Automated translation, pending review. If in doubt, the Spanish version prevails.
When a foreign national seeks to regularise their situation in Spain, arraigo (a residence route for people with established ties to the country) is often one of the first options that comes up. But arraigo is not a single legal figure: several types exist, and choosing the right one is key. In this article we compare the two most frequently asked about: arraigo familiar (family-ties residence) and arraigo social (social-ties residence).
What do they have in common?
Both are residence authorisations granted on exceptional grounds that are applied for while already in Spain. They share some basic requirements, such as having no criminal record, but they differ in the tie that grants access to the authorisation and in their specific requirements.
Arraigo social
Arraigo social is based, essentially, on the length of stay in Spain and on integration in the country. Its main features are:
- It requires proof of a continuous period of residence (as a general rule, two years).
- It requires sufficient financial means, whether your own or those of a family member. Under the current Regulation (RD 1155/2024), arraigo social no longer requires an employment contract: the employment-based route is now the arraigo sociolaboral (labour-ties residence).
- Integration is evidenced through a report issued by the autonomous community or, where applicable, through family ties with residents.
It is the typical route for someone who has already been living in Spain for some time without authorisation and has built a life here.
Arraigo familiar
Under the current Regulation (RD 1155/2024), arraigo familiar is reserved for family members of citizens of the European Union, the EEA or Switzerland, mainly in two scenarios: being the parent or legal guardian of a minor who is a national of those countries and with whom you live, or providing support to a national of those countries who has a disability. Its main characteristics are:
- The core element is the family tie, not the length of stay.
- It does not require any prior period of residence.
- It does not require an employment contract in order to be granted.
Note: the family members of Spanish nationals (for example, the parent of a child with Spanish nationality) are no longer processed under arraigo familiar, but rather under the specific figure of residencia de familiar de ciudadano español (residence as a family member of a Spanish citizen). Correctly identifying which case applies to you is decisive.
Quick comparison table
| Aspect | Arraigo social | Arraigo familiar |
|---|---|---|
| Basis of the application | Time + integration | Family tie (EU/EEA/Switzerland) |
| Prior residence | Yes (as a general rule, 2 years) | Not required |
| Employment contract | No (that belongs to the sociolaboral) | No |
| Typical profile | Long irregular stay | Family member of an EU/EEA/Swiss national |
Which one is right for me?
There is no single answer: it depends on your specific situation. If you have a qualifying family tie with an EU/EEA/Swiss national, arraigo familiar is usually the quicker route. If your strong point is the length of time you have been in Spain and your integration, arraigo social is a better fit; and if you also have a job offer, you may be eligible for the arraigo sociolaboral.
In many cases it is advisable to analyse all the available routes —including the various types of arraigo (social, sociolaboral, socioformativo, familiar and second-chance) as well as other residence figures— before deciding, because an incorrect choice can lead to a refusal and the loss of time and fees.
Conclusion
Choosing the right type of arraigo is just as important as properly preparing the application file. At Conecta Legal we study your situation and recommend the type of arraigo with the best chances of success. Book your appointment with no obligation.
Informational content; it does not constitute legal advice. Consult a professional about your specific case.
