Spain’s new Immigration Regulation, approved by Royal Decree 1155/2024 of 19 November, came into force on 20 May 2025. It replaces the 2011 regulation and significantly changes access to residence, especially through “arraigo” (residence based on ties to Spain).
Arraigo: less time and new types
As a general rule, applying for arraigo residence now requires two years of continuous stay in Spain (previously three). Family arraigo has no minimum period. The types are:
- social arraigo;
- socio-labour arraigo;
- socio-educational arraigo;
- family arraigo;
- second-chance arraigo, for people who held a permit in the last two years and could not renew it.
The first arraigo permit is granted for one year (five for family arraigo) and, after renewal, can be extended to four years.
Other relevant changes
- The job-search visa becomes a 12-month residence visa.
- The general deadline for deciding applications is three months.
- Applications filed before 20 May 2025 are processed under the old rules, unless the applicant asks for the new ones to apply.
Our advice
If you have been in Spain for some time without a permit, if your permit is about to expire or if you want to bring your family, it is worth reviewing your case under the new regulation: some situations that had no solution before now do. The requirements of each route are specific and the documents must be prepared carefully.
At Rosmedian Law we help you choose the right route and file the application. We work in Spanish, English and Russian.
