Effective May 20, 2025, Spain introduced a key opportunity for former temporary residents to advance toward obtaining permanent residency in Spain. Arraigo, under the new immigration framework, constitutes a renewed opportunity for foreign individuals to regularize and regain Spanish residency status in Spain.
What is arraigo in Spain?
Previously, individuals who had resided in Spain but hadn’t been granted a renewed residency due to certain circumstances, would be required to depart Spanish territory. However, with reference to new Spanish immigration laws established, the second-chance arraigo residency permit provides an opportunity to regain legal status in Spain. It applies to individuals who have resided in the country for at least two years and were denied a renewed residence permit within the last two years due to exceptional circumstances, provided all other applicable legal conditions are satisfied. This new pathway offers a crucial opportunity for arraigo in Spain applicants.
Beyond the Second-Chance arraigo, it’s beneficial to understand the broader context of Spanish immigration. For those seeking initial entry or different pathways, exploring various initial residency options in Spain such as the Non-Lucrative Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, or general Work Permits can provide valuable insights into the common routes to legal residence.
Legal Conditions and Limitations
Provided all other conditions are met, if you’ve resided in Spain for at least two years and have been denied a residence permit renewal due to exceptional circumstances within the last two years, then pursuing arraigo may allow you to continue your established trajectory of residing in Spain. In light of this, two clear definitions outline what constitutes an ‘exceptional circumstance’ that may have prevented the past renewal or extension of residency, as outlined below:
- expiration of the residency application period
- failure to meet the residency requirements
Additionally, being eligible for this application requires that the denial of renewal isn’t related to the extinction as outlined in Article 200.1 or that there are no reasons of public order, security, or public health, unless there’s a dismissal or an acquittal sentence.
However, it should be emphasized that exceptional circumstances which prevented you from obtaining a residence permit must have taken place within the two years immediately preceding the arraigo application. Additionally, it is important to note that the residence permit previously held must not have been granted on the basis of exceptional circumstances (such as arraigo, international protection, humanitarian reasons, or cooperation with authorities), and must have been eligible for renewal or extension.
Engaging our team to guide you through this process will not only be a strategic step toward securing your long-term future in Spain, but also ensure that your application for arraigo in Spain is managed efficiently and with the utmost precision.
Basic Admission Criteria
While the principal criterion distinguishing arraigo is the requirement of legal residency in Spain at least two years prior, applicants must also meet other eligibility conditions. The following information introduces other requirements:
- Not be a citizen of a state of the European Union, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland, or a family member of an individual to whom the status of EU citizen applies.
- To be physically present in Spain.
- Don’t have an international protection status during the time of application submission or processing.
- The requirement of previous residence for at least two years can’t include any period during which the applicant held, or was in the process of applying for, international protection.
- Don’t pose a threat to public order, security, or public health, nor have had a previous permit renewal denied on these grounds (unless the sentence was overturned, dismissed, or resulted in acquittal).
- Hold no criminal record in Spain or countries in which they’ve resided in for the last five years, in accordance with crimes under Spanish law.
- Not be listed as rejected in the territorial area of countries with which Spain has signed an agreement to this effect.
- Not be within the period of commitment not to return to Spain.
- Pay the fee for processing the procedure.
If you meet all of these conditions, or if your case presents unique circumstances requiring further assessment, we strongly encourage you to contact our team to ensure proper guidance through the application process.
Furthermore, documents must be presented to submit the application. While copies of the documents are encouraged to be provided with the application, the original copies still must be shown during submission. The documentation required includes:
- Application form ex-10, completed and signed by applicant.
- Full copy of the passport, travel document, or registration certificate.
- Documentation proving continuous residence in Spain for a minimum period of two years.
- Official criminal record certificate of the country or countries that the applicant resided in for the previous five years before entering Spain.
Additionally, all documents must be translated into Spanish or the co-official language of the territory in which the application is submitted by a certified translator, a process in which our experienced team will ensure clear communication of your immigration procedure.
What is the application and renewal process?
The arraigo application process requires the filing of applications and the payment of the corresponding fees. Once all requirements have been fulfilled for the submission of the application and entered into the registry, then the resolution period of three months takes into effect. During this period, a notification by the Administration must be announced regarding the approval of the application. If this period elapses without any notification by the Administration, then the application may be deemed as rejected due to the silence.
If granted, the second chance arraigo residency permit will be valid for one year. Upon expiration, you may modify an initial residence or work permit, or you may renew the arraigo residency permit for annual periods, if the requirements are met.
What are the advantages?
Provided all eligibility conditions are met, arraigo second-chance pathway offers advantages that contribute to a stable and dignified life in Spain. It offers advantages related to your residence status, as well as a professional employment integration.
Residence Status
Being the main purpose of second chance arraigo, this residency permit allows an opportunity to restore residency in spain. It grants individuals the chance to regain legal status in Spain and enjoy the security and peace of mind that comes with residing lawfully in the country.
Professional Integration in Spain
Once the arraigo residency permit is granted, it automatically includes your work authorization status. This includes a work status whether you are employed or you are self-employed. Additionally, there are no geographical or sectoral limitations, thereby allowing individuals greater flexibility in accessing employment opportunities across various regions and industries in Spain.
The Klev&Vera Distinction
At Klev&Vera, our experienced team of immigration professionals is dedicated to guiding you through the second-chance arraigo process with clarity, efficiency, and care. Every step of your application will be assessed in detail to ensure your application meets the Spanish legal requirements.
Our team of professionals will assist you in your specific case by providing key legal information relevant to your situation, answering your questions with clarity, and offering strategic advice tailored to your particular needs and circumstances. A thorough understanding of your specific circumstances enables us to assess and confirm your eligibility to apply for this residency permit. We will further prepare the required legal documents, by ensuring the documents are aligned to your case and the requirement of the government. These documents must also be duly prepared through accurate translation into spanish, or where applicable, the co-official language of the territory in which the application is submitted by a certified translator, a requirement our firm is well equipped to manage with expertise. We also handle communication with the relevant authorities, ensuring that your case is properly monitored and any issues are addressed promptly to facilitate a smooth and efficient process.
Our services continue beyond approval, supporting you for other required legal steps and needs. This may be through the process of renewal or other actions as required by law for your application. For those envisioning a long-term future, we can also provide guidance on the pathway to Spanish citizenship by residency once you meet the eligibility criteria.
We understand that pursuing legal residency in Spain is an important step for you and your future. We are committed to providing you with comprehensive, professional support throughout this process, ensuring that you feel confident and informed every step of the way. Let us put our experience and dedication to work for you so you can focus on building a secure and stable life in Spain.
If you require professional advice on the Second-Chance Arraigo or any related immigration procedure, get in contact through our web form, our email, or call us so we can assist you with your matter.
This article is written in collaboration with Samaa Niazi, a member of the Legal Support Team at Klev&Vera.
What you need to know about second-chance arraigo in Spain
What is arraigo in Spain and how does it benefit me?
Second chance arraigo is a new opportunity offered by the Spanish legislation to re-obtain legal residence. This authorization is designed for people who have previously lived in Spain with legal residency, but who lost their status due to certain circumstances. This option recognizes that you’ve already demonstrated your ability to integrate into Spanish society and allows you to regularize your situation more quickly. This makes arraigo in Spain an invaluable pathway for many.
Example to illustrate: Imagine you’re a British entrepreneur who obtained a residence permit through investment in 2021, established your business in Barcelona, but due to administrative complications, you were unable to renew your permit in 2023. With the second-chance arraigo, you can regain legal status in Spain and continue your business project.
Once granted, it automatically includes authorization to work both as an employee and self-employed, without geographical or sectoral limitations.
Can I apply for the second-chance arraigo if I had legal issues in the past?
The answer depends on the type of legal issues you’ve faced. If your previous residence permit wasn’t renewed due to reasons of public order, security, or public health, you’d generally not be eligible for this option.
However, there’s an important exception: if there has been an acquittal, dismissal, or denial related to those legal issues, you may submit the application.
We evaluate each case individually and confidentially, carefully reviewing your history to determine your real chances of success.
How long must I have lived in Spain to be eligible?
You must demonstrate a minimum of two consecutive years of residence in Spain. Additionally, this previous residence must have occurred immediately prior to the arraigo application of second-chance arraigo.
Example to illustrate: Consider the case of a U.S. executive who lived in Madrid from March 2021 to July 2023, however, the person encountered issues that prevented them from being able to renew his residency before its expiration. The executive didn’t returned to the USA and in June 2025 applied and was approved for the second-chance arraigo residency permit which allowed the executive to reintegrate into the Spanish society and regain residency and employment.
This example highlights the importance of both maintaining at least two-year continuous prior residence in Spain and ensuring that the gap between losing your permit and applying for second-chance arraigo doesn’t exceed two years.
What specific documentation do I need to prove my eligibility?
The required documentation is extensive: a complete passport with all entry and exit stamps, criminal record certificates from all countries where you’ve resided in the last five years, and documentation proving your continuous residence in Spain for the required two years.
All foreign documents must be duly translated by a certified translator and legalized or apostilled, as appropriate.
We coordinate the entire documentation process, working with specialized professionals to ensure that the documentation complies exactly with Spanish legal requirements.
What are the processing times, and what happens if my application is delayed?
The official arraigo application resolution period is three months from the submission of the complete application to the registry. However, these deadlines may be extended due to the workload of the administrative offices.
If the three months pass without a response, your application is legally considered to have been rejected due to administrative silence. However, in most cases, it is advisable to wait for the Immigration Office to issue an express resolution, as filing an appeal against administrative silence often results in several additional months of delay. Our team of lawyers can assess your case and advise you on the best course of action.
Example to illustrate: Imagine a New Zealand entrepreneur submits his arraigo application on May 21, 2025. If by the end of August he has not received a response, the application is formally considered denied, which would allow him to initiate an administrative appeal process. This uncertainty can negatively affect their business and family plans.
Our proactive monitoring allows us to anticipate potential delays and take the necessary measures to expedite the process.
What specific employment benefits will I gain with this authorization?
Once granted, this authorization grants you complete freedom of employment in Spain. You’ll be able to work for someone else or develop your own business, without geographical or sectoral restrictions.
Example to illustrate: Imagine a British consultant who obtains this authorization could simultaneously work as an employee for a multinational company in Madrid, develop independent consulting projects for clients in Barcelona, and establish a technology start-up in Valencia, all without the need for additional authorizations.
This demonstrates the flexibility provided by this authorization, allowing you to pursue diverse professional activities across different regions and sectors in Spain without additional bureaucratic hurdles.
How long is the residency permit valid for and what steps should be taken upon expiration?
The second-chance arraigo residency permit is valid for one year. Upon its expiration, the next steps are to either apply for a different form of residency or work permit, or you may continue to renew your residency permit for annual periods, if the requirements are met. In both of these options, all requirements as required by law must be met in order to be eligible.
Our team is committed to supporting you in advancing this process, confirming that you meet the necessary requirements, and helping you make an informed decision through our extensive expertise.
Why choose Klev & Vera to manage your second-chance arraigo?
At Klev&Vera, we understand that every situation is unique. Our international clients value our legal expertise, fluent communication in English and other languages, and understanding of the complexities faced by international professionals.
Don’t leave your future in Spain to chance. Errors in this process can result in delays and legal complications.
Contact our team through our web form, call us directly, or write to our email. We offer a personalized initial consultation where we’ll evaluate your specific case.
Your peace of mind and your future in Spain are just a consultation away. Trust in Klev&Vera’s experience.
