Quick Facts
- Time in Spain: 2 years’ qualifying continuous presence
- Training: A course qualifying for arraigo socioformativo
- Processing: 3-month decision period, subject to lawful suspension
- Duration: 1 year; employed work up to 30 hours/week
Overview
New applications use arraigo socioformativo since 20 May 2025. Qualifying training and a social integration report are required. Older formación permits need transitional review.
Who Qualifies
- 2 years’ continuous presence; absences up to 90 days. Time as an asylum applicant does not count
- No relevant convictions in Spain or countries of residence during the 5 years before entry
- Qualifying enrolment or permitted training commitment
- No current stay/residence permit, pending application, extension, renewal or modification; not an asylum applicant
- No applicable entry ban or unexpired non-return commitment; removal cases need review
How It Works
Apply with training evidence and the integration report. Once granted, socioformativo allows employed work up to 30 hours weekly. Changing permits later requires a separate application and the relevant conditions; graduation does not trigger conversion.
Accredited Programs
Eligible options include specified secondary studies, professional certificates, in-person compulsory adult education and qualifying public-employment-service courses. Check the Ministry’s training requirements before enrolling.
Documentation
- Presence evidence: empadronamiento, bills and other dated records
- Required foreign criminal record certificates, with translation and legalisation where applicable
- Integration report; authorities check Spanish criminal records
- Qualifying enrolment or training commitment evidence
- Passport copy