What type of Authorization is the Arraigo Familiar?
The "arraigo familiar" is a residence permit for exceptional circumstances that grants the ability to live and work in Spain for 5 years (as opposed to 1 as was previously the case) to those non-EU foreigners who can demonstrate a link with a Spanish citizen. In other words, the residence permit for family ties is no longer intended only for children or parents of Spaniards; today we find new cases that make this permit suitable for many more foreigners.
The application process is quite simple in terms of requirements, all this, added to the fact that this authorization must be obtained while the foreigner is in an irregular situation, makes it a very favorable option.
In addition to being a permit for 5 years, another of its great advantages is that it allows you to work in Spanish territory both as an employee (working for a company) and as a self-employed person (i.e., registering as self-employed and offering your services as an independent professional). Finally, there are different ways to obtain this authorization, but they all have something in common: to apply for family roots, you must be a family member of a Spanish or EU citizen.
On the other hand, it is worth mentioning the different key points of this residence authorization for exceptional circumstances:
Who can submit the application?
This residence authorization for exceptional circumstances belongs to the general regime, and only family members of Spanish citizens, whether nationalized or Spaniards of origin, are eligible. That is to say, as mentioned above, only those who can prove a family relationship with a Spanish citizen may apply.
Is it necessary to present financial means?
In answer to this question, another of the advantages of this permit is that it does not require the presentation of economic means. This is so, since in the case of ascendants over 65 years of age, or descendants under 21 years of age, it will not be necessary to demonstrate the situation of being in charge, that is to say, it will not be necessary to present any type of proof within this section. However, in the cases of those over 21 and under 65, it will be necessary to demonstrate the situation of being in charge of the Spanish citizen, or of his/her spouse or common-law partner, that is to say, it will be necessary to demonstrate the dependency of the foreigner applicant.
Is medical insurance required?
Another advantage of this permit is that it will not be necessary to demonstrate public or private health care for this residency.
Is it necessary to present a criminal record?
In order to be able to present this residence authorization, the main requirement is to provide an apostilled criminal record from the country of origin and the countries where the applicant has resided in the last 5 years.
Lastly, it is important to note that if a Family Rooted Status is requested, after 5 years the holder will be entitled to a 5-year Long Term Residence Permit.
