In short: arraigo social is a residence authorisation on exceptional grounds for people with 2 continuous years in Spain (absences ≤90 days) who either have family ties to a legal resident plus economic means (200% of IPREM) — or, without such ties, a favourable social-integration report from their region or town hall (Hoja 28, inclusion.gob.es).
In person or by representative? Filed personally (legal representative only for minors/persons with disability — SEM 1/2024): at your provincial Immigration Office or online via Mercurio.
The two routes (Hoja 28):
- With family ties: spouse or registered partner, or first-degree direct-line relatives, holding a residence permit. Means: 100% of IPREM proven by the resident relative + 100% for the applicant (200% total, available in Spain and coming from those relatives; self-employment income may qualify under art. 84).
- Without ties: a favourable social-integration report from the region (or town hall) of your habitual residence (issued within 1 month; if not issued on time and you can prove it, any valid evidence may substitute). It assesses time at your address, means and integration programmes — see SEM 4/2025 instructions on the arraigo report.
Common requirements: not an international-protection applicant when filing or during processing (time as an asylum applicant does not count towards the 2 years); not an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen or family member under the EU regime; no criminal record in Spain and countries of residence over the last 5 years; pay the fee.
Decision: 3 months; no reply = rejected by administrative silence (what to do). The permit lasts 1 year and allows working (employed or self-employed); renewal requires still meeting the requirements + active job search and registration with the public employment service (except illness, disability or retirement age).
Steps:
- Gather proof of the 2 years (documents from Spanish administrations: padrón, healthcare records, etc.).
- Depending on your route: family-tie documents (marriage/partner-registry or birth certificates) + proof of 200% IPREM, or request the social-integration report from your region/town hall.
- Criminal-record certificates from countries of the last 5 years (sworn translation; apostille/legalisation where needed).
- File form EX-10 at your provincial Immigration Office or via Mercurio.
- Pay the fee, form 790 code 052 (heading 2.3.1) within 10 working days.
- If granted: apply in person for the TIE card within 1 month (documents).
Official source: Information sheet 28 — inclusion.gob.es · RD 1155/2024, arts. 124-127 & 130-132.
Informational only; check the official source and a professional for your specific case.