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Arraigo or legalization through residency

The 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:

Our Dream Stay Programs

5 Types of Arraigo: choose your path to residency in Spain

Arraigo Familiar – Family Residence

For parents or legal guardians of EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens. Grants a 5-year residence permit without the requirement of two years of prior residence in Spain

Since the Arraigo 2025 reform, there are now more options available. Find the option that best suits your situation

Arraigo Social – Social Integration Residence

For people with family members legally residing in Spain or who can demonstrate strong social integration. Allows you to work both as an employee and as a self-employed professional (autónomo)

Arraigo Socioformativo – Education-Based Residence

For people who want to obtain vocational education or professional qualifications in Spain. Provides a pathway to legal residence through enrollment in an accredited educational program

Arraigo de Segunda Oportunidad – Second Chance Residence

For people who previously held a Spanish residence permit but lost it for reasons unrelated to immigration violations. Allows you to restore your legal status after two years of residence in Spain

Arraigo Sociolaboral – Employment-Based Residence

Designed for applicants who have a job offer or an employment contract in Spain. Requires two years of continuous residence and an employment contract of at least 20 hours per week

How to Choose Your Arraigo Type?
A Simple Test to Determine It

Did I have legal residency before? → Arraigo de Segunda Oportunidad

Did I have a job offer or a contract? → Arraigo Sociolaboral

Do I have family in Spain or strong social ties there? → Arraigo Social

Am I the parent of a child who is an EU citizen? → Arraigo Familiar

Am I studying, or do I want to earn a qualification? → Arraigo Socioformativo

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

*The duration varies depending on the type of Arraigo and your future plans, such as whether you intend to study or work.

1-3

months

Average application processing time

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.