Check the current processing times of the Immigration Office in Madrid in September 2025. Complete guide by Visal Immigration Lawyers on delays and how to manage your case.

If you have submitted an immigration application at the Immigration Office in Madrid and you still have not received a response, you are not alone. Madrid is the office with the highest number of cases in Spain, which means it is also one of the slowest when it comes to registering, processing, and resolving applications.

In this updated guide for September 2025, at Visal Immigration Lawyers, immigration lawyers based in Spain, we explain the current estimated resolution times, why there are delays, which permits are most affected, and what you can do while you wait.

We will also share practical advice on how to check the status of your case and how to improve your chances of success.

If, after reading, you would like personalized legal advice, remember that you can contact us on WhatsApp +34 618 702 253 (messages only) or book a consultation with one of our lawyers here: Book a consultation.

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Processing times at the Madrid Immigration Office as of September 2025

The Immigration Office of Madrid has recently published the estimated resolution times by type of application. These figures are very useful to understand which filing dates are currently being processed and whether your case is within the normal waiting period or has been delayed beyond average.

For example, when it comes to arraigo procedures (rooting permits), as of September 2025 the office is still resolving cases filed in February and March 2025. This means a delay of more than six months.

For non-lucrative residence permits, some initial applications submitted in January 2025 are still pending. On the other hand, renewals and modifications filed in April 2025 are already being processed, which shows that not all procedures follow the same timeline.

In the case of student permits, family members of EU citizens, or long-term residence, the delays are also significant, usually ranging from 4 to 7 months. Appeals (resources) are taking even longer, with some appeals filed in 2024 still unresolved in September 2025.

This confirms that, although Spanish immigration law establishes a maximum processing time of three months, in practice the Madrid office is far from meeting this legal deadline.

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Why is Madrid so delayed?

The main reason is the extremely high volume of cases handled by the office. Madrid has one of the largest foreign populations in Spain, which means its Immigration Office is permanently overloaded.

Other contributing factors include:

• Insufficient staff compared to the number of applications filed.

• The introduction of new residence permits such as the socio-formative arraigo or the digital nomad visa, which generate additional workload.

• The volume of appeals, which require a second review.

• The shift to online filing, which has increased the number of applications received but not necessarily sped up resolution.

In short, the delays are rarely due to a problem with your individual file. Instead, they are the result of structural overload.

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What do the estimated processing dates mean?

When the Immigration Office announces it is resolving, for example, social arraigo cases from February 2025, this means that if your application was submitted after that date, it is very likely that it has not yet been reviewed.

It is important to understand that these dates are approximate. Not all applications filed in the same month will be resolved simultaneously. Some will be decided sooner depending on complexity, whether the office issued a request for additional documents, or whether errors were found in the initial filing.

Therefore, these published dates should be seen as a guide, not as a fixed or guaranteed deadline.

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How to check the status of your application

The Spanish Ministry of Territorial Policy has an official online platform that allows you to check the status of your immigration application. You will need:

• Your file number or NIE.

• The date your application was submitted.

• To enter these details in the official portal.

This will show whether your case is still in process, approved, denied, or whether there is a request for additional documents.

At Visal Immigration Lawyers, we always recommend our clients to monitor the status of their applications online. However, we also encourage you to have a lawyer oversee the process so that any official request can be handled quickly and effectively, avoiding denials.

If you would like our team to carry out professional monitoring of your case, you can book your consultation here: Speak with an immigration lawyer.

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Practical tips for applicants waiting in Madrid

From our day-to-day work with foreign clients in Madrid, we can highlight some practical recommendations:

• Be patient, but proactive. Delays are the norm, so it’s essential to anticipate rather than simply wait.

• Check your electronic notifications. Many communications are sent to your “Carpeta Ciudadana” or official electronic inbox.

• Never miss a deadline. If you receive a request for further documentation, the response time is usually just 10 working days.

• Keep copies of all documents. From your submission receipt to every single communication with the office.

• Get expert advice. A properly prepared application from the start minimizes errors, reduces delays, and increases the chance of approval.

In our experience, many denials could have been avoided with professional guidance from the beginning.

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What if your case exceeds the legal deadlines?

If more than three months have passed since your application was filed without a response, Spanish immigration law applies the rule of administrative silence. Depending on the type of application, this silence can be positive or negative.

In arraigo and other exceptional residence permits, silence is usually negative, meaning that if no decision is issued within the legal timeframe, the application is considered denied.

Before reaching this point, however, it is advisable to take proactive steps: follow up your application, ensure you respond to any requests, and if necessary, file an administrative appeal.

At Visal Immigration Lawyers, we carefully analyze each case and prepare a tailored strategy to protect your rights and maximize the chances of success.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal for my case to take more than six months in Madrid?
Yes, it is unfortunately very common. The Madrid office has one of the highest workloads in Spain. While the law sets a three-month limit, in practice many cases exceed this timeline.

What can I do if my case is delayed beyond the legal deadline?
The most effective solution is to seek legal advice. Depending on your case, you may be able to file an appeal, a complaint, or another legal action. An immigration lawyer can advise on the best strategy.

Where can I check the status of my case?
You can check online through the official Ministry platform. Alternatively, you can instruct a lawyer to monitor your case and respond to any requests on your behalf.

Can I work while my application is pending?
It depends on the type of permit. For most initial residence applications, you cannot work until the resolution is favorable and your card is issued. There are, however, exceptions depending on your permit category.

Can I apply in another province to avoid delays?
No. Applications must be filed at the Immigration Office corresponding to your place of residence. You cannot simply choose a different office to reduce waiting times, except in very limited circumstances.

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Conclusion

The Madrid Immigration Office continues to experience serious delays in 2025, with many cases taking over six months to resolve. Understanding the current processing times, monitoring your application regularly, and seeking professional legal advice can make all the difference.

At Visal Immigration Lawyers, we have successfully helped hundreds of foreign nationals navigate these delays and secure their residence permits. If you would like us to assist with your application, you can message us directly on WhatsApp +34 618 702 253 or book a consultation online here: Book your consultation.

Our team will carefully review your case and guide you step by step until you receive your residence permit.