Residence through family ties (arraigo familiar)

Terms used

• Arraigo familiar — Arraigo familiar is a residence permit for certain close relatives of Spanish nationals who are already in Spain.
• Libro de familia — The libro de familia is the Spanish family book issued by the civil registry, recording births, marriages and children.
• DNI — The DNI is the Spanish national identity card.
• Padrón — The padrón is the town hall's register of residents, used to prove where you live.
• Oficina de Extranjería — The Oficina de Extranjería is the local immigration office that handles residence permit applications.

Key rules

• Permit length: Arraigo familiar gives a residence and work permit valid for 5 years.
• Right to work: You can work as an employee or self-employed, in any sector and region, from the start.
• Foreign documents: Foreign civil documents need legalisation or apostille and a sworn translation into Spanish.
• Where you apply: You apply from inside Spain, so this route is for people already here without residence.

Who can apply

• The parent of a Spanish minor.
• The child, of any age, of a person who was originally Spanish.
• The spouse or registered partner of a Spanish national.
• A child, parent or other dependant of a Spanish national, if you live with them and depend on them.
• The parent or legal guardian of a Spanish minor, or of a dependent adult with a disability.

The 2025 reform widened this list. Ties are classified in different ways, so check your exact case with the Oficina de Extranjería (the immigration office) before you file.

What you must prove

You must prove the family tie with civil registry papers. Parents and children use a birth certificate or the Spanish family book (libro de familia). Spouses and partners use a marriage or registered partnership certificate.

You also need your Spanish relative's DNI or passport. If your tie is based on living together or on dependence, add proof of it. Padrón registration (your town hall residence record) shows you live together. Financial dependence needs its own proof.

Foreign documents must be legalised or apostilled, then translated into Spanish by a sworn translator. The documents list below gives the full set.

Do you have to live with your relative?

Only some ties need it. If you apply as a dependant of a Spanish national, you must show that you live with them and depend on them. For other ties, such as a parent of a Spanish minor, the proof is the tie itself. The checklist below helps you confirm which applies to you.

What you get

The permit lets you live and work in Spain for 5 years. You can work as an employee or be self-employed, in any sector and any region, from the start. You do not need a separate work authorisation. Confirm the permit length with the Oficina de Extranjería when you file.

Next steps

1. Confirm your relative is a Spanish national and that your tie is on the list.
2. Collect the civil registry papers and get any foreign ones legalised and translated.
3. Register on the padrón if you need to prove you live together.

Documents you need

• Birth certificate or Spanish family book (libro de familia), issued by the civil registry, to prove the tie between parents and children.

• Marriage or registered partnership certificate from the civil registry, if you apply as a spouse or partner.

• The Spanish relative's DNI or passport.

• Proof that you live with your Spanish relative or depend on them, such as padrón registration (town hall residence record) or evidence of financial dependence, where it applies to your case.

• Any foreign civil document, legalised or apostilled, in the same form as the original.

• A sworn translation of each foreign document into Spanish.

Checklist

• Confirm your relative is a Spanish national and that your tie is one that qualifies: parent of a Spanish minor, child of an originally Spanish person, spouse or registered partner, or a dependant living with them.

• Check whether you must show that you live with your Spanish relative and depend on them.

• Collect the civil registry documents that prove your tie.

• Confirm the 5-year residence and work permit duration with the Oficina de Extranjería before you file.

Frequently asked questions

Can my adult child apply if my parent was originally Spanish?

Yes, children of any age of a person who was originally Spanish can qualify for arraigo familiar. The age of the child does not matter.

Do I have to live with the Spanish relative to qualify?

Yes, for children, parents and other dependants of a Spanish national, you must live with them and depend on them. Proof can be your padrón (town hall residence registration) and evidence of financial dependence.

Can I work straight away with arraigo familiar?

Yes, the permit lets you work as an employee or self-employed from the start. It covers any sector and any region of Spain. It is valid for 5 years.