Social arraigo: requirements, financial means and integration report

The social arraigo allows you to apply for residence on exceptional grounds if you meet the requirements relating to length of stay, immigration status, integration or family ties and financial means. Municipal registration alone is not enough: each requirement needs suitable evidence.

Who can apply for social arraigo?

As a general rule, you must be in Spain and prove two years of continuous stay before applying. Absences and the available evidence are checked. Time spent as an applicant for international protection is not counted under the terms of the regulation; you also cannot hold that status when applying or while the application is being processed.

You must also meet the conditions concerning criminal records, public order and entry, not be subject to a commitment not to return, and pay the fee. Since the April 2026 amendment, you must not hold a stay or residence authorisation or have an ongoing procedure for its grant, extension, renewal or modification.

Family ties or integration report

The family-ties route concerns a spouse or registered partner and first-degree relatives in the direct line who are foreign nationals holding residence authorisation. A resident sibling or a friend who helps you does not constitute that specific family relationship.

If you cannot prove those ties, your integration efforts are assessed through a favourable report from the competent regional authority or the local council where it has that responsibility. Courses, social participation and other factors may help prepare the report, but no single certificate automatically replaces it.

Is an employment contract needed? Which financial means are accepted?

Social and employment arraigo have different legal grounds. Social arraigo requires sufficient financial means available in Spain, with the minimum of 100% of the IPREM set out in Article 127.c. They may come from the specified family members and, where the relevant conditions are met, from self-employment. The calculation and evidence must reflect the individual circumstances and current criteria.

A promise of help or a deposit with no explanation of its source may be insufficient. Gather proof of income, access to funds and the family relationship. If your case relies on an employment contract, also consider employment arraigo before choosing a route.

Documents for social arraigo

• Form EX-10 and a complete valid passport.
• Historical municipal registration records and other evidence of stay: health records, municipal documents or other dated documents.
• Foreign criminal record certificates where required, taking account of the exemptions and formalities in Article 130.
• Documents proving the family relationship and the relative’s residence permit, or a favourable integration report.
• Evidence of financial means and documents for a self-employment project, where applicable.
• Proof of payment of the relevant fee.

How to apply and what happens next

Apply to the Immigration Office responsible for your place of residence through an accepted channel. Keep the receipt, check notifications and respond to each request for further documents within its deadline. Submitting the application alone does not grant a work permit.

The initial authorisation lasts one year and approval includes permission to work under the terms of the regulation. After receiving the decision, check the TIE requirements and plan in advance how to maintain your residence through the appropriate route.