As of mid-August 2026, immigration authorities in Spain’s major cities have updated the processing timelines for various residency permits. This article compiles the latest official processing dates for the Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia regions to serve as a reference for applicants awaiting a decision.
[Important Note] The dates listed represent the submission date of the applications currently being processed by the immigration office. This does not mean that applications submitted after these dates have not been reviewed or approved. Processing speed is affected by various factors, including case complexity and the completeness of documents.
Madrid Region Processing Times
The Madrid immigration office has updated its processing status as of August 2026. All applications for Arraigo (Roots) under the old regulations have been completed.
Arraigo (Roots) Residency
- Arraigo under New Regulations:
- Arraigo for Training (Socioformativo): Processing up to June 7, 2026
- Social Roots (Social): Processing up to June 5, 2026
- Family Roots (Familiar): Processing up to May 22, 2026
- Labor Roots (Sociolaboral): Processing up to May 21, 2026
- Second Chance Roots (Segunda Oportunidad): Processing up to May 15, 2026
- Arraigo under Old Regulations: Applications for Family, Labor, Social, and Training Roots are all Completed.
Family and EU-Related Residency
- Family Member of a Spanish Citizen Residency: Processing up to May 15, 2026
- EU Family Member Residency: Both initial and permanent applications are processing up to April 21, 2026; Brexit-related residency is processing up to May 22, 2026.
- Family Reunification: Initial applications are processing up to May 15, 2026, and renewals up to June 5, 2026.
Student, Work, and Other Residencies
- Student Residency: Initial applications are processing up to May 31, 2026, and extensions up to May 23, 2026.
- Work-Related Residency: Initial employee work permits are processing up to April 10, 2026; initial self-employed permits up to June 7, 2026; renewals up to April 20, 2026.
- Non-Lucrative Residency: Initial applications are processing up to June 9, 2026, and renewals up to April 6, 2026.
- Long-Term Residency: Both standard and EU long-term residency are processing up to March 2, 2026.
- Residency for Minors: For those born in Spain, processing up to May 1, 2026; for those not born in Spain, up to May 18, 2026.
- Change of Residency Status: Change from student status is processing up to May 26, 2026; change from non-work status up to February 10, 2026.
Barcelona Region Processing Times
The Barcelona immigration office notes that all applications submitted after May 20, 2025, are processed under the new Immigration Regulations. Additionally, the processing outlook for various Arraigo applications under the reformed law is positive.
Arraigo and Family-Related Residency
- Arraigo (Roots) Residency: Applications for Arraigo for Training, Labor, Social, and Second Chance Roots are all processing up to April 15, 2026; Arraigo for Training extensions are processing up to December 4, 2025.
- Family Member of a Spanish Citizen Residency: Processing up to June 25, 2026.
- EU Family Member Residency: Temporary residency is processing up to July 2, 2026; permanent residency (10-year) is processing up to June 23, 2026.
- Family Reunification: Initial applications are processing up to December 11, 2025; renewals are processing up to March 24, 2026.
Student and Work-Related Residency
- Student Residency: Initial applications are processing up to January 29, 2026; change from student to work residency is processing up to January 19, 2026.
- Work Residency and Modifications: Work permit renewals are processing up to June 9, 2026; change from Social Roots to work residency is processing up to July 16, 2026; change from humanitarian to work residency is processing up to June 30, 2026.
- Non-Lucrative Residency: Renewals are processing up to March 23, 2026.
- Residency for Minors: For those born in Spain, processing up to May 29, 2026; for those not born in Spain, up to May 28, 2026.
Valencia Region Processing Times
The immigration office for the Valencian Community has also published its processing times, with some residency types being processed relatively quickly.
Arraigo and Special Circumstances Residency
- Arraigo (Roots) Residency:
- Second Chance Roots: Processing up to June 30, 2026
- Arraigo for Training: Processing up to May 25, 2026
- Social Roots: Processing up to May 20, 2026
- Special Circumstances: Applications for victims of domestic violence or due to illness are processing up to May 11, 2026.
Student, Work, and Long-Term Residency
- Student Residency: Initial applications are processing up to May 22, 2026; student work permits up to June 18, 2026; post-study job search residency up to June 30, 2026.
- Work-Related Residency: Work and residency permit renewals are processing up to May 26, 2026; change from non-work to work residency up to May 31, 2026.
- Long-Term Residency: EU long-term residency is processing up to June 15, 2026; recovery of long-term residency up to June 22, 2026.
Other Key Residency Types
- Non-Lucrative Residency: Initial applications are processing up to June 19, 2026; renewals are processing up to May 6, 2026.
- Family Reunification: Initial applications are processing up to April 16, 2026.
- Family Member of a Spanish Citizen Residency: Processing up to March 1, 2026.
- Residency for Minors: Regardless of being born in Spain, processing up to April 21, 2026.
