On May 20, 2025, important changes came into effect that significantly reshape how immigration is managed in Spain. The reform aims to modernize the current system, making it more efficient, transparent, and aligned with European standards. With a clear focus on integration and legal certainty, the new measures provide broader and more flexible pathways for foreign nationals who wish to establish themselves in Spain.
Below is a summary of the key updates being implemented in the coming months—changes that represent a major step forward for many individuals seeking to build a stable and legal life in the country.
NEW TYPES OF “ARRAIGO” (ROOTS-BASED RESIDENCY): FIVE PATHWAYS TO LEGAL RESIDENCY IN SPAIN
The new regulation introduces five different forms of arraigo (residency based on exceptional circumstances), each with its own specific requirements and characteristics.
1. SOCIAL ARRAIGO
Social arraigo is a temporary residence permit granted under exceptional circumstances, aimed at foreign nationals who have lived continuously in Spain for at least two years. To apply for this permit, applicants must prove both their continued residence and their social integration. The permit is valid for one year, renewable, and it also allows the holder to work.
There are two main routes to access this type of residence permit:
- Through family ties: This applies when the applicant lives with close relatives—such as a spouse, registered partner, parents, or children—who hold legal residency in Spain. In such cases, those family members must demonstrate sufficient financial means (equivalent to 100% of the IPREM) to support the household.
- Through a social integration report: For applicants without close family in Spain, a favorable report must be provided by the social services of the autonomous community. This report takes into account factors such as community involvement and language proficiency.
One of the most significant changes brought by the reform is that a work contract is no longer required to apply for this permit. This removes one of the major barriers that previously made access to social arraigo particularly difficult. Instead of a job offer, applicants must now prove they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves. These resources may include stable income, personal savings, financial support from family members, or self-employment income, provided the total is at least equivalent to the monthly IPREM.
Another key improvement is the reduction of the required period of residence from three years to just two years of continuous stay in Spain.
That said, the requirement to demonstrate social integration still applies. This can be satisfied either through the aforementioned social integration report issued by the local council or autonomous community, or through family ties with legally resident individuals in Spain.
It is important to note that the types of family ties that qualify for this category have now been narrowed to include only direct relatives—specifically a spouse, registered partner, parents, or children—who already hold legal residency in Spain. Therefore, if the applicant has a family member with Spanish nationality, they would no longer apply under the social arraigo pathway. Instead, they would need to apply for the new specific residence permit for relatives of Spanish citizens, which will be explained in more detail later.
2. LABORSOCIAL ARRAIGO
This newly created category is designed for foreign nationals who have a job contract that meets the requirements for an initial residence and work permit as an employee. The focus of this permit is on the applicant’s labour market integration, and it essentially replaces the former “social arraigo” as we knew it.
To qualify, the combined contracts must amount to at least 20 working hours per week, and the total income must be proportional to the national minimum wage (SMI)—for example, 50% of the SMI for part-time work.
A clear advantage of this route is that applicants are allowed to combine multiple part-time contracts to meet the minimum requirements. This is a significant improvement over the old social arraigo, which demanded a single full-time job offer.
However, it’s important to note that this category does not apply to individuals who are currently in the process of applying for international protection (asylum) at the time of submitting their arraigo application.
3. FAMILY ARRAIGO
Family arraigo provides a pathway to legal residency for foreign nationals who are parents of Spanish or EU-national minors, or children of Spanish nationals by origin. This type of authorization grants a five-year residence permit.
Situations covered include:
- Legal guardians or parents of minors with nationality from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, who live under their care in Spain.
- Foreign nationals responsible for the care of disabled EU citizens residing in Spain.
What makes this option especially flexible is that there’s no minimum length of stay required—the application can be submitted as soon as the family link is established.
However, there’s been a major change: family members of Spanish citizens (spouses, parents, or children) are no longer covered under this category. Instead, they must now apply through a new, specific residence permit created for relatives of Spanish citizens. This change reflects a broader goal of creating a more coherent legal framework with stricter oversight over family reunification processes involving Spanish nationals.
4. SECOND-CHANCE ARRAIGO
This new form of arraigo is aimed at individuals who previously held legal residency in Spain but lost it due to circumstances beyond their control. It’s essentially a second opportunity for those who, in the past two years, held a valid residence permit but were unable to renew it due to reasons such as:
- Loss of employment,
- Extended stay outside the country,
- Other non-criminal or non-security-related causes.
This new residence permit is valid for one year. During that time, the holder is allowed to live and work legally in Spain, with the possibility of renewing or switching to another type of permit thereafter.
5. TRAINING BASED ARRAIGO (FORMERLY ARRAIGO FOR TRAINING)
This category facilitates the legal integration of foreign nationals through regulated or vocational education, allowing them to reside in Spain while acquiring new skills. This option is especially designed for individuals who wish to improve their skills and qualifications while residing lawfully in Spain.
To be eligible for this type of permit, applicants must have lived continuously in Spain for at least two years, demonstrating a stable and ongoing connection with the country. They must also be enrolled in or actively pursuing studies at an accredited educational or training institution, such as programs offering professional certificates, adult secondary education, or vocational training at the basic, intermediate, or advanced levels.
In addition, applicants are required to submit a favorable social integration report, which assesses their involvement in the local community and their adaptation to Spanish society.
Eligible types of training include:
- Programs that grant professional qualification certificates,
- Adult secondary education,
- Basic, intermediate, or advanced vocational training (FP), among others.
The standout feature of this permit is that it now allows up to 30 hours of legal work per week during the training period. This makes it financially feasible for many individuals to support themselves while studying. Furthermore, after completing their course, applicants can transition to a standard work permit, provided they secure a job aligned with their training.
SPECIFIC MEASURES FOR ASYLUM SEEKERS
One of the most notable innovations in the new regulation is the creation of a transitional regularization path for individuals whose asylum applications have been denied. For one year following the regulation’s entry into force (until May 2026), those with a final denial decision may apply for arraigo after only six months of residence in Spain, as opposed to the usual two-year requirement.
It’s crucial to clarify that outside of this exceptional pathway, the standard two-year residence requirement still applies in order to qualify for arraigo.
NEW RESIDENCE PERMIT FOR RELATIVES OF SPANISH CITIZENS
As previously mentioned, the reform also introduces a dedicated residence permit for foreign nationals who have close family ties with Spanish citizens. This new mechanism replaces older methods, including the use of family arraigo, and offers a more structured legal pathway.
Who is eligible?
- Spouses or registered partners of Spanish citizens,
- Parents of Spanish nationals,
- Children of Spanish nationals under 26 years old. For those over 26, eligibility is conditional on economic dependence or disability.
The Spanish citizen must provide proof of sufficient financial means and suitable housing.
If the foreign relative resides outside Spain, they must apply for a visa at the Spanish consulate in their home country, providing documentation of the family relationship and financial resources.
However, if the foreign relative is already in Spain before November 20, 2024, even in an irregular situation, they will be allowed to apply from within Spain without needing to return to their country of origin.
CONCLUSION
The reform of the Immigration Regulations marks a turning point in how Spain approaches immigration, social integration, and residence through arraigo. Although certain conditions remain demanding, there are now more legal pathways to obtain residency, especially for those already living in the country and seeking to build a stable life based on rights and responsibilities.
At CPG Abogados, we understand that each case is unique. That’s why our team, specialized in Immigration Law, is here to guide you every step of the way—helping you determine which of these new legal options best fits your situation or that of your family.
