Arraigo social integration report: how to get it step by step

If you are preparing your arraigo (roots-based residence) application, the arraigo social integration report (also known as the social integration report) is usually the document that raises the most doubts and causes the most delays. In this orientative guide we explain, within the framework of the new Immigration Regulation (RD 1155/2024, in force since 20 May 2025), what exactly this report is, who issues it and, above all, the arraigo social integration report: how to get it without unnecessary detours.

What the arraigo social integration report is and why you need it

The arraigo social integration report is an official document that certifies your degree of integration in Spain. It is assessed by the regional (autonomous community) authority of the place where you live and serves to prove that you have real ties to your surroundings: length of stay, knowledge of the language, housing, means of living and participation in the community.

Under RD 1155/2024, arraigo social requires, among other conditions, having remained continuously in Spain for at least two years, having no relevant criminal record and proving that integration. In practice, the report is the usual way to prove it. If your profile fits better with an employment contract, you may want to review arraigo sociolaboral, which has different requirements.

Not sure which arraigo route applies to you? You can use our orientative route finder to get your bearings before requesting anything.

Arraigo social integration report: how to get it step by step

The specific procedure varies depending on the autonomous community (and even on the town hall, when the competence is delegated), but the general route is fairly similar across the country:

1. Register on the padrón and build up seniority. The empadronamiento (municipal registration) is the main proof of your continuous stay. The longer and more stable the history, the better.
2. Identify the competent body. Find out which regional department, social service or entity in your autonomous community issues the report. In some areas the town hall handles it directly.
3. Book an appointment and file the application. It is usually done through an official form, in person or online, together with the documents that prove your ties.
4. Provide evidence of integration. Municipal registration, housing, financial means, knowledge of the language (courses, certificates) and family or social relationships.
5. Wait for the decision and collect the report. The outcome may be favourable or unfavourable, and it sometimes includes recommendations that the Immigration Office later takes into account.

With the report in hand, you can then file your residence application through arraigo social before the corresponding Immigration Office.

What documentation the report usually requires

Although each community has its own list, these documents almost always appear:

• Full valid passport.
• Municipal registration certificate (certificado de empadronamiento), ideally a historical one.
• Housing documents (rental contract, transfer of use or ownership).
• Means of living: employment contract, job offer, payslips, benefits or your own resources.
• Proof of language skills and social participation (courses, training, volunteering).
• Documents proving family ties in Spain, if you have any.

Prepare foreign documents with their legalisation or apostille and a sworn translation where applicable, to avoid having your file returned.

Timelines: how long it takes to be issued

There is no single nationwide deadline: it depends on the workload of each autonomous community. As an orientative reference, many applicants receive the report between one and three months after submitting the complete application. Booking your appointment as early as possible and handing in well-organised documentation is the best way to shorten the wait.

What happens if the report is unfavourable or not issued on time

An unfavourable report does not automatically block your arraigo: the Immigration Office may assess other evidence of integration that you provide. And if the autonomous community does not issue it within the expected period, in many cases you can prove your integration by other means recognised in the regulations. If your situation gets complicated, it is worth reviewing all your options before giving up; the same route finder can help you compare alternatives.

Frequently asked questions

Who issues the arraigo social integration report?

It is issued by the autonomous community where you live, which sometimes delegates its preparation to the town hall or the municipal social services. It is worth confirming the competent body in your area before booking an appointment.

How many years of residence do I need for arraigo social?

Under RD 1155/2024 you are generally required to have remained continuously in Spain for at least two years, in addition to proving integration and having no relevant criminal record.

Does the arraigo social integration report expire?

It usually has a limited validity, so it is best to file your arraigo residence application shortly after obtaining it, so that it does not lose validity during processing.

Can I get arraigo without this report?

In certain cases it is possible to prove integration by other means provided for in the regulations, without the regional report. The specific route depends on your profile: that is why it is worth comparing arraigo social with arraigo sociolaboral before deciding.

Disclaimer: this guide is orientative and does not replace individual legal advice. Requirements and procedures may vary depending on your autonomous community and your personal situation. Always confirm the information with official sources or with an immigration professional before submitting your application.