With its stunning coastlines, rich cultural heritage, and high standard of living, it’s no surprise that Spain remains one of the most popular destinations for those seeking a fresh start in Europe.
For non-EU nationals, the country offers a variety of pathways to residency – from fast-track options for entrepreneurs to flexible visas for retirees and remote workers. In 2025, Spain has even made it easier to stay long-term, with changes to the Arraigo Social rules that allow eligible residents to apply for this popular permit after just two years instead of three.
Here’s a look at the key residency options available this year.
Spain’s new “Arraigo Social” rules make legal residency easier to obtain
From 20 May 2025, Spain is letting eligible non-EU nationals apply for Arraigo Social after just two years’ residence instead of three. The former family-based category has been renamed ‘Arraigo Social’ and now includes clearer eligibility rules and a requirement to show sufficient funds. These changes form part of a wider update that standardises five ‘Arraigo’ pathways. This could mean faster approvals and a smoother route for those wanting to call the Costa del Sol home.
What Is Arraigo Social?
Arraigo, which means “taking root”, is a regularisation mechanism for non-EU nationals who can demonstrate integration into Spanish life through residence, social ties or employment.
- Previously named ‘Arraigo Familiar’, the Social route now covers not only family members of Spanish or EU nationals but also victims of gender-based violence, human trafficking survivors and their dependents.
- The key adjustment is that applicants must have two years of continuous residence in Spain, rather than three.
What has changed under the new rules?
Reduced Residency Threshold
Applicants may now apply after two years of undocumented residence in Spain instead of three, accelerating the timeline for legal status.
Renaming and Financial Criteria
The former Arraigo Familiar route is now the Arraigo Social scheme. While family-based connections remain central, applicants must also demonstrate sufficient financial means at the time of application.
Meanwhile, the previous Arraigo Social modality is renamed Arraigo Sociolaboral and focuses on employment-based integration, requiring at least a 20-hour-per-week work contract alongside two years’ residence.
Five Standardised Pathways
From 20 May 2025, the Arraigo system comprises five clearly defined routes:
- Arraigo Social: Two years’ residence, proof of social ties and financial means.
- Arraigo Sociolaboral: Two years’ residence plus a work contract of at least 20 hours per week.
- Arraigo Socio-formativo: Residence combined with vocational training, allowing work during studies.
- Arraigo de Segunda Oportunidad (Second-Chance Arraigo): For those who have lost prior legal status, provided application is made within one year of its expiry.
- Arraigo Familiar (Family Arraigo): For parents, guardians or carers of minor or disabled EU citizens, with the dependent age limit raised from 21 to 26.
These updated Arraigo Social rules are just one of the many pathways available for non-EU nationals seeking to make this beautiful country their home.
Depending on your circumstances – whether you’re retiring, running a business, working remotely, or reuniting with family – Spain offers a range of visas designed to accommodate different lifestyles and financial situations. From the flexible Non-Lucrative Visa to the popular Digital Nomad Visa, each residency option comes with its own set of requirements and advantages. Here’s an overview of the main visa options currently available:
Other residency options for non-EU nationals
1. Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) – Suitable for retirees or those with passive income, not intended for work.
- Income Requirement: Sufficient financial means to support yourself without working in Spain (€30,240 annually for the main applicant, plus €7,560 per dependent).
- Validity: One year initially, then renewable every two years, with the option to apply for permanent residency after five years.
2. Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Worker Visa)
- Income Requirement: Must demonstrate stable remote income (€2,500 to €3,000 per month).
- Validity: Typically one year, renewable up to five years.
3. Entrepreneur Visa (Start-Up Visa)
- Business Plan: Must present an innovative business plan that creates jobs and adds economic value to Spain (typically €50,000 to €100,000 in startup capital).
- Benefits: Fast-track processing and residency for family members.
- Validity: One year initially, renewable as long as the business remains active.
4. Family Reunification Visa
- Income Requirement: Sufficient income to support the entire family (€11,340 for the first family member plus €3,780 per additional member).
- Benefits: Full residency rights, including work.
- Validity: Aligned with the sponsor’s residence permit.
5. Student Visa
- Income Requirement: At least €7,560 per year for living expenses.
- Benefits: Part-time work rights and a pathway to a work permit after studies.
- Validity: Duration of the study program, renewable annually.
6. Self-Employed Work Visa
- Income Requirement: Sufficient funds to cover both living expenses and business costs (typically €20,000 to €30,000).
- Benefits: Grants the ability to live and work in Spain as a self-employed individual.
- Validity: One year initially, renewable based on business success.
7. Highly Qualified Professional Visa
- Minimum Salary: Typically €45,000 to €54,000 annually, depending on the industry and region.
- Benefits: Streamlined process for skilled professionals to obtain residency.
- Validity: Two years initially, then renewable.
The range of visa options reflects Spain’s openness to welcoming residents from around the world. With recent changes like the Arraigo Social rule reduction, it’s clear that Spain is actively adapting its immigration policies to attract a diverse community of residents.
Whether you’re looking to invest, study, work, or simply enjoy life in the sun, Spain’s residency options offer a flexible path to a brighter future.
