In short: arraigo is a residence authorisation on exceptional grounds for people in an irregular situation with ties to Spain; the new RD 1155/2024 (in force 20 May 2025) sets five types and generally requires 2 years of stay.
In person or by representative? The application can be filed at the immigration office; the source does not detail the modality for each type: by default prepare to appear in person (some immigration procedures allow a representative with power of attorney) and check with your office (inclusion.gob.es).
Common requirement: about 2 years of continuous stay in Spain (absences no longer than 90 days) and no relevant criminal record. The authorisation allows working; the first one usually lasts 1 year, renewable.
Types (RD 1155/2024 + Instruction SEM 1/2025):
- Socio-labour: one or more work contracts of ≥20 h/week and >90 days, with pay meeting the minimum wage or collective agreement.
- Social: family ties with a resident relative (spouse or registered partner and first-degree direct-line relatives) and sufficient economic means (≈200% of IPREM counting the relative).
- Socio-training: enrolled in or having applied for a place in regulated training (baccalaureate, mid-level vocational training, professional certificates 1-3, SEPE courses for hard-to-fill jobs); an integration report is required.
- Family: now restricted to family of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens (parent/guardian of an EU minor, or carer of an EU person with a disability).
- Second chance: for someone who previously held a (non-exceptional) residence permit and could not renew it, with ≥2 later years in an irregular situation.
There is also the extraordinary arraigo of RD 316/2026 (regularisation, deadline 30 June 2026).
Official source: Immigration Regulation (RD 1155/2024); per-type requirements at inclusion.gob.es and Instruction SEM 1/2025.
Informational only; exact requirements and documents vary by type and office — check the official source and a professional for your case.