The family roots is one of the best options for obtaining legal residence in Spain if you are a foreigner and have a Spanish family. This process has been updated in 2025 with important changes that facilitate certain procedures.
In this complete and updated guideI explain everything you need to know:
What is "arraigo familiar" and who can apply for it?
✅ Final changes to the 2025 regulation.
Necessary documentation and key requirements.
Step-by-step application process.
✅ Special cases and frequently asked questions
📌 Updated with the latest 2025 legal reforms for a more streamlined and effective process.
1️⃣ What is family roots?
The family roots is a permit for residence in exceptional circumstances which is granted to foreigners who have a direct link to a Spanish citizen. This permit is valid for a period of one year and allows you to work both by employed as well as self-employed.
🔍 What's new in the 2025 regulation?
⚡ Major changes in regulation:
The requirement to demonstrate financial means has been removed in some cases.
✔ Response times have been speeded up in provinces with high demand.
✔ The concession has been made more flexible for family members of Spaniards living abroad.
2️⃣ Who can apply for family roots in 2025?
Foreigners who meet the following conditions are eligible to apply one of these requirements:
1️⃣ Parent of a Spanish minorThe Commission is committed to their maintenance.
2️⃣ Son of a Spanish citizen of origineven if he or she was born in another country.
3️⃣ Spouse, unmarried partner, ascendant or descendant of a Spanish citizenif you are financially dependent on him.
💡 Special cases in 2025:
🔹 If the Spanish citizen resides outside Spainyou can now apply for family roots as long as you can prove that you have an effective link and not only documentary.
3️⃣ Arraigo Familiar vs Tarjeta Comunitaria: Which one is right for me?
If your Spanish family member has lived in another EU country with you, you may be able to you can apply for a Community Card instead of a Family Residence Card..
| Feature | Family roots | Community Card |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 1 year (modifiable) | 5 years (renewable) |
| Work permit | Yes | Yes |
| Financial requirements | Non-compulsory in 2025 | Yes, the family member must prove income |
| Easier to obtain | Yes | No, it requires further formalities |
📌 Conclusion: If you are eligible for the Community CardIt is a better option than family roots because it gives you residency for 5 years instead of only 1 year.
4️⃣ Requirements and necessary documentation
✅ Not have a criminal record in Spain or in the countries where you have resided in the last 5 years.
✅ Not be subject to an expulsion order.
✅ Accredit the family link with official documents.
✅ Demonstrate economic dependenceif necessary.
📌 Mandatory documents:
✔ Form EX-10 completed.
✔ Valid passport with all pages.
✔ Birth certificate or family book proving the link with the Spanish citizen.
✔ Criminal records.
✔ Certificate of census registration (if applicable).
✔ Fee 790 code 052 paid (approximately €10.94).
💡 Important in 2025: If the applicant is ancestor or descendant of a Spaniardcan now demonstrate the relationship through electronic means without the need to present a family record book in some cases.
5️⃣ How to apply for "arraigo familiar"? Step by step
1️⃣ Gathering documentation.
2️⃣ Request an appointment at the Foreigners' Office on the official website:
🔗 https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es
3️⃣ Submit the application in person or electronically.
4️⃣ Wait for resolution (up to 3 months, but in 2025 some provinces take only 6 weeks).
5️⃣ Applying for the TIE if the application is approved.
📌If you have any doubts, in our gestoría de extranjería in BarcelonaWe can help you meet the requirements and submit an error-free application.
6️⃣ Frequently asked questions
Below, we answer the most common doubts so that you are clear on every detail of the process.
📌 How long does it take for the family to take root in 2025?
Previously it took up to 3 months, but with the new measures in 2025:
🔹 Madrid and Barcelona: 6-8 weeks.
🔹 Other provinces: Up to 3 months.
📌 What happens if I am refused family roots?
If you are refused family roots, you can submit:
✅ Appeal for reconsideration in 30 days.
✅ Contentious-administrative appeal in 2 months.
📌 What to do after the first year of family roots?
You can change your residence to a permit of long lifeprovided you meet the requirements.
📞 Contact an expert and process your family roots today
The family roots is still one of the fastest ways to regularise your residence in Spain. With the new developments in 2025, the process is more flexible and agilebut each case is different and a mistake in the application can delay your application.
To make sure that you meet all the requirements and submit your application without errors, it is best to have professional advice.
📌 Need help?
🔹 Free consultation with an immigration lawyer.
🔹 Document review to avoid rejections.
🔹 Fast and uncomplicated processing.
📞 Contact us now and regularise your situation in Spain.
Article updated February 2025
