In this article, you will find everything you need to know about arraigo laboral in Spain: requirements, documents, and application process. But before we begin, here’s an important note.
The labor arraigo was a concept established in Royal Decree 557/2011, related to Organic Law 4/2000 (the main Spanish Immigration Law).
Starting in 2025, Royal Decree 1155/2024 came into force, along with its respective instructions, under which the former concept of “arraigo laboral” changed in both form and substance to what is now known as arraigo sociolaboral. Hence:
- If you’re interested in learning what labor ararigo entailed before this reform, keep reading this article.
- If, on the other hand, you’re interested in finding out how to obtain the “equivalent” of the former labor arraigo, click on this link, where we explain everything about arraigo sociolaboral.
The labor arraigo (or arraigo laboral) was a type of residence under exceptional circumstances that could be obtained by foreigners who have resided in Spain for 2 years, and were currently in an irregular situation.
In other words, it is the procedure that allowed foreigners who had lost their papers and had been in Spanish territory for 24 months to regularise their situation and obtain a regular residence permit.
Nevertheless, unlike the other types of arraigo procedures, this one presented a particularity that makes it a little more complex.
In order to apply for a work arraigo, the foreigner must demonstrate an employment relationship of at least 6 months, 30 hours a week. In other words, during the two years that they were in Spain, they must had worked legally for at least 183 days.
Related laws
All provisions regarding residence due to exceptional circumstances, as they applied through May 20, 2025, were set forth in Organic Law 4/2000 within Royal Decree 557/2011.
Do you have any doubts? Get in touch with our immigration lawyers and receive personalized legal advice and all your doubts solved:
Arraigo laboral in Spain requirements
Below are the requirements that were necessary to apply for arraigo laboral in the Spanish territory:
- Not having criminal records, either in Spain or in your country of origin, or wherever you have been living for the past 5 years.
- Not being an EU citizen
- Not having relatives in Spain, since that way you should opt for family arraigo instead.
- The most important one: to demonstrate the working relationship. That is to say, that you have worked legally in Spain for a minimum of 6 months, 30 hours a week. Or, for a minimum of 12 months, 15 hours a week.
- Copy of your complete passport.
- NIE number if you ever had it.
- Padrón, with which you will be able to demonstrate that you have been in Spain for 2 years. If you have been less than 2 years in the country, is it possible that soon you may be able to benefit from a new residency very similar to this type of arraigo but without those 2 years as a requirement. You can learn more about this update here.
- Any other type of proof regarding the duration of your continued stay: such as health cards, entry stamp, etc.
- Payment of the corresponding fee.
- Form EX-10
Again, an important note: None of these requirements apply anymore. If you are considering this process today, check the current requirements for arraigo sociolaboral.
How can I demonstrate the labor relationship?
As we have mentioned, you must have been working legally, which implies a job contract. You can present this contract to demonstrate the labor relationship.
The foreigner can also prove the required minimum of 6 months through the employment history report.
This is what happens with many red cardholders who apply for labor roots.
Application procedure step by step
Once you have all the above-mentioned documents and meet the requirements, you must go to the immigration office to formalize the application.
The administration has 90 days to respond after receiving your application.
Once you receive a positive response, you will have 1 month to go and pick up your TIE or physical residence card.
Please note that this authorization allows you to live in Spain for 1 year.
After this period, you can make a renewal. But for that it will be very important to have been contributing to social security; that is, to have been working for a company. You can access here a complete guide on how to renew your labor arraigo.
Labor arraigo frequently asked questions
What is the difference between socioal and labor arraigo?
Both types of arraigo require some form of employment link, so people often confuse them, but they are two different procedures.
Until May 2025, social arraigo required 3 years of residence versus 2 for labor arraigo; both now require 2 years. The real difference is the type of proof: labor arraigo (now called arraigo sociolaboral) requires an existing employment relationship, while social arraigo is typically based on a job offer or, in some cases, sufficient personal means or family ties.
Can I apply for labor arraigo as a self-employed worker?
Under the old labor arraigo (in force until 20 May 2025), self-employed foreigners could apply by proving at least 6 months of continuous self-employed activity. This is no longer the case.
The current arraigo sociolaboral explicitly excludes self-employment as a way to qualify (only an employment contract counts). If you work as a self-employed professional, you should look into social arraigo instead, which does allow for self-employment.
Where do you apply for labor arraigo?
As with other types of residency permits, you have two options for applying for this type of arraigo:
- Online or electronically, through the Mercurio platform. In this case, please note that you will need a digital certificate.
- In person, at the Immigration Office corresponding to your address.
Can I apply for a labor arraigo as a student?
Yes. If you were in Spain working on a student visa because you came to pursue higher education (which implicitly granted you authorization to work up to 30 hours per week), and you have completed the 2-year period, you can apply for work-based residency.
Start your arraigo application here
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