MSM LEGAL CONSULTING

🔄 Second Chance Residence Permit in Spain (Arraigo de Segunda Oportunidad)

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The Second Chance Residence Permit (Arraigo de Segunda Oportunidad) is a new legal pathway that allows foreigners in Spain to recover their legal status after losing or being unable to renew a previous residence authorization.

 

It was created under the 2024 Immigration Regulation Reform (Royal Decree 1155/2024) as a modernized version of the former “arraigo sociolaboral”, adapting it to current social and legal realities.

 

This permit is designed for individuals who have lived continuously in Spain for at least two years and who previously held a residence permit that expired or was not renewed — as long as it wasn’t originally granted under exceptional circumstances such as humanitarian or family reasons.

 

In practical terms, it offers a fresh start to people who were once legally residing and working in Spain but, due to administrative, employment, or personal reasons, lost their regular status. Even if your renewal was denied or you went through legal proceedings that ended with an acquittal, dismissal, or non-conviction, you may now be eligible to apply again and regain your residence and work rights in Spain.

 

This new regulation recognizes that many foreigners have already made strong ties and contributions to Spanish society — and it gives them a second chance to continue their life in Spain legally.

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👥 Who can apply?

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You may qualify if:

• 🕓 You have lived continuously in Spain for at least two years.

• 🧾 You previously held a residence permit (not for exceptional circumstances) that expired or was not renewed.

• 🧑‍⚖️ You have no criminal record in Spain or in any country where you have lived in the past five years.

• 🛑 You do not pose a threat to public order, national security, or public health.

• 🚫 You are not a citizen of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland.

• 🕊️ You are not currently an asylum seeker in Spain.

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💼 Benefits of this residence permit

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• Legal residence for one year in Spain.

• Automatic authorization to work, both as an employee and self-employed.

• The possibility to renew or modify the permit later to a standard residence and work permit.

• A clear legal pathway to re-establish your life and rights in Spain.

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📋 Required documentation

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When applying, you will need to provide:

• 🛂 Valid passport or travel document (complete copy).

• 🏠 Proof of continuous residence in Spain for at least two years, such as:

  • Rental contracts,

  • Empadronamiento certificates,

  • Utility bills or invoices, etc.

• ⚖️ Criminal record certificate from your home country (translated and legalised if applicable).

• 💶 Proof of payment of the government fee (Form 790 – Code 052).

• 📄 Additional documents may be required depending on your personal circumstances.

 

📝 Note: All foreign documents must be officially translated into Spanish and legalised or apostilled, unless exempt under an international agreement.

 

🧾 How MSM Legal Consulting can help

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At MSM Legal Consulting, we specialize in immigration and residence procedures in Spain.

We will:

• Evaluate your eligibility for the Second Chance residence permit.

• Prepare and file your application with all necessary documentation.

• Communicate with the Foreigners’ Office on your behalf.

• Assist you in obtaining your TIE and, if needed, renew or modify your permit in the future.

Our goal is to ensure your process is clear, fast, and stress-free.

 

Contact us

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If you believe you might qualify for the Second Chance Residence Permit, contact our legal team today.

📞 Phone: 93 559 1969 - +34 602 821 666
📧 Email: admin@msmlegalconsulting.es