{"id":20226,"date":"2025-05-15T15:20:23","date_gmt":"2025-05-15T13:20:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/etl-ilia.es\/?p=20226"},"modified":"2026-01-09T13:39:15","modified_gmt":"2026-01-09T12:39:15","slug":"how-to-get-spanish-residency-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/etl-ilia.es\/en\/general\/how-to-get-spanish-residency-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Can you get Spanish residency in just two years? Here\u2019s how under the new Immigration Law"},"content":{"rendered":"

This coming Monday, 20 May, a major reform to Spain\u2019s Immigration Law<\/strong> will come into force, opening new opportunities for thousands of undocumented foreigners residing in the country. The most notable change? You\u2019ll be able to apply for social roots residency (arraigo social) with just two years of stay<\/strong>, among other significant updates that make legalisation easier than ever.<\/div><\/div>
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A reform that simplifies regularisation<\/strong><\/h2><\/div>

Royal Decree 629\/2024 significantly alters Spain\u2019s Immigration Regulations<\/strong>. Its aim is to facilitate the legal and professional integration of migrants<\/strong> already living in the country, offering faster and more flexible ways to obtain residence and work permits. These changes will take effect on 20 May 2025 and will reshape the criteria for arraigo*<\/em>, one of the most common regularisation routes.<\/p>\n

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*Arraigo<\/strong>\u00a0can be broadly described as residence authorisation based on social, family, labour or educational integration.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>

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Five types of arraigo<\/em>: more options, more chances<\/strong><\/h2><\/div>

The new regulation defines and broadens five forms of arraigo<\/em><\/strong>:<\/p>\n

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  • Social arraigo<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 requires a minimum of 2 years\u2019 stay in Spain and a job offer or proof of financial means.<\/li>\n
  • Labour arraigo<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 for those who have worked at least 6 months and resided in Spain for 2 years.<\/li>\n
  • Training arraigo<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 allows applicants to study and work simultaneously.<\/li>\n
  • Second-chance arraigo<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 for formerly underage migrants under state guardianship.<\/li>\n
  • Family arraigo<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 expanded to include caregivers of dependent or disabled EU citizens.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Each type has specific criteria, but in general, they have been made more accessible and inclusive.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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    Social arraigo<\/em> in two years: a game-changer<\/strong><\/h2><\/div>

    One of the most anticipated updates is the possibility of applying for social arraigo<\/em> after just two continuous years in Spain<\/strong>, rather than the previous three. In addition, it\u2019s no longer essential to present a job contract if you can prove sufficient income or participation in social integration programmes.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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    Training arraigo<\/em>: study and work at the same time<\/strong><\/h2><\/div>

    A particularly appealing change for young people and those seeking professional development is the training arraigo<\/em><\/strong>. It enables applicants to obtain a residence permit linked to vocational training while also being allowed to work legally<\/strong>, promoting quicker and smoother integration into the workforce.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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    Who benefits from this reform?<\/strong><\/h2><\/div>

    It\u2019s estimated that more than 300,000 undocumented individuals could benefit<\/strong> from one of these new options. The Spanish government aims to promote the legal inclusion of people already integrated in society and to respond to labour market demands in specific sectors.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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    What you need to do: preparation and legal advice<\/strong><\/h2><\/div>

    Although the requirements are more flexible, the procedures remain technical. It is essential to have professional legal support<\/strong> to evaluate your situation, choose the most suitable path and gather the right documentation<\/strong> to submit a solid application to the Immigration Office<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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