In Spain, three types of exceptional authorisations are offered for obtaining temporary residence, one of these options being arraigo laboral. This alternative is ideal for those seeking to regularise their situation after having lived in the country for more than two years. Arraigo laboral is specifically designed to facilitate the regularisation of people who have worked in an unregulated manner in Spain.

Historically, residency for labour roots has focused on supporting foreigners who were working illegally in Spain. Its main objective is to prevent labour exploitation. This modality of arraigo has functioned as a recognition by the immigration office of those who report their irregular labour situation and denounce their exploitative employers, who, as a result of these denunciations, could face legal sanctions.

What is arraigo laboral?

Arraigo laboral is a temporary residence permit granted to foreigners who, without having a valid residence permit, can prove that they have been in Spain continuously for at least 2 years and have worked continuously with contracts of a minimum duration of 6 months.

This procedure allows the regularisation of the situation of foreigners who have developed deep-rooted ties in Spain thanks to their work history, for which it is required to demonstrate work ties and not to have a criminal record in the last 5 years. There are a series of special requirements that we will explain below.

Requirements for obtaining Arraigo laboral in Spain

If you are not a citizen of the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland, nor a family member of such citizens, we can help you to meet the requirements to apply for the Arraigo laboral in Spain:

• Absence of criminal record in the last 5 years, both in Spain and in your previous country of residence. We take care of managing your criminal record certificates.
• No prohibition of entry to Spain or in countries with a shared refusal agreement. We make sure that your immigration history is suitable.
• If you have benefited from a previous voluntary return, we verify that you have already complied with the commitment period acquired.
• At least 2 years of continuous stay in Spain (with absences of less than 90 days per year). We analyse your entry and exit history.
• Employment relationship in Spain of at least 6 months. We certify your work contracts before immigration.

If you meet these 5 points, we can take care of all the paperwork for you to obtain your residence permit.

Applying for Arraigo laboral in Spain: the procedure

At Apply Golden Visa we handle your application for Arraigo laboral from start to finish. We take care of:

1. Submit your application in person at the Oficina de Extranjería in your province. We accompany you to the appointment and act as your legal representative in the case of minors or disabled persons.
2. Pay the €52 temporary residence fee on time. We provide you with the 790 form so that you can pay it conveniently.
3. Monitor the status of your application on a daily basis during the 3 month period that the administration has to resolve it. We inform you promptly without the need for you to ask.
4. Inform you of the approval (or refusal) so that you can collect your residence card as soon as possible.
5. Advise you afterwards on how to renew your residence and work permit, because we will continue to support you beyond the initial grant.