Policy Update for Spain’s Arraigo Social: First-Year Insurance & Contract Essentials
The residency permit obtained through Social Integration (Arraigo Social) is a common type of work permit in Spain, often referred to as a “first-year work residency” or “integration residency.” Recently, Spanish authorities have made significant adjustments to the policy regarding social security contributions during the first year of this residency.
1. New Social Security Rules for the First Year
Under the new regulations, effective May 20, 2025, holders of a first-year work residency obtained through Arraigo Social are permitted to sign part-time work contracts (media jornada) and contribute correspondingly to social security on a part-time basis.
The policy specifies a minimum of 20 hours per week for part-time work, averaging four hours per day. This provides greater flexibility for both applicants and employers in choosing a work contract.
2. The Link Between Your Initial Contract and Insurance Type
It is crucial to note that the type of work contract submitted with the Arraigo Social application directly determines the initial social security contribution type. In other words, if you apply with a full-time contract (jornada completa), you must fulfill that contract and pay full social security contributions after your residency is approved.
Only if you apply with a part-time contract can you legally make part-time contributions once the residency is granted. The insurance type must be consistent with the contract originally used for the application.
3. Changing Jobs and Salary Requirements
The law permits changing jobs during the first year of residency. An individual can change employers, and the new employment contract can be of a different type, such as switching from full-time to part-time.
Regardless of the contract type (full-time or part-time), there is one critical, non-negotiable requirement: the employee’s salary must meet Spain’s national minimum wage (Salario Mínimo Interprofesional, SMI).
This minimum wage is calculated based on a full-time job. For example, if the legal minimum monthly salary for a full-time job in 2025 is €1,381, a worker on a part-time contract must earn a pro-rata salary that is no less than the corresponding fraction of that standard. As long as the salary meets this legal proportion, switching between part-time and full-time work is permitted.
4. Important Considerations When Changing Jobs
Although changing jobs within the first year is legally allowed, it is advisable to proceed with caution. Changing jobs immediately after the residency is approved could be viewed as a “sensitive action” by the authorities. It might raise suspicions about the authenticity of the initial contract and could even be interpreted as an attempt to obtain residency through fraudulent means.
To avoid unnecessary risks, it is recommended to work for the initial employer for at least 3 months after receiving residency before considering a job change. The safest approach is to complete the full one-year contract with the first employer before seeking new employment.
