Social roots (arraigo social): what the new immigration regulation requires
1 min readWeek of Nov 9, 2026
Arraigo social allows people who have lived in Spain for some time without authorisation and can show integration to obtain a residence permit. Under the 2024 Regulation the required period of stay has been reduced to two years.
What the rules say
Arraigo social is a residence permit on exceptional grounds regulated in the Immigration Regulation (RD 1155/2024). In general terms it requires a continuous stay in Spain of at least two years, no criminal record in Spain or in the country of origin, and proof of integration through a report issued by the town hall or the regional government, or family ties with legal residents.
What it means in practice
The stay is proven with dated evidence: municipal registration, medical reports, enrolments, money transfers or any official document. The integration report is issued by the regional or local administration and usually requires an appointment booked weeks in advance, so it is best to request it early. The permit granted allows you to work.
Documents usually required
- Full valid passport
- Criminal record certificate from the country of origin, apostilled or legalised and translated
- Historical municipal registration certificate and evidence of stay over the last two years
- Social integration report or documents proving family ties
- Proof of payment of fee form 790, code 052
When to book an appointment with the firm
If you are unsure how to prove the two years, if you have a criminal record or if the integration report is delayed, it is advisable to review your case with the firm before filing.
General information prepared by the firm; it is not legal advice on a specific case and is pending legal review.
Written with artificial intelligence from our regulatory knowledge base. It is only considered validated once it has passed legal review.