Residency through arraigo is undoubtedly an ideal option for many foreigners who are in Spanish territory under an illegal situation. This procedure for exceptional circumstances allows them to regularize their situation and obtain a residence and work permit. And all this without the need to return to their country of origin.
The most important requirement to complete this process is to have stayed for long enough in Spain. Generally, at least 2 years of continuous residence.
But is it possible to apply for the arraigo in less time? Is it possible to apply for arraigo before the famous 2 years?
Let’s find the answer.
The answer is yes; it is possible to obtain arraigo in less than 2 years (as long as the rest of the requirements we will see below are fulfilled).
So why do many foreigners have this doubt, and where does the idea of 2 years come from?
The problem in this situation is that many tend to assume that all types of arraigo require a continuous irregular residence in Spain for at least two years
That is to say, while it is true that in order to obtain the arraigo social, the arraigo sociolaboral, the arraigo socioformativo or the second chance arraigo, the minimum time of continuous residence (although not legal) required is 2 years, you can still apply for the rest of the arraigos sooner.
Therefore, unless you are going to apply for:
- Social arraigo
- Sociolaboral arraigo
- Arraigo socioformativo
- Second chance arraigo
It is entirely possible to obtain an arraigo before the 2 years: applying for the family arraigo.
Below you will find the details of this option, but, once again, bear in mind that for the rest of the arraigos it is an indispensable requirement to have been in Spain for at least 2 years before your application.
Your option to obtain arraigo before 2 years
Let’s take a look at the form of arraigo that you will be able to apply for in less than 2 years in Spain while being under an illegal status.
Family arraigo
We find the family arraigo, perhaps the most advantageous of all, since first of all, it is not a residence authorization for 1 year, but for 5 years, which also allows you to work.
But, in addition, it does not require a period of residence of fewer than 2 years, but the truth is that it does not require any minimum (you will just need to be in an irregular situation at the time of the application).
In this case, the most important requirement is to be:
- Be a father, mother or guardian of a minor, national of another Member State of the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland (not Spain)
- Be the one who provides support to a person with a disability, who is a national of another Member State of the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland (not Spain)
Does social roots still require 3 years of residence?
No. Since the entry into force of Royal Decree 1155/2024 (May 20, 2025), social roots require 2 years of continuous residence in Spain, not 3.
For any arraigo option, how can you demonstrate your residence in the country?
Now you have a clear idea of how to get your arraigo in Spain in 2 years or less, and you have been able to understand the main requirements under the different available options.
However, imagine that you want to opt for an arraigo where they do request a minimum residence time.
The question we must ask ourselves then is how to prove that you have indeed been in the country during this period, as it is the fundamental requirement for this procedure.
Fortunately, there is no fixed answer, as the Spanish regulations admit any valid proof.
This will often be the empadronamiento (which you should get as soon as possible when you arrive in Spain), but it is not the only method.
You can also use electricity bills or receipts, gym receipts, etc.
That is to say, any proof that allows demonstrating that you have actually stayed in Spanish territory will be valid and you will have to provide it.
And remember that if you still have doubts or you would like our expert immigration lawyers to evaluate your situation in order to guide you step by step, do not hesitate to contact us below.
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