These are the types of roots that exist in Spain:
Social, work and family roots.
- Social roots: This type of residency permit is for foreigners who have lived in Spain for at least three continuous years. To obtain it, you need to have a work contract or sufficient financial means, a social integration report issued by the corresponding autonomous community, and not have a criminal record in Spain or in your country of origin.
- Work roots: This is granted to foreigners who can prove that they have been in Spain for at least two years and have worked here illegally, that is, without an official contract, for a minimum of six months. You must prove this with a court ruling or a report from the Labour Inspectorate.
- Family roots: This type of residence permit is for foreigners who are parents of a minor of Spanish nationality or who have Spanish parents. In this case, it is not necessary to prove the length of residence in Spain.
The permission of Roots for Formation, introduced in August 2022, allows immigrants who have lived in Spain continuously for at least two years to stay in the country for the purpose of training or studying.
In this regard, consideration is being given to allowing holders of this permit to work part-time while studying, which is a significant and positive change.
1. Social roots
The social roots It is one of the procedures contemplated in the immigration laws in Spain that allows immigrants to regularize their legal status in the country. This process is designed for those who have established social and family ties in Spain and wish to obtain a residence permit.
Requirements for Social Roots
In order to apply for social roots, it is necessary to meet the following requirements:
- Not being a citizen of a State of the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland.
- Have no criminal record in Spain or in your previous countries of residence.
- Not being banned from entering Spain.
- Having remained in Spain continuously for a minimum period of three years.
- Have an employment contract signed by an employer in Spain or prove that you have sufficient financial means to support yourself.
- Prove family ties with other foreign residents or present a social integration report issued by the autonomous community where you reside.
Necessary documentation
The documentation to be submitted includes:
- Social roots application form.
- Valid and current passport.
- Documentation proving continued residence in Spain for a minimum period of three years.
- Employment contract signed by the employer or documentation proving sufficient financial means.
- Report on social integration, social roots or documentation proving family ties in Barcelona.
Procedure
The application for social roots is made by the interested party or his/her representative using the corresponding form, entering the data in each field and attaching the supporting documentation. The procedure must be resolved and notified within three months.
Request an appointment for the social roots report
To make an appointment for the social roots report in Barcelona, you must follow these steps:
- Access the website of the autonomous community: In this case, the Generalitat de Catalunya. There you will find the section on immigration and procedures for immigrants.
- Select the social roots procedure: Look for the option to request the social roots report.
- Fill out the application form: Complete the form with your personal details and the required information.
- Attach the necessary documentation: Make sure you have all the necessary documents, such as a valid passport, documentation proving your continued residence in Spain for a minimum period of three years, and an employment contract or documentation proving sufficient financial means.
- Request an appointment: Once you have completed the form and attached the documentation, you can request an appointment to submit your application in person.
It is important that you follow the specific instructions indicated on the Generalitat de Catalunya website to ensure that your application is processed correctly.
2. Work roots
Employment status allows immigrants to regularize their situation through an employment contract.
Requirements:
- Not be a citizen of a State of the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland, nor a family member of citizens of these countries.
- Not having a criminal record in Spain or in their previous countries of residence for crimes under the Spanish legal system.
- Not be prohibited from entering Spain and not be listed as being rejected in the territorial space of countries with which Spain has signed an agreement to this effect.
- Having remained in Spain continuously for a minimum period of two years.
- Demonstrate an employment relationship of at least six months, with a workweek of 30 hours or 15 hours per week for 12 months.
Required Documentation:
- Standardized form EX-10 for requesting residence3.
- Documentación acreditativa de la permanencia continuada en España durante un periodo mínimo de dos años4.
- Documentation proving the existence of employment relationships.
Procedure:
- The application is made by the interested party or his/her representative using form EX-10, entering the data in each field and attaching supporting documentation3.
- The procedure must be resolved and notified within three months.
3. Family roots
The family roots It is one of the procedures contemplated in the immigration laws in Spain that allows immigrants to regularize their legal status in the country. This process is designed for those who have direct family ties with Spanish citizens or legal residents in Spain.
Requirements for Family Roots
In order to apply for social roots, it is necessary to meet the following requirements:
- Not being a citizen of a State of the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland.
- Have no criminal record in Spain or in your previous countries of residence.
- Not being banned from entering Spain.
- Having remained in Spain continuously for a minimum period of three years.
- Have an employment contract signed by an employer in Spain or prove that you have sufficient financial means to support yourself.
- Prove family ties with other foreign residents or present a social integration report issued by the autonomous community where you reside.
Necessary documentation
The documentation to be submitted includes:
- Social roots application form.
- Valid and current passport.
- Documentation proving continued residence in Spain for a minimum period of three years.
- Employment contract signed by the employer or documentation proving sufficient financial means.
- Social integration report or documentation proving family ties.
Procedure
The application for social roots is made by the interested party or his/her representative using the corresponding form, entering the data in each field and attaching the supporting documentation. The procedure must be resolved and notified within three months.
