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Arraigo social (a residence permit granted on grounds of social ties to Spain) is one of the most common routes for foreign nationals who have already been living in the country for some time to regularise their status. If you are in an irregular situation and meet certain requirements, it may be your path to obtaining a residence and work authorisation. In this guide we explain, step by step, how to apply for it in 2026.

What is arraigo social?

Arraigo social is a temporary residence authorisation granted on exceptional grounds. It is designed for people who are already in Spain and have developed links with the country, above all through their length of stay and their integration into society.

Under the current Immigration Regulation (Real Decreto 1155/2024, in force since May 2025), arraigo is organised into several categories —social, sociolaboral (based on employment ties), socioformativo (based on training), familiar (based on family ties) and segunda oportunidad (second chance)—, each with its own requirements. In this guide we focus on arraigo social. One key difference from the previous rules: arraigo social no longer requires an employment contract (that requirement now falls under arraigo sociolaboral).

Unlike other routes, it is not applied for from your country of origin: it is a procedure carried out while you are already on Spanish territory.

Requirements to apply for arraigo social

Although each case must be assessed individually, the general requirements usually include:

  • Continuous residence in Spain for the period required by the regulations —as a general rule, two years— which you must be able to prove with documentary evidence.
  • A clean criminal record in Spain and in the countries where you have previously resided.
  • Sufficient financial means to support yourself, whether your own or provided by a family member (the regulations quantify these in relation to the IPREM, Spain’s public income indicator). Unlike arraigo sociolaboral, arraigo social does not require an employment contract.
  • Proof of social integration, usually by means of a report issued by the autonomous community (regional government), or alternatively through family ties with residents.

Important: immigration legislation is updated frequently and the specific requirements may vary depending on your autonomous community and your personal situation. Before starting the procedure, it is advisable to review your case with a professional.

Required documentation

The exact documentation depends on your situation, but most applications require:

  • A complete, valid passport.
  • Documentation proving your length of stay in Spain (historical padrón registration, reports, etc.).
  • A criminal record certificate from your country of origin, legalised and translated.
  • Documentation proving sufficient financial means (your own or a family member’s).
  • An arraigo report or proof of integration effort, where applicable.

Steps to submit the application

  1. Gather and review the documentation. A complete, well-organised file reduces the risk of requests for additional information.
  2. Obtain the integration report if your case requires it, since it can take time to be issued.
  3. Submit the application to the competent authority, paying the corresponding fee.
  4. Follow up on the file and respond promptly to any request for additional information.
  5. After a favourable decision, apply for your Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE, the foreigner’s identity card).

Common mistakes to avoid

In our experience, the most common causes of delays and refusals are:

  • Submitting documentation that is incomplete or not properly legalised and translated.
  • Being unable to prove your length of stay convincingly.
  • Failing to demonstrate sufficient financial means, or choosing the wrong type of arraigo.
  • Not responding on time to the authorities’ requests for additional information.

How long does it take to resolve?

Processing times can vary, usually between three and six months, depending on the authorities’ workload and the quality of the file submitted. A well-prepared application from the outset is the best way to shorten the timescales.

Conclusion

Arraigo social can be the gateway to a regular life in Spain, but every detail counts: a poorly prepared document can delay your decision by months. If you want to make sure your file meets all the requirements, at Conecta Legal we support you throughout the entire process. Book your appointment and we’ll assess your case with no obligation.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration legislation may change; consult your specific case with a professional.

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