El blog de Maria

Since the Brexit transition ended in December 2020, we've met many British citizens who’ve continued living in Spain without a formal residency status. Some missed the deadline to apply under the Withdrawal Agreement. Others didn’t realise they needed to. It’s more common than people think. If that’s your case, you’re not alone.

The good news is that on 20 May 2025, new immigration rules came into force in Spain that open up more realistic and accessible ways to regularise your status. We’ve gone through the details and broken them down below, focusing on what might actually work for people who’ve made their lives here.

Social Arraigo – Two Years of Residence

If you’ve lived in Spain for at least two years, are registered on the padrón, and have a job offer—or strong community ties—you could apply for a one-year residence permit (renewable for four years). This is the route we most often see used by people who’ve quietly settled into Spanish life but never formalised their situation.

Labour Arraigo – Residence Through Employment

Have a valid job contract and been here two years? You might be eligible for labour arraigo. This option recognises your contribution to the local economy and provides a legal path forward if you’re already working.

Family Arraigo – Ties to Spanish or EU Nationals

If you have a child who is a Spanish or EU citizen, or a partner who is Spanish, there may be a direct way to get a five-year residence permit. We've come across many people who didn’t realise their family situation could give them access to legal residency.

Other Legal Routes

• Arraigo for Training – If you’re enrolling in a recognised course.

• Second-Chance Arraigo – If you once had legal residency but let it lapse.

• Extraordinary Regularisation (Proposed) – There’s a proposal that could allow people who were living in Spain before 31 December 2024 to regularise their situation. We’re keeping an eye on it.

Alternative Visas

If you’re still in the UK or thinking of restarting from scratch:

• Digital Nomad Visa – For those working remotely for companies abroad.

• Non-Lucrative Visa – For those with passive income or savings who aren’t planning to work in Spain.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right route depends on your personal circumstances. We’ve put together this summary to help people understand what’s available now—without the legal jargon. These paths aren’t theoretical. We see people using them. Some involve more paperwork than others, but if you’ve made your life here, there’s likely a way forward.

If you think one of these applies to you, take some time to look into it. And if you’re not sure, it’s worth asking. Even a short conversation can help clarify what’s realistic in your case.