In Europe, where stringent laws govern immigration and residency, achieving legal status remains the most crucial step toward stability, work, and free movement within the Schengen Area.
If you have been living in Spain for two years or more without formal residency, or if you hold a current permit that imposes high taxes or unsuitable financial obligations, the Arraigo Program offers a legal and strategic path to adjust your status or even change your residency type entirely.
What is the Arraigo Program in Spain, and how does it help adjust status in Europe?
The Arraigo Program is considered one of the most widely adopted and effective status adjustment systems in Europe, specifically in Spain. It allows individuals to obtain a temporary residency permit valid for one year, renewable thereafter.
This permit grants the right to live and work legally within Spanish territory. Later, it enables applicants to apply for long-term residency or even Spanish citizenship, subject to meeting the required conditions.
Arraigo is an officially recognized path, supervised by the Spanish Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration, making it reliable for residents, investors, and business owners looking to regularize their status or restructure their residency to align with their economic activities in Europe.
Who is the Arraigo Program suitable for to adjust status in Spain?
- Individuals who have lived in Spain for two years or more and wish to obtain stable legal residency.
- Irregular residents who started their lives or businesses in Spain informally and now wish to formalize their status quickly.
- Business owners and investors who hold a current residency but find it imposes high taxes, and seek to transition to a more tax-efficient residency type.
In all these cases, our specialized legal firm, Zajl, can handle the entire procedure on your behalf—from assessing your legal and fiscal situation to preparing and submitting the application until the residency card is issued.
Types of Residency via Arraigo in Spain (2025)
1. Residency via Social Integration – Arraigo Social
- Designed for those who have lived in Spain for more than three years and have strong social or family ties, backed by an employment contract or an approved self-employment project.
2. Residency via Employment – Arraigo Laboral
- Granted to individuals who have worked in Spain for a minimum of six months and can legally prove the employment relationship. This is one of the most effective ways to legally adjust status in Europe.
3. Residency via Family Ties – Arraigo Familiar
- For those who have an immediate family member (parent, child, or spouse) holding Spanish nationality or legal residency in the country.
4. Residency via Vocational Training – Arraigo para la Formación
- Suitable for individuals wishing to enroll in an approved vocational or professional training program in Spain to enhance their job market opportunities.
New Addition: Arraigo Sociolaboral (Socio-Employment Rooting)
The Arraigo Sociolaboral category is one of the latest legal pathways to adjust status in Spain for 2025. This route allows foreigners to obtain legal residency based on one or more valid job offers without necessarily meeting traditional employment requirements.
Basic Requirements:
- Residency in Spain for a minimum of two years.
- No criminal record.
- No active asylum application.
- Having a valid job contract(s) for at least 20 hours per week.
- The salary must meet the national minimum interprofessional wage (SMI).
Upon approval, the applicant receives a residency and work permit valid for one year, which can be renewed or converted into another type of legal permit. It is an ideal option for anyone seeking to formalize their legal status quickly and officially.
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Latest Government Updates (2025)
1. Minimum Residency Requirement
The Spanish Government announced that the minimum residency required for all Arraigo applications is now only two years, except for Arraigo Familiar, which does not require a minimum duration. During this period, applicants are allowed to remain outside Spanish territory for a maximum of 90 days in total without affecting their application, making status adjustment in Europe more flexible than ever.
2. A Second Chance to Adjust Status
Suppose you previously held a residency permit that expired, and you failed to renew it on time. In that case, you might be able to utilize the Arraigo program to adjust your status in Europe, provided your previous permit was not based on a prior Arraigo or student status. The reason for non-renewal was not a criminal record.
New Rules under Royal Decree 629/2022
These rules were established under Royal Decree 629/2022 and include key pathways for temporary residency for foreigners residing irregularly, provided specific criteria are met.
Arraigo Social por Trabajo Rural (Rural Employment Rooting)
- Specifically for those who worked in agricultural or rural jobs for a minimum of 90 days (at least 20 hours per week). Grants a one-year residency, renewable within the framework of adjusting status in Europe via rural employment.
Arraigo Social (The Classic)
- For those with family ties or a Social Integration Report (Informe de Integración Social). Requires proof of sufficient annual income: €7,200 (for one person) or €14,400 (for a family).
Arraigo por Formación (Vocational Training)
- For those seeking professional training or study in Spain. Requires at least 50% of the lessons to be in-person. Grants a one-year residency for study, convertible later into a legal work permit after adjusting legal status.
Adjusting Status in Europe: It's Not Just Residency, It's Optimization
Adjusting status in Europe, particularly in Spain, allows residents not only to regularize their residency but also to change their residency type to a category that offers greater tax advantages and financial flexibility—an ideal option for entrepreneurs and investors seeking tax efficiency and financial stability in Europe.
Steps for Status Adjustment or Changing Residency Type
- Analyze the current legal and fiscal situation to determine the most suitable residency type.
- Prepare the complete legal file according to the Spanish Immigration Office requirements.
- Submit the application formally to the Immigration Office in the province of residence.
- Monitor the file until the final decision is issued and the new residency card is obtained.
- Expected Duration: Between 3 to 6 months on average, depending on the province.
Why is Zajl Your Optimal Choice for Status Adjustment in Europe?
- Specialised legal expertise in European immigration laws and international taxation.
- Diligent follow-up until the residency is issued.
- Full support in renewal or transition to permanent residency or Spanish citizenship.
- Supervision by specialized lawyers in adjusting legal status in Europe and Spain from start to finish.
Legal Disclaimer
The information contained in this article is based on official Spanish laws (Real Decreto 629/2022) and reliable sources from the Spanish Ministry of Inclusion and Migration. However, it is for legal awareness purposes only and does not constitute formal legal advice. It is always recommended to consult with a specialized lawyer before commencing status adjustment procedures in Europe or submitting an Arraigo application.
(FAQ):
1. Can I change my residency type to reduce taxes?
Yes, provided the new residency type is compatible with Spanish tax laws and EU standards, allowing for greater fiscal efficiency.
2. How long does it take to obtain residency via Arraigo?
Between 3 and 6 months, depending on the province and the file's nature.