Arraigo Sociolaboral: Regularization in Spain

The Arraigo Sociolaboral, one of the main innovations in Spain’s new immigration regulations, will come into effect in May 2025, replacing the current Arraigo Social with Contract. The change brings a major advantage in reducing the minimum required residence time from three to two years, making it easier for foreigners to regularize their status in the country. This update is the result of a reform approved in November 2023, which seeks to align immigration policies with the needs of the Spanish labor market and society.

In this article, we will explain in detail how the new Arraigo Sociolaboral will work, the requirements needed to apply for it, and how this measure can benefit those who wish to establish their lives in Spain. Additionally, we will address the advantages of living in the country, including economic opportunities and the possibility of obtaining Spanish citizenship.

Requirements for the New Arraigo Sociolaboral

The new Arraigo Sociolaboral is a new model of Arraigo in Spain that significantly simplifies the regularization process for foreigners in Spain, eliminating bureaucratic requirements that made obtaining residence authorization difficult under the previous model. Among the main changes is the elimination of the need for a social insertion report — a document issued by local authorities that, besides being complex, could take time to complete.

Unlike the old Arraigo Social, the new model does not require proof of family ties, volunteer activities, or other social criteria. The focus is exclusively on professional ties:

Main requirements for Arraigo Sociolaboral:

1.Continuous residence in Spain: It is necessary to prove at least two years of uninterrupted stay in the country, a significant reduction from the three years required in the previous model.

2.Not be an asylum seeker: The applicant cannot be seeking international protection at the time of application submission or during its processing. This means that if a person has made an application for international protection that is still pending administrative or judicial decision, they will not be eligible for this type of residence permit. Additionally, the time spent in Spain as an international protection applicant will not be counted towards the minimum residence requirement.

3. Connection to the Labor Market: The applicant must present evidence of employment ties for at least six months in the last two years. They must prove they receive at least an interprofessional minimum wage or the salary provided in the applicable collective agreement, and under the new agreement, it can be proportional to the working hours performed. The contract can be part-time, meaning only 20 hours worked per week.

Multiple contracts may be presented in the following cases:

• seasonal work or related to temporary production activities, as long as they are with different employers and have continuity (i.e., without significant intervals between contracts).
  
  or
  
• part-time activities with one or more employers simultaneously, in the same or different occupations.

4. Have a Clean Record: Not have a criminal record in Spain or in the country of origin and not represent a threat to the country or have been banned from entering Spain or countries with which Spain has an agreement.

These criteria reflect an effort by Spanish authorities to align regularization with the labor market context, encouraging social and economic integration of foreigners.

Also read our article about how to obtain the NIE – Foreigner Identification Number in Spain.

Moving to Spain: Advantages and Opportunities

Spain is an attractive destination for those seeking quality of life, stability, and economic opportunities. With an accessible cost of living compared to other European countries, excellent public health system, and rich cultural heritage, the country is ideal for those who want to start a new life. Furthermore, facilitated immigration policies, as we saw in the case of Arraigo Sociolaboral, make the regularization process simpler.

Another benefit is the possibility of obtaining Spanish citizenship after 10 years of legal residence. This period is even shorter for citizens of Ibero-American countries, who can apply for citizenship after just two years. Spain also offers extensive opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors, with tax incentives and access to a dynamic and globalized market. To learn more about the market, be sure to read our articles about the cost of living in Spain and how to buy property in the country.

At Atlantic Bridge, we are ready to help you with all stages of your project to live in Spain. We offer personalized consulting for visas, regularization, investments (Golden Visa), and citizenship, ensuring that you make the most of the advantages and opportunities that the country offers. Contact us and start planning your new life now!