Arraigo Social in Spain: the complete 2026 guide (RD 1155/2024)

Arraigo Social is one of Spain's most important regularisation routes. It lets people who have lived in the country for two years or more — often without formal status — obtain a residence and work permit, provided they can show roots: a job offer or self-employment income, social integration, and a clean record.

Who can apply for Arraigo Social?

• You have lived continuously in Spain for at least two years (proven by padrón, utilities, bank activity).
• You have a job offer from a Spanish employer, or evidence of sufficient self-employment income.
• You have a clean criminal record in Spain and your country of origin.
• You can obtain an integration report (informe de arraigo) from your local ayuntamiento.

Arraigo Social sits under article 127.c of RD 1155/2024, the immigration regulation that overhauled the arraigo system. If you have a formal employment contract but no integration report, you may instead fit Arraigo Sociolaboral (127.b); family of an EU or Spanish citizen should look at the family routes.

Proving two years of residence

The padrón histórico is the gold-standard proof — request the historical version, not just the current certificate. Supporting evidence includes utility bills, bank statements with Spanish transactions, rental contracts, school enrolment for children, and Spanish medical records.

The integration report (informe de arraigo)

The informe de arraigo is issued by your ayuntamiento and confirms you are socially integrated. It assesses Spanish language ability, your employment situation, family ties and community involvement. Apply through your town hall's social services; processing takes 30–60 days and some town halls require an interview.

The forms and fees

• EX-10 — the application for residence on exceptional grounds (covers all Arraigo types).
• Modelo 790 Código 052 — the immigration fee (around €38).
• Modelo 790 Código 012 — later, for the TIE card.

Pathway fills EX-10 for you and ticks the correct authorisation box (127.c for Arraigo Social). See the Arraigo Social route page for the full document checklist.

How long does it take?

Processing at the Oficina de Extranjería is typically three to six months. You cannot work until the permit is granted; the resolution itself authorises work.