Social or socio-labour arraigo: which to choose for your case

Choosing between social or socio-labour arraigo (arraigo, roots-based residence) is one of the most common questions among people who have been in Spain without papers for a while and want to regularise their situation. Although both are arraigo routes and share the basis of having stayed continuously in the country, their requirements and their logic are different: one relies on your ties and integration, and the other on work. In this guidance guide we explain the differences after the new Immigration Regulation (RD 1155/2024, in force since 20 May 2025) so that you can identify which one best fits your case.

What social arraigo and socio-labour arraigo are

Arraigo is a residence authorisation on exceptional grounds designed for people who have already been living in Spain in an irregular situation for some time. The new Regulation reorganised the types of arraigo and, among them, are these two routes:

• Social arraigo: based on your integration and your ties in Spain. It is normally evidenced with a work contract or sufficient financial means, together with family ties to residents or an integration report issued by your autonomous community.
• Socio-labour arraigo: this is the work-based route (it replaces the former "labour arraigo"). It relies on one or more employment contracts guaranteeing a minimum income, without needing to provide the integration report or to prove a prior employment relationship.

You can check the full detail of each one on the social arraigo and socio-labour arraigo pages.

Social or socio-labour arraigo: key differences

The underlying question when you hesitate between social or socio-labour arraigo is simple: is your strong point your integration and your ties, or is it a job offer? These are the most relevant differences:

Length of stay in Spain

Under RD 1155/2024, both routes require proof of a continuous stay in Spain of at least 2 years. This is an important change for social arraigo, which previously required 3 years.

What each route relies on

• Social arraigo: focuses on integration. It is usually evidenced with family ties to foreign residents or, failing that, with an arraigo or social integration report from the autonomous community, plus a work contract or sufficient financial means.
• Socio-labour arraigo: focuses on employment. The core requirement is having one or more work contracts guaranteeing pay at least equivalent to the Minimum Interprofessional Wage (SMI) for the relevant working hours. It does not require the integration report.

Requirements common to both

• Not being a citizen of a European Union State, the European Economic Area or Switzerland, nor a family member of such a citizen.
• Having no criminal record in Spain or in the countries where you have resided in recent years.
• Not being banned from entering Spain or listed as inadmissible.
• Proving the required continuous stay.

Bear in mind that the specific requirements and amounts may vary and that each case file is assessed individually. Before deciding, check your case against the up-to-date official information.

How to tell which one suits you

As general guidance, these pointers can help you lean towards one or the other:

• Choose socio-labour arraigo if what you have is a job offer or an employment contract and your priority is to start working as soon as possible, without depending on your autonomous community's integration report.
• Choose social arraigo if your strong point is integration (family ties to residents, provable time living in Spain, a favourable report) or if your employment situation is that of self-employed work or you have your own financial means.

If you are still not sure, use our immigration route finder: by answering a few questions about your situation, it points you towards the arraigo (or another route) that best fits you.

Frequently asked questions about social or socio-labour arraigo

Can I apply for social and socio-labour arraigo at the same time?

It is not advisable to submit two simultaneous applications on the same grounds. The usual approach is to analyse your case, choose the route where you best meet the requirements and apply only for that one. If it is refused, you can then consider another route depending on your situation.

How long do I need to have been in Spain for each arraigo?

Under RD 1155/2024, both social and socio-labour arraigo require proof of at least 2 years of continuous stay in Spain. You must be able to prove it with documentation (empadronamiento (municipal registration), reports, etc.).

Does socio-labour arraigo need an integration report?

No. Unlike social arraigo, socio-labour arraigo relies on the work contract or contracts and, as a general rule, does not require the autonomous community's arraigo or social integration report.

Can I work with social arraigo?

Yes. The social arraigo authorisation, as currently configured, allows you to work. That is why it is usual to provide a work contract or sufficient financial means when submitting the application. Check the specific conditions on the route's page.

What happens if I have a criminal record?

Having a criminal record in Spain or in the countries where you have resided may prevent arraigo from being granted, whether social or socio-labour. Each case is assessed individually, so it is advisable to review it before applying.

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This guide is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law and its requirements may change, and each case file is resolved individually. For your specific case, consult official sources or a registered professional before submitting any application.