Spain•EuropeSocio-educational Roots Residence Permit (Arraigo Socioformativo)
At a Glance
3 months
Not confirmed
Check the official source1 year (renewable for 1 additional year)
Not renewable
Renewal
Not renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required

Living in Spain
Overview
Exceptional-circumstances residence permit for undocumented foreigners with two years of continuous presence in Spain who commit to accredited vocational training.
The Arraigo Socioformativo is a Spanish exceptional-circumstances residence permit for undocumented foreigners who have lived continuously in Spain for at least 2 years and commit to an accredited vocational or professional training program. No prior job offer is required.
The permit is valid for 12 months, renewable for a further 12 if training continues beyond one year, up to a 2-year maximum. Holders may work up to 30 hours per week from the date the TIE card is issued. On completing the training, the permit converts to a standard 2-year work and residence authorization.
This visa is ideal for undocumented migrants who have built roots in Spain and want a legal pathway to residency through vocational training without needing an employer sponsor.

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Conversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
SpainEmployee Work Visa (Visado de trabajo por cuenta ajena)
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Proof of 2 years of continuous residence in Spain
No criminal record in Spain or countries of residence in the last 5 years
Commitment to complete training, secondary education, or socio-labor insertion program
Valid passport
KEY CRITERIA
Education
high_school or higher
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Provides a legal pathway to residency for individuals in an irregular situation
- Allows for subsequent modification to a standard work and residence permit
- Does not require a pre-existing job offer at the time of initial application
Worth Knowing
- Does not grant the right to work during the initial training period
- Requires strict adherence to the training program; failure to enroll or complete it can lead to permit revocation
- Requires proof of continuous residence which can be difficult to document if living irregularly
Application Process
Gather proof of 2-year continuous residence and criminal record certificates
Identify and secure a commitment for an accredited training program
Submit application (Modelo EX-10) to the local Immigration Office
Enroll in the training program within 3 months of approval
Apply for a work permit modification upon successful completion of training
Related visas
More visas in Spain
Residency visas in other countries

Living in Spain
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