052 — Exceptional Circumstances Authorization (Autorización de Residencia por Circunstancias Excepcionales)

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052 — Exceptional Circumstances Authorization (Autorización de Residencia por Circunstancias Excepcionales)

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

At a Glance

Processing Time

3 months

Estimated Cost

EUR €54

Stay Duration

1 year

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

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Living in Spain

Cost of Living

26% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary€22,000

Quality of Life

183/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Exceptional-circumstances regularization pathway for undocumented residents in Spain with at least two years of continuous presence and demonstrated social, family, or labor ties.

The Arraigo (Autorizacion de Residencia por Circunstancias Excepcionales) is a Spanish regularization pathway for undocumented individuals who have built genuine ties in the country. Subcategories include Social, Laboral, Familiar, and Formacion, each targeting a different profile of integration.

The authorization is valid for 1 year, grants full work rights as employee or self-employed, and can be renewed and converted to standard long-term residence. Fees total EUR 54.36 (EUR 38.28 for the authorization + EUR 16.08 for the TIE card). Processing takes up to 3 months.

This visa is ideal for undocumented migrants already living in Spain who can demonstrate at least 2 years of continuous presence and meaningful social, family, or labor ties.

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Cost Breakdown

Administrative authorization fee (Modelo 790-052)EUR €38

TIE card fee (Modelo 790-012)EUR €16

TotalEUR €54

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Employee Work Visa (Visado de trabajo por cuenta ajena)

Spain

Employee Work Visa (Visado de trabajo por cuenta ajena)

Validity1 year

Processing3 months

View Visa Details

Spain

Self-Employment Visa (Autónomo)

Validity1 year

Processing3–4 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Proof of continuous residence in Spain (typically 2 years)

Lack of criminal records in Spain and countries of residence for the last 5 years

Valid passport

Evidence of social, family, or labor ties (e.g., employment contract, family relationship, or social integration report)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Provides a legal pathway to residency for individuals currently in an irregular situation
Includes authorization to work as an employee or self-employed individual
Serves as a stepping stone to long-term residency and potential citizenship

Worth Knowing

Requires proof of continuous presence in Spain, which can be difficult to document if undocumented
Strict requirements regarding criminal records and absence limits from Spain
Application must be submitted in person within Spain, not from abroad