A new path to residency in Spain: the ‘Arraigo’ reforms

Spain has announced a major overhaul of its residency laws, making it easier for hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants to gain legal status. The government has approved a sweeping amnesty, potentially regularising around 900,000 individuals who have been living under the radar.

From May 2025, those who have been residing in Spain without legal status for at least two years will have the opportunity to obtain proper residency without fear of deportation or legal consequences. The move aims to provide stability for individuals who have built their lives in Spain and contribute to society while also addressing economic and social integration concerns.

What is ‘arraigo’?

The concept of ‘arraigo’ lies at the heart of these reforms. The Real Academia Española defines ‘arraigo’ as establishing permanent ties to a place, both socially and economically. In Spanish immigration law, this principle acknowledges individuals who have become deeply integrated into the country despite lacking formal residency status. Spain’s revised regulations expand on this idea, recognising various forms of social, familial, and employment connections as legitimate grounds for residency.

Who can apply?

Under the new regulations, applicants must have resided in Spain for at least two years and meet one of the following criteria:

Arraigo Social

: Previously requiring three years of residence, this route now allows individuals to apply after two years. Provided that they can demonstrate strong social ties, such as community involvement or having family in Spain. A job contract or proof of financial stability is also required.

Arraigo Laboral

: This applies to individuals who have worked legally in Spain for at least six months during their two-year stay. Those who held a temporary work permit that later expired may qualify under this category.

Arraigo para la Formación

: Introduced as a training-focused pathway, this option provides residency to individuals who have been in Spain for at least two years and commit to enrolling in an officially recognised training programme. This allows them to develop skills that improve employability while residing legally in the country.

Arraigo Familiar

: This remains the most flexible category, granting residency to those with direct family ties to Spanish citizens, including parents, children, or spouses. Unlike other forms of arraigo, this route has no minimum residency requirement.

Second-Chance Residency (‘Segunda Oportunidad’)

: Individuals who previously held legal residency but lost it due to administrative issues can now apply for reinstatement after two years of continuous residence.

Why the change?

The reform reflects Spain’s recognition of the economic and social contributions of undocumented migrants. Many individuals eligible under these rules have been working, paying taxes, and integrating into Spanish communities despite lacking legal status. By granting them residency, the government aims to boost economic participation, reduce exploitation, and provide legal certainty to those who have already put down roots.

How to prove residency?

Applicants must provide evidence of their time in Spain. This can include rental agreements, utility bills, bank transactions, medical records, or even gym memberships—any document that consistently shows their presence in the country.

The new law is expected to come into force in May 2025, and legal experts recommend that those eligible begin gathering necessary documentation as soon as possible.