Arraigo familiar in Spain
Arraigo familiar has the narrowest applicant pool of any arraigo route: it is not for spouses or parents of Spanish citizens (they fall under a separate regime), but for parents and guardians of minor EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and for people caring for a relative with a disability of the same nationality. In exchange, there is no minimum residence period, and the card is issued for 5 years.
Contents
What it is in plain terms
Arraigo familiar is a temporary residence authorisation for exceptional circumstances (article 127.e of the Regulation approved by RD 1155/2024, in force since 20 May 2025) for two narrow categories of applicants: parents or guardians of minor EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, and people caring for a relative with a disability of the same nationality. Unlike other arraigo types, it requires no minimum period of residence in Spain, and the card is issued directly for 5 years instead of the usual 1 year.
Who it fits
The first category is a parent or legal guardian of a minor who holds citizenship of another EU, EEA or Swiss state, provided the applicant lives with the child or can document that they fulfil parental obligations (child support, involvement in upbringing, and so on).
The second category is someone who supports a relative with a disability who holds EU/EEA/Swiss citizenship in exercising their legal capacity: the applicant must be a family member, have that person in their care, and live together with them.
An important clarification from the 2024-2025 reform. Spouses and de facto partners of Spanish citizens, as well as ascendants (parents of Spanish citizens), no longer fall under arraigo familiar: they have their own regime - family member of a Spanish citizen. Before filing, it is worth pinning down precisely which of the two regimes applies to your situation, since the requirements and documents differ.
Requirements 2026
- A family or guardianship relationship that fits one of the two categories above, documented (birth certificate, court guardianship order, disability and dependency documentation).
- Cohabitation with the minor or the person with a disability, or documented proof of fulfilling parental obligations.
- Criminal record certificate and apostille from countries of residence over the last 5 years.
- Not being an asylum seeker with a pending application.
- Application fee paid (modelo 790, código 052); check the current amount when filing.
A minimum period of residence in Spain, an integration report, and proof of income are not required for this route - in that sense arraigo familiar is simpler than most other categories.
Right to work
Full right to live and work in Spain - both employed and self-employed - for the entire five-year validity of the card, with no territorial or professional restrictions.
How the process works
The application is filed from inside Spain: in person at the Oficina de Extranjería in your province of residence, or online through the Mercurio platform with a digital certificate.
Step-by-step process
- Gather documents proving the family or guardianship relationship and the EU/EEA/Swiss citizenship of the child or relative with a disability.
- Prepare the criminal record certificate with apostille and sworn translation, plus evidence of cohabitation or fulfilment of parental obligations.
- File form EX-10 in person or via Mercurio, and pay the fee within 10 working days.
- The immigration authorities review the application.
- On approval, book a TIE appointment at the police station in your place of residence.
Timeline and cost
Processing takes up to 3 months from the day after the application is registered; if no decision is issued, the application is deemed rejected by administrative silence. The fee under modelo 790 (código 052) is set officially and periodically indexed, with the TIE card issued for a separate fee (modelo 790, código 012). The main extra costs are sworn translations and legalisation of guardianship or disability documents.
Renewal and the path to permanent residence and citizenship
The card is valid for 5 years - usually enough time to also meet the requirements for long-term residence (5 years of legal residence) or to build up time toward citizenship. Renewal or a switch to another status depends on whether the original grounds still hold when the card expires (the child is still a minor, the disability and dependency are still documented).
Common mistakes
- Confusing arraigo familiar with residency for family members of a Spanish citizen and filing under the wrong regime - especially spouses and parents of Spanish citizens, who now follow a different route.
- Failing to document cohabitation or fulfilment of parental obligations: the family relationship alone is not enough.
- Submitting disability documentation without an official translation and legalisation.
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for arraigo familiar?
Parents or legal guardians of a minor who is a national of another EU, EEA or Swiss state, provided they live with the child or fulfil parental obligations. Also people who support a relative with a disability of the same nationality in exercising their legal capacity, if the applicant is a family member, has that person in their care, and lives with them.
Do I need to have lived in Spain for a set period to apply?
No - unlike social, sociolaboral and socioformativo, arraigo familiar has no minimum residence period in Spain. That is one of its defining features: the basis is the family or guardianship relationship itself, not a period of rootedness.
Is it true that spouses of Spanish citizens can no longer get arraigo familiar?
Yes, this changed with RD 1155/2024. Previously spouses, de facto partners and parents of Spanish citizens could apply for arraigo familiar, but under the new Regulation they fall under a separate regime - residency for family members of a Spanish citizen - rather than arraigo.
How long is the arraigo familiar card valid for?
5 years - noticeably longer than most other arraigo types, where the first card is issued for just 1 year. The card grants the right to live and work in Spain for the entire period.