Arraigo or legalization through residency
Transition to legal status in Spain
Spain
Is one of the few European countries with humane pathways to legalization for undocumented immigrants. By residing consistently in the country for a period of 2-3 years and establishing a tangible social connection with Spain, you pave the way for a renewed sense of fulfillment in life. This includes regaining the freedom to travel and unlocking opportunities for legal employment.
You have changed from legal to illegal residence status in Spain (e.g. the denial of residence permit renewal)
You have exceeded a period of two years* residing in Spain with an undocumented status
*The period is counted not from the date of entry but from the date of registration.
Arraigo
is a path to legalization if:
Arraigo familiar – family residency
A rare type of legalization that does not require a specific period of residence in the country. Applicable for individuals whose children hold Spanish citizenship or for children whose parents are citizens of Spain by birthright.
Arraigo social – social residency
The most common type of legalization for individuals residing in Spain for over three years, often anchored in obtaining a work contract or pursuing education.
Arraigo laboral – work residency
Residency in Spain is categorized into three types
A type of legalization that requires living in Spain with legal status for two years and confirming work experience in Spain for at least 6 months.
Each with its own distinct legalization process:
Who is eligible for residency legalization? Those who:
Can confirm their permanent presence in Spain
Are socialized in Spanish society
Speak Spanish proficiently
Have a basis for legalization: an opportunity to enroll in an educational institution after two years in Spain, a real work contract, or a business plan for starting your own business.
How can you verify your presence in Spain?
Present documentary evidence with dates:
Registration
Memberships at a library or gym
Supermarket receipts, etc.
1
year
Duration of residence permit for residency with the possibility of extension
1-3
months
Average application processing time
*The duration varies depending on the type of Arraigo and your future plans, such as whether you intend to study or work.
2-3
The period of illegal stay required for residency legalization*
years
There are several pathways to obtain Arraigo social
Pursuing education
A possible path to legalization. Note that the accredited educational institution must be listed in Spain's official catalog.
Work contract
Confirmation of real employment with an employer in Spain.
Residency in Spain can be obtained with or without the right to work. If you have substantial savings or verifiable passive income, the right to work may not be a necessity.

If you do obtain the right to work, you can choose to work as an employee or start your own business, and register as Autonomo or its local equivalent as a sole entrepreneur.
What is important if you plan to legalize in Spain with the right to work?
A key factor for success is the timely verification of the company that employs you.
Dreamlife lawyers thoroughly check the liquidity of the employer: the absence of debts, the volume of tax payments, the timing of salary payments, and other indicators. It is essential to know in advance whether the company has sufficient official income to cover all salaries, whether social insurance contributions are made on time, and whether there are a series of consecutive dismissals. Special attention should be paid to the conditions of the employment contract.
1
business plan
If you plan to start your own business, plus documents confirming the availability of funds to begin your project
>1
0
convictions
In any country of residence for the last 5 years
Duration of the employment contract
>30
Combined working hours per week, whether working for one or several employers
year
hours/week
Rates
We have three service tiers. Each is designed as a comprehensive legalization package, covering the basic documentation needs. The differences lie in the scope of additional services.
Rates
We have three service tiers. Each is designed as a comprehensive legalization package, covering the basic documentation needs. The differences lie in the scope of additional services.
Rates
We have three service tiers. Each is designed as a comprehensive legalization package, covering the basic documentation needs. The differences lie in the scope of additional services.
Basic
  • Initial consultation
  • Personal plan for obtaining residency by settlement
  • Verification of grounds for legalization
  • Creation of a complete package of explanatory letters
  • Processing of residency status confirmations in Spain
  • Preparation and verification of the necessary document set for submission
  • Submission of documents to the immigration service
  • Online assistance in selecting an insurance policy
  • Opening of a bank account online
  • Tracking application status and responding to inquiries
  • Processing of documents for obtaining TIE
990
Smart
  • Initial consultation
  • Personal plan for obtaining residency by settlement
  • Creation of grounds for legalization: online selection of educational institution or online assistance in registering as Autonomo
  • Creation of a complete package of explanatory letters
  • Processing of residency status confirmations in Spain
  • Preparation and verification of the necessary document set for submission
  • Submission of documents to the immigration service
  • Online assistance in selecting an insurance policy
  • Opening of a bank account online
  • Tracking application status and responding to inquiries
  • Processing of documents for obtaining TIE
1490
  • Initial consultation
  • Personal plan for obtaining residency by settlement
  • Personal consultation in our office: strategy and creation of grounds for legalization
  • Personal selection of educational institution and assistance in enrollment or support in registering as Autonomo
  • Creation of a complete package of explanatory letters
  • Processing of residency status confirmations in Spain
  • Preparation and verification of the necessary document set for submission
  • Submission of documents to the immigration service
  • Selection of insurance policy with assistance
  • Opening a bank account if necessary
  • Tracking application status and responding to inquiries
  • Processing of documents for obtaining TIE
2500
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How do you legalize your stay in Spain?
Helping Find Your Path to Legalization Through Arraigo - Fill Out the Form to Discover Possible Scenarios for Your Situation
Our team
Aleksandra Scherstyannikova
Luciana Mercedes Torrents
Inna Kornienko
Senior Account Manager
Immigration Lawyer
Account Manager
Our team
Aleksandra Scherstyannikova
Luciana Mercedes Torrents
Inna Kornienko
Residency Manager
Immigration Lawyer
Account Manager
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F.A.Q.
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