Social Roots in Spain (2026 Guide): requirements, documents and how to apply step by step

If you have been living in Spain for some time and need to regularise your legal status, social roots in Spain may be the opportunity you have been waiting for. This authorisation, updated in May 2025, allows you to obtain a one-year residence permit, with permission to work both as an employee and as a self-employed worker.

Here we explain everything in a clear and friendly way, so you know exactly what you need and how to apply without complications.

What is social roots (arraigo social)?

Social roots is a temporary residence authorisation for exceptional circumstances intended for people who have been living in Spain for some time and have established ties here. It cannot be applied for from your country of origin: it must be processed while you are physically in Spain.

To obtain it, you must prove that you have lived in Spain continuously for at least two years and that you have one or more employment contracts meeting the minimum working hours and income requirements, or that you have family ties with legal residents in Spain and sufficient financial means.
If you do not have family ties, social integration can be proven through a social services integration report. This is a widely used option for people who have worked, studied or lived stably in Spain and want to regularise their situation.

Requirements to apply for social roots in Spain (2026)

The updated requirements are:

• Not be a citizen of the EU, EEA or Switzerland.
• Be physically present in Spain at the time of application.
• Have lived in Spain continuously for at least two years.
• Not be an applicant for international protection during the procedure.
• Have no criminal record in Spain or in the countries where you lived in the last five years.
• Not be listed as inadmissible or subject to an entry ban.
• Have paid the corresponding administrative fee.

In addition, you must meet one of the following conditions:

• Have one or more employment contracts of at least 20 hours per week, guaranteeing the minimum wage or the applicable collective agreement salary.
  Multiple contracts may be submitted (seasonal work, multiple employers or simultaneous occupations).
• Have family ties with other foreign nationals legally residing in Spain (spouse or registered partner, and first-degree relatives in direct line), proving sufficient financial means.
  If you do not have family ties, you may submit a social integration report issued by local social services.

Documentation for social roots (2026)

The required documentation includes:

• Official application form EX–10.
• Full passport.
• Proof of continuous residence in Spain for two years (registration certificates, rental contracts, bills, medical records, employment contracts, etc.).
• Criminal record certificate from the country of origin.

If applying with an employment contract:

• Signed employment contract(s).
• Employer documentation (tax ID, company deeds, articles of association).
• Proof of the employer’s financial solvency (IRPF, VAT, Corporate Tax or company employment history report – VILE).
• Professional qualifications or certificates, where required.

If applying without an employment contract:

• Proof of family relationship or social integration report.
• Proof of sufficient financial means (bank statements, property ownership, etc.).

All foreign documents must be officially translated by a sworn translator and legalised or apostilled, where applicable.

Step-by-step process to apply for social roots

1. Prepare all documentation
   This is the most important stage and where most mistakes occur.
2. Submit the application
   • In person at the Immigration Office.
   • Online through the Mercurio electronic platform.
     👉 Official link: https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es
     Online submission is usually faster.
3. Pay the fee
   The 790-052 fee must be paid within 10 working days.
4. Wait for the decision
   The maximum decision period is three months. If no response is received, the application is considered rejected by administrative silence.
5. Register with Social Security (if applying with a contract)
   Once approved, the employer has one month to register you.
6. Apply for the TIE
   After approval, you must apply for your Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) at the police station.

The permit is initially valid for one year, renewable or convertible into a standard residence and work permit if requirements are met.

Do you want to apply for social roots residence?

Many applications are rejected due to minor issues: missing apostilles, incomplete contracts or insufficient proof of residence.
Make sure your application is flawless or have it reviewed by a professional before submitting it.

At LAITOM Abogados, we are expert immigration lawyers in Fuengirola, and we will accompany you throughout the entire process: preparing your file, reviewing contracts, submitting your application online, and following up on the procedure until your permit is granted.

📩 Contact us and let us help you apply for your social roots residence safely and without mistakes.