
Forms · EX-10 · name	EX-10	inclusion.gob.es
Forms · EX-10 · url	https://www.inclusion.gob.es/documents/d/migraciones/ex-10-formulario-autor-resid-o-resid-y-trabajo-…	inclusion.gob.es
Included Nationalities	—	inclusion.gob.es
Job Offer Required	false	inclusion.gob.es

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