"Arraigo Socioformativo" in Spain 2025: Can You Apply If You Already Had a "Arraigo para la Formación"?

Friday, September 5, 2025

Find out if you can apply for the new Arraigo Socioformativo in Spain even if you previously held a Arraigo para la Formación. Full requirements, advantages, and updated legal guide by Visal Immigration Lawyers.

The new Spanish Immigration Regulation approved in 2025 has introduced a residence permit that is attracting enormous attention among foreigners already living in Spain: the Arraigo Socioformativo. This new residence not only allows you to study in Spain but also gives you the chance to work legally up to 30 hours per week—something unthinkable under the previous Arraigo para la Formación.

One of the most common questions we receive at Visal Immigration Lawyers is whether people who already applied for or held an Arraigo para la Formación before this reform can now benefit from the Arraigo Socioformativo. The answer is crucial because the new residence improves significantly on the old model, which was widely criticized for its absolute ban on working.

In this comprehensive guide, we explain what the Arraigo Socioformativo is, its requirements, benefits, and how it differs from the old Arraigo para la Formación. We also address whether you can apply if you had the previous permit, and we give you practical advice as experienced immigration lawyers in Spain.

The origin of the Arraigo Socioformativo: going beyond the Arraigo para la Formación

Until May 2025, the only similar option was the Arraigo para la Formación, a residence permit designed to allow foreigners to enroll in studies or vocational training programs in Spain. However, it had a major flaw: it did not authorize any work during its validity.

This restriction left many applicants in a precarious situation, unable to cover their living costs despite being legally resident. Recognizing the shortcomings, the Spanish legislator introduced the Arraigo Socioformativo, which keeps the academic component but adds the crucial ability to work up to 30 hours per week.

In practice, this new residence serves two purposes:

To promote the real integration of foreigners in Spain by enabling both study and paid work.
To respond to labor shortages in sectors listed in the official Catalog of Hard-to-Cover Occupations.

Requirements to qualify for the Arraigo Socioformativo

Applicants must cumulatively meet the following requirements under the new Immigration Regulation:

Have resided in Spain continuously for at least two years, without absences exceeding 90 days in total.
Not be an asylum seeker at the time of applying.
Have no criminal record in Spain or in any country of residence during the last five years.
Not be banned from entry in countries with which Spain has signed return agreements.
Be enrolled, already studying, or committed to starting a specific study or training program (formal education, professional certificates, or courses promoted by public employment services).
Provide a Social Integration Report issued by the local authorities.
Pay the applicable administrative fee.

It is important to note that the Social Integration Report is causing delays in some municipalities due to overloaded local offices. At Visal Immigration Lawyers, we recommend that clients prepare alternative evidence of integration (historical census registration, rental contracts, family ties, community participation) in case the report cannot be obtained quickly.

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What studies are accepted?

The regulation recognizes multiple types of training and education, including:

Secondary Education (ESO) and High School (Bachillerato).
Intermediate and basic vocational training (FP).
Artistic and sports education at the intermediate level.
Training for professional certificates (levels 1, 2, and 3).
Adult education programs (initial courses, secondary education for adults).
Courses promoted by the Public Employment Service related to occupations in the Hard-to-Cover Catalog.

The training may be in-person or blended, but at least 50% must be classroom-based.

Can you work with this permit?

Yes. The most important feature of the Arraigo Socioformativo is that it allows you to work legally up to 30 hours per week in any sector, provided the contract respects the minimum wage or applicable collective agreement.

This represents a radical improvement over the previous Arraigo para la Formación, which prohibited work entirely and led to many denials due to financial unsustainability.

What if I already had an Arraigo para la Formación?

This is the key question for many foreigners in Spain.

The answer is clear: you can apply for an Arraigo Socioformativo even if you previously had an Arraigo para la Formación. The new regulation does not impose any restriction on this.

In fact, many Immigration Offices are aware of the shortcomings of the Arraigo para la Formación and are admitting applications for the Arraigo Socioformativo from foreigners who already went through the old system.

In short: having had an Arraigo para la Formación does not prevent you from now obtaining the Arraigo Socioformativo, provided you meet the other requirements (time of residence, enrollment, integration, etc.).

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Advantages of the Arraigo Socioformativo

Work authorization up to 30 hours per week in any sector.
Greater flexibility for modifications: you can switch to a work residence with any job offer, not necessarily related to your studies.
Possibility of renewal if you complete or make good progress in your studies.
Option to change to self-employment, opening the door to entrepreneurship.

How to apply for the Arraigo Socioformativo

Applications are filed with the Immigration Office (Oficina de Extranjería) corresponding to your place of residence. The process requires:

Completing the official form EX-10.
Paying the administrative fee (Modelo 790).
Submitting your passport and historical census registration.
Providing proof of your two-year continuous stay in Spain.
Presenting your enrollment certificate in the study or training program.
Supplying the Social Integration Report.

Applications may be submitted online with a digital certificate or Cl@ve, or in person with an appointment.

At Visal Immigration Lawyers, we handle the process from start to finish, ensuring all requirements are met and avoiding the common mistakes that delay or derail applications.

Practical tips from an immigration lawyer

Do not apply without confirmed enrollment—this is one of the main reasons for denial.
If the Social Integration Report is delayed, submit alternative evidence of integration.
Avoid absences of more than 90 days during the two-year qualifying period.
Keep all proof of your stay in Spain: rental receipts, utility bills, remittances, census history.
Always consult a qualified lawyer before filing, to maximize your chances of approval.

Remember: a poorly prepared application can mean months of delay or even rejection.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can I apply for the Arraigo Socioformativo if I already had an Arraigo para la Formación?
Yes. The new regulation does not forbid it. On the contrary, Immigration Offices acknowledge that the old Arraigo para la Formación was impractical and are now accepting applications for the Arraigo Socioformativo from former holders, provided the general requirements are met.

How long must I have lived in Spain to apply?
You need to prove two years of continuous residence in Spain, with absences of no more than 90 days total. Evidence may include census records, invoices, remittance receipts, or other official documents.

What type of training is accepted?
You may study ESO, High School, vocational training, professional certificates, adult education, or training programs promoted by public employment services. At least half of the course must be classroom-based.

Can I work in any sector with the Arraigo Socioformativo?
Yes. This residence allows you to work up to 30 hours per week in any sector, as long as your salary respects the minimum wage or the collective bargaining agreement. This is the main advantage compared to the Arraigo para la Formación, which did not authorize any work.

What happens when the one-year residence expires?
You may renew the residence if you demonstrate progress in your studies or completion of the program. If you finish early, renewal depends on your employment situation or proof of active job search. You may also switch to a work residence, either employed or self-employed.

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Conclusion

The Arraigo Socioformativo has become one of the most attractive legal pathways for foreigners who have already been living in Spain for at least two years and want to combine studies with legal work. Its flexibility and clear advantages over the Arraigo para la Formación make it an excellent option for many immigrants in 2025.

If you are considering applying for this permit—or if you already went through the Arraigo para la Formación and want to know your options—the safest way is to rely on professional legal advice. At Visal Immigration Lawyers, we have successfully helped hundreds of foreigners secure their residence permits in Spain.

Do you still have questions? Contact us directly by WhatsApp at 618 702 253 or book an online consultation with one of our immigration lawyers here:

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We will be delighted to assist you.