Spain is highly attractive to foreigners due to the quality of life it offers, its tranquility, and the job opportunities available. In today’s article, we’ll provide you with all the keys to obtaining documents in Spain, as well as guide you through the procedures for obtaining documents in Spain.
How to Get Documents in Spain
Getting documents is the process that an foreign individual undergoes to regulate their situation through a residence or stay permit. Obtaining a work and residence permit can be challenging, especially if done from the country of origin. For this reason, many people decide to start the process once they are in Spain.
Tips for obtaining documents in Spain
Here are some key requirements to obtain documents in Spain smoothly. We always recommend seeking proper advice, and here are some recommendations you should follow for your regularization:
- Be registered in the place where you reside.
- Meet the necessary length of stay in Spain to apply for it.
- Keep receipts, invoices, purchase tickets, and other documents to prove that you have been living in Spain.
- Have no criminal record.
- Renew your registration.
- Integrate into the community where you live.
How to obtain documents in Spain
You can obtain documents in Spain through Arraigos and the EU Family Member Residence Card. Below, we explain each of these procedures.
Social Roots (Arraigo Social)
Social roots is the most common option for obtaining documents in Spain. To apply for this residence permit, you must have resided in Spain irregularly for three consecutive years. You can prove this time with the municipal register, so it’s crucial to register as a resident as soon as you arrive in Spain. The social integration permit has a duration of one year and can be renewed to allow you to remain in Spain.
Requirements for obtaining documents in Spain with social roots
- Be in Spain for three consecutive years.
- Be irregularly present in Spain.
- Have no criminal record in Spain or in the countries where you have resided in the last 5 years.
- Have a pre-contract of employment at the time of starting the application process.
- Have a social integration report confirming your social integration. This report must be issued by the Autonomous Community where you live.
Labor Roots (Arraigo Laboral)
Labor roots is another good way to obtain documents in Spain. To apply for this residence and work permit, you must have been in Spain irregularly for at least two years and have worked for at least 6 months in the country. The labor integration permit has a duration of one year and can also be renewed.
Requirements for obtaining documents in Spain with labor roots
- Have been in Spain for two consecutive years.
- Have no criminal record in Spain or in the country of origin, or in the countries where you have resided in the last 5 years.
- Not be a citizen of the European Union, European Economic Area, or Switzerland, nor be a family member of citizens of these countries.
- Demonstrate that you have worked for at least 6 months in Spain.
- Not be prohibited from entering Spain or be listed as rejectable in countries with which Spain has signed an agreement.
- Not be within the non-return period to Spain.
Family Roots (Arraigo Familiar)
Family roots is a widely used residence and work permit to obtain documents in Spain. This permit can be requested by relatives of a Spanish citizen. Currently, the following individuals can apply for family integration:
- Father, Mother, or Guardian of a minor with Spanish nationality.
- Person providing assistance to a Spanish disabled person.
- Spouse or common-law partner of a Spanish citizen, or minor or adult children over 21 who are dependent on the Spanish citizen.
Family integration has a significant advantage in that you do not need to be in Spain for a specified period to apply for it. It is a residence permit that lasts for 5 years and allows you to work and reside in Spain.
Requirements for obtaining documents in Spain with family roots
- Not be a citizen of the European Union, European Economic Area, or Switzerland, or be a family member of citizens of these countries.
- Have a family relationship.
- Have no criminal record in Spain or in your country of origin, or in the countries where you have resided in the last 5 years.
- Not be prohibited from entering Spain.
- Not be within the non-return period to Spain.
Training Roots (Arraigo para la formación)
Training roots is a residence permit that lasts for 1 year and can be requested by foreign individuals who have been irregularly present in Spain for 2 years. With this permit, they can regularize their status by undertaking training focused on employment with the aim of securing a job.
Requirements for obtaining documents in Spain with training roots
- Not be a citizen of the European Union, European Economic Area, or Switzerland, or be a family member of a citizen of these countries.
- Have no criminal record in Spain or in the country of origin, or in the countries where you have resided in the last 5 years.
- Not be prohibited from entering Spain or be listed as rejectable in countries with which Spain has signed an agreement.
- Not be within the non-return period to Spain.
- Have been in Spain for at least 2 years.
- Commit to completing training that is:
- Regulated for Employment or Professional Certification.
- Training leading to the acquisition of technical aptitude certification or professional authorization necessary for the exercise of a specific occupation, or promoted by Public Employment Services.
Residence Card for Family Members of EU Citizens
The residence card for family members of EU citizens is a residence permit valid for 5 years and allows both employed and self-employed work in Spain. This card can be requested by family members of European Union citizens.
Requirements for obtaining documents in Spain with the residence card for family members of EU citizens
- Accompany or join the EU citizen.
- Be employed or self-employed in Spain.
- Have sufficient financial means to support yourself in Spain.
- Public or private health insurance.
- Be enrolled in a public or private center recognized or funded by the educational administration to pursue studies or vocational training.
Who can apply for the residence card for family members of EU citizens?
The following individuals can apply for the residence card for family members of EU citizens to obtain documents in Spain:
- Spouse of the EU citizen.
- Common-law partner of the EU citizen.
- Direct descendants and those of the spouse or common-law partner.
What is the best way to obtain documents in Spain?
The best way to obtain documents in Spain varies and is highly personal. This means that each person has unique circumstances that should be addressed individually and personally. Therefore, our recommendation is to first seek thorough advice on the types of procedures that can be requested and which one is best for each of us. This way, we will be finding the best way to «obtain documents» in Spain and regularize our status.
Marta Palacios Cuesta is the founder and principal consultant of Es Abogado Extranjería, a law firm specializing in immigration law in Madrid and Seville. With an impressive academic background, Marta offers expert advice on immigration procedures, residency processes and obtaining Spanish nationality. Committed to providing personalized and up-to-date solutions, her firm stands out for its detailed and professional approach. If you need legal guidance regarding your status in Spain, contact Marta for a personalized consultation at Es Abogado Extranjería.