Arraigo Socioformativo (Training)
Arraigo Socioformativo (por Formacion)
The Arraigo Socioformativo (previously known as Arraigo por Formacion) is a residency pathway for non-EU citizens who have been living in Spain for at least 2 years and are enrolled in vocational training (formacion profesional), professional certificates (certificados de profesionalidad), or accredited adult education programs. Renamed and reformed in May 2025, this pathway encourages integration through education and professional development. Applicants must have a social integration report (informe de arraigo) and be actively enrolled in qualifying training. The initial permit is granted for 1 year (the duration of the training) and can be renewed for an additional year after training is completed to allow job searching. It includes work authorization for up to 30 hours per week during training.
This guide is based on official Spanish government requirements and the May 2025 immigration reform. This is informational content, not legal advice.
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Required Docs
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Steps
Up to 3 months from submission
Processing
Application fee (Modelo 790 code 052): ~âŦ16
Main Fee
Eligibility Requirements
- Have resided continuously in Spain for at least 2 years
- Not be a citizen of an EU/EEA/Swiss country
- Have no criminal record in Spain or in countries of residence in the past 5 years
- Be enrolled in or accepted into a qualifying training program: vocational training (FP), professional certificates (certificados de profesionalidad), or accredited adult education
- Obtain a favorable social integration report (informe de arraigo) from the autonomous community
- Total absences from Spain must not exceed 90 days during the 2-year period
- Not be currently an asylum seeker with a pending application
- The training program must be officially recognized by the Spanish education authorities or SEPE
Document Checklist
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Step-by-Step Application Process
Research and enroll in qualifying training
Find a qualifying program: vocational training (FP), professional certificates (certificados de profesionalidad through SEPE), or accredited adult education. Enroll and obtain an official enrollment certificate. Public training programs are often free.
Request the social integration report
Contact your autonomous community's social services to request an informe de arraigo. This includes an interview and evaluation. Start early â it can take 1-3 months.
Gather residence proof and criminal records
Obtain your certificado de empadronamiento historico (2+ years) and criminal record certificates from relevant countries. Apostille and translate as needed.
Prepare all documentation
Compile the enrollment certificate, training program details, social integration report, passport copies, photographs, and fee payment receipt.
Submit the application at the Oficina de Extranjeria
Book a cita previa at your provincial Oficina de Extranjeria. Submit the EX-10 form with all supporting documents.
Wait for resolution and begin training
The administration has 3 months to resolve. You can begin attending your training while waiting. Once approved, you can also work up to 30 hours per week.
Processing Time
Up to 3 months from submission. Finding and enrolling in a qualifying program may take additional time depending on academic calendars and availability.
Costs
- Application fee (Modelo 790 code 052): ~âŦ16.08
- TIE card fee: ~âŦ16-âŦ21 (Tasa 790 modelo 012)
- Criminal record apostille: varies by country (âŦ5-âŦ50)
- Sworn translations: âŦ30-âŦ80 per document
- Training program: Free (public FP/SEPE) to âŦ500-âŦ3,000 (private)
- Social integration report: Free
- Legal assistance (optional): âŦ500-âŦ1,500
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Enrolling in non-qualifying training
Not all training programs qualify. The program must be officially recognized vocational training (FP), SEPE-registered professional certificates, or accredited adult education. Private language courses or informal workshops do not qualify.
Not starting the social integration report early enough
The informe de arraigo can take months. Many applicants start too late and miss enrollment deadlines. Begin the report process well before the training program starts.
Exceeding the 30-hour weekly work limit
During training, you can only work up to 30 hours per week. Working more can jeopardize your permit. After completing training and renewing, full-time work is allowed.
Gaps in empadronamiento or exceeding absence limits
You need 2 continuous years of empadronamiento and no more than 90 days of absences. These are the same requirements as other arraigo types and are strictly enforced.
Tips & Advice
- âPublic vocational training (FP) is free in Spain and widely available. SEPE also offers free professional certificate programs. Check your local employment office for options.
- âThis pathway is especially valuable because it gives you a recognized Spanish qualification alongside legal residency. After completing training, your skills are officially certified.
- âThe renewal year after training completion is designed for job searching. Use this time to leverage your new qualification, build professional networks, and find employment in your field.
- âMany autonomous communities have specific programs designed for immigrants: Spanish language + vocational training combined courses. These can count toward both the training requirement and strengthen your integration report.
- âThe 30-hour/week work authorization during training is flexible â you can work in any sector, not just your training field. This helps support yourself while studying.
Official Sources
- Ministry of Inclusion â Arraigo
- Sede Electronica â Immigration Procedures
- Portal de Inmigracion
- SEPE â Public Employment Service
Information verified against official sources. Always confirm current requirements directly.
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