The social roots residence permit is one of the most accessible pathways for undocumented foreigners to obtain legal residency in Spain. With the new Immigration Law in effect since 2025, this process has been renewed with measures aimed at making it fairer, more agile, and more realistic for many migrants’ everyday lives.
Below, we explain in detail the changes introduced, the updated requirements, and how you can start the process step-by-step. At Legal Allies, we help you understand this legal figure and assess whether it is the right option for you.
The Basics: What Is the Social Roots Residence Permit?
The social roots residence permit is an exceptional authorization granted to foreign nationals who have lived in Spain continuously for at least three years and can demonstrate their social integration. This permit grants legal residence for one year, with the possibility of renewal and modification to another type of authorization.
Key Updates in 2025: More Flexibility, Fewer Barriers
The new Immigration Law has introduced important updates to this procedure. Here are the main advantages:
More Ways to Prove Integration
You are no longer limited to a social services integration report. You may also present:
- Certificates from vocational training courses
- Participation in community or volunteer activities
- Proof of collaboration with NGOs or local associations
Employment Contracts More Adapted to Reality
The employment contract is no longer required to be full-time or permanent. Now accepted are:
- Part-time contracts with proportional salaries
- Multiple simultaneous contracts that together ensure sufficient income
- Contracts in sectors such as domestic work, agriculture, or hospitality
New Ways to Prove Family or Social Ties
You can now prove social roots if:
- You live with a registered domestic partner
- You care for a dependent family member
- You are responsible for school-aged children in Spain
Who Can Apply for the Social Roots Residence Permit?
To be eligible for this permit, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have lived in Spain continuously for at least three years, with absences not exceeding 120 days
- Prove social integration through:
- Family ties
- Municipal reports
- Active participation in the community
- Have a valid job offer or sufficient financial means
- Have no criminal record in Spain or your country of origin in the past five years
- Possess valid basic documentation, such as a passport and required certificates
Required Documents for the 2025 Social Roots Residence Permit
Among others, you must submit:
- A complete copy of your valid passport
- Historic registration certificate (minimum three years)
- Proof of residence in Spain (medical, banking, school records, etc.)
- Documentation proving family or social ties
- Employment contract or proof of financial means
- Criminal background certificates, translated and legalized
- Proof of integration courses or activities
All documents must be translated by a sworn translator if not in Spanish. The process can be completed entirely online.
What Type of Employment Qualifies?
The new regulation allows greater flexibility. Accepted contracts include:
- Permanent or temporary contracts lasting at least one year
- Part-time contracts if stability is demonstrated
- Multiple contracts in compatible jobs (e.g., hospitality + cleaning)
- Caregiving contracts within the family registered in Social Security
This reflects the reality of many individuals who have worked informally in essential but precarious sectors.
What If Your Application Is Denied?
If your application for a social roots residence permit is denied, you can:
- File an administrative appeal before the immigration office
- Take legal action via a judicial appeal
- Submit a new, more robust application
At Legal Allies, we review your case and advise you on the best strategy to improve your chances in a new application.
What Comes Next? Renewal and Modification of the Permit
Once granted, the permit is valid for one year. Afterward, you may:
- Renew it if you still meet the conditions
- Modify it to a residence and work permit as an employee or self-employed worker
- Apply for nationality after meeting the time requirements depending on your country of origin
During the first year, it’s important to stay up to date with your labor and tax obligations to simplify future procedures.
Why Is This Permit a Real Opportunity?
The social roots residence permit offers a realistic and legal path for many individuals who have built a life in Spain. The 2025 reform has made it more humane, more adaptable to diverse situations, and faster to process.
At Legal Allies, we help you:
- Assess if you meet the current requirements
- Gather the correct documentation
- Avoid common application mistakes
- Develop a legal strategy if your case is complex
You’ll find more information about other regularization options—such as residence for training or labor roots—in our guides tailored to the 2025 legal framework.
