Socio-Employment Rooting in Spain (2025)
The socio-employment arraigo (arraigo sociolaboral) is a legal path for foreign nationals in an irregular situation to obtain an authorization for residence and employment as an employee, provided they can prove a period of residence and a valid job offer in Spain.
Requirements to apply for socio-employment arraigo
1. Continuous residence in Spain for at least 2 years.
This must be proven through documentation such as a historical certificate of registration (empadronamiento).
2. Job offer (pre-contract).
• The employment contract, or the sum of contracts, must exceed 90 days in duration.
• The minimum weekly working hours must total 20 hours or more.
• The salary must be proportional to the Minimum Interprofessional Wage (SMI) or to the applicable collective agreement, according to the contracted hours.
3. No criminal record
In Spain and in the countries where the applicant has resided during the last five years.
4. Not being an applicant for international protection or having a ban on entry into Spain
Required documentation
• Valid and complete passport.
• Historical registration certificate proving continuous residence.
• Employment contract(s) meeting the required conditions for duration, working hours, and salary.
• Company-related documentation.
• Criminal record certificates.
Duration of the authorization and renewals
The initial authorization granted under socio-employment arraigo is valid for one year, regardless of the duration of the employment contract (as long as it exceeds 90 days).
To renew the authorization, it is necessary to maintain an effective employment relationship, regardless of the original contract length. Renewals are usually granted for two-year periods.
Transition to another type of permit
After completing one year of residence and employment under the socio-employment arraigo, and provided the specific requirements are met, it is possible to modify the authorization to another type of residence and work permit, either for self-employment or employment.
The time spent under this authorization counts towards other types of permits and for obtaining long-term residence.
Eligibility for Spanish nationality
Time spent residing legally and continuously in Spain under a socio-employment arraigo authorization does count towards the required years to apply for Spanish nationality by residence.
As long as the permit remains valid and is properly renewed, that time is considered legally resident for nationality purposes.
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