Immigration procedures in Spain are essential for living, working or studying legally in the country. However, the process can be complex, and mistakes can delay applications or even lead to refusal. Below are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Not knowing the requirements for each permit

Each immigration permit (temporary residence, employment, family reunification, etc.) has specific requirements. Failure to meet them may result in refusal.

How to avoid it:
Find out the specific requirements for the permit you wish to apply for. Consult the official websites of Immigration or the National Police.

2. Submitting incorrect or incomplete documents

A common mistake is submitting incomplete, incorrect or invalid documents, including missing official translations where required.

How to avoid it:
Carefully check the documents required for your procedure. Make sure they are complete, valid and properly translated where necessary.

3. Missing renewal deadlines

Immigration permits have expiry dates and must be renewed before they expire. Missing deadlines may affect your right to live or work legally in Spain.

How to avoid it:
Mark expiry dates in your calendar and start the renewal at least 60 days before the expiry date. If you are unsure about deadlines, consult the Immigration electronic office.

4. Not knowing which type of preliminary employment contract to request

For some residence or work permits, it is advisable for the preliminary employment contract to be  open-ended and comply with the statutory minimum wage (SMI). An unsuitable preliminary contract may result in refusal.

How to avoid it:
Make sure the preliminary employment contract is open-ended and that pay complies with the statutory minimum wage.

5. Incorrectly completing the application or fee form

Incorrectly completing forms or failing to pay the relevant fee is a common mistake that may delay the application or lead to refusal.

How to avoid it:
Read each form’s instructions carefully and complete every field correctly. Check that the fee matches the amount stated in the instructions.

6. Incorrectly completing the training commitment for training arraigo

The arraigo socioformativo is an option for regularising people who have stayed in Spain without regular status. The commitment to undertake training must be completed correctly.

How to avoid it:
Make sure the commitment is signed by you and the training centre, and that all details are correct. Check that the course will take place and is approved by the competent authorities.

8. Not knowing the requirements for legal residence

It is important to meet the basic requirements for obtaining legal residence in Spain, such as having no criminal record or having stayed in the country without regular status.

How to avoid it:
Before applying for the permit, check that you meet all requirements.

9. Not checking for a deportation order or criminal proceedings

A serious mistake is failing to check whether the applicant has an active deportation order or is involved in criminal proceedings. These factors may seriously affect the application, as a pending deportation order or criminal proceedings may jeopardise the immigration procedure.

How to avoid it:
Before starting an immigration procedure, check for outstanding deportation orders or involvement in criminal proceedings.

10. Not receiving immigration notifications

Some applicants do not receive notifications because their address is incorrect or outdated, which may cause delays or refusal.

How to avoid it:
Provide a valid address and regularly check the Immigration electronic office to stay informed of updates. Remember to check your email and postal mail too.

11. Ignoring changes in legislation

Spanish immigration laws may change, and being unaware of those changes may affect your application.

How to avoid it:
Keep informed about legislative changes that may affect your procedure. Consult official sources and seek professional advice if necessary.

10. Lack of evidence of a stay without regular status

In some cases, evidence of a stay in Spain without regular status is required for regularisation procedures such as arraigo. Insufficient evidence may lead to refusal.

How to avoid it:
If applying for regularisation through arraigo, provide clear evidence of your stay for the required period, such as money transfers, tenancy agreements or medical appointments.

Mistakes can cause delays or refusal. To avoid them, stay well informed and be thorough at every stage. If unsure, help from a administrative adviser who specialises in this field or a lawyer specialising in immigration can help ensure your procedure is handled correctly and within the prescribed deadlines.