Arraigo Sociolaboral

Arraigo Sociolaboral

Last updated: May 2025

The Arraigo Sociolaboral is a brand-new residency category introduced by the May 2025 immigration reform. It is designed for non-EU citizens who have been living in Spain without legal status for at least 2 years and can present one or more employment contracts totaling at least 20 hours per week with salary proportional to the SMI (Salario Minimo Interprofesional). Unlike the classic Arraigo Social, this pathway focuses specifically on employment integration. Applicants can combine multiple part-time contracts to meet the 20-hour threshold. The permit is granted for 1 year, allows full work authorization, and is renewable.

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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): ~â‚Ŧ16

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
  • Present one or more employment contracts totaling at least 20 hours per week
  • Salary must be proportional to the SMI (Salario Minimo Interprofesional) for the hours worked
  • Employer(s) must be registered and current on Social Security obligations in Spain
  • Total absences from Spain must not exceed 90 days during the 2-year period
  • Not be currently an asylum seeker with a pending application

Document Checklist

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Step-by-Step Application Process

1

Verify your continuous residence

Obtain a certificado de empadronamiento historico from your Ayuntamiento confirming at least 2 years of continuous registration. Gather supplementary evidence if needed (medical records, school enrollment).

2

Secure employment contract(s)

Find one or more employers willing to offer contracts totaling at least 20 hours/week. The salary must be proportional to the SMI for hours worked. Multiple part-time contracts can be combined.

3

Gather employer documentation

Request from each employer their CIF/NIF, Social Security registration, and a certificate proving they are current on obligations. The employer must be solvent and compliant.

4

Obtain criminal record certificates

Request criminal record certificates from your country of origin and any country of residence (6+ months) in the past 5 years. Have them apostilled and translated by a sworn translator.

5

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 documents. Pay the modelo 790 code 052 fee beforehand.

6

Wait for resolution

The administration has 3 months to resolve. If no response within 3 months, the application is considered denied by administrative silence.

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Processing Time

Up to 3 months from submission. Finding an employer and gathering their documentation may add 1-2 months to the overall timeline.

Costs

  • Application fee (Modelo 790 code 052): ~â‚Ŧ16.08
  • TIE card fee: ~â‚Ŧ16-â‚Ŧ21 (Tasa 790 modelo 012)
  • Criminal record apostille: varies by country (â‚Ŧ5-â‚Ŧ50)
  • Sworn translations: â‚Ŧ30-â‚Ŧ80 per document
  • Legal assistance (optional): â‚Ŧ500-â‚Ŧ1,500

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Contracts that don't add up to 20 hours/week

Each contract must clearly state hours. If combining multiple contracts, the total must reach at least 20 hours/week. Vague contracts without specific hours will be rejected.

Employer not current on Social Security obligations

If the employer has outstanding debts with Social Security or tax authorities, the application will be denied. Always verify the employer's compliance status before applying.

Salary below proportional SMI

The salary offered must be proportional to the SMI for the contracted hours. A 20-hour/week contract must offer at least 50% of the full-time SMI. Below-market offers raise red flags.

Gaps in empadronamiento

Continuous 2-year registration is mandatory. Any gaps in your empadronamiento record can lead to denial. Keep your registration updated at all times.

Tips & Advice

  • ✓This is a new category from the 2025 reform — processing offices are still adapting. Be patient and bring extra supporting documentation to your appointment.
  • ✓You can combine multiple part-time contracts from different employers to reach the 20-hour minimum. This is especially useful in sectors like hospitality, cleaning, and delivery services.
  • ✓Ask potential employers for a pre-contract (pre-contrato) if they're willing to hire you pending your permit approval. This is standard practice for arraigo applications.
  • ✓Sectors with high demand for workers — hospitality, agriculture, construction, domestic work — are generally more receptive to hiring arraigo applicants.
  • ✓Keep copies of all submitted documents. If your application is denied, you have 1 month to file an appeal (recurso de reposicion) or 2 months for judicial appeal.

Official Sources

Information verified against official sources. Always confirm current requirements directly.

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