SEM 1/2025, SEM 2/2025, SEM 3/2025 and SEM 4/2025 Instructions published: key points on roots, family members of Spaniards, study stays and social integration report

The new Aliens Regulation (Royal Decree 1155/2024) has been in force since May 20, 2025. Within this framework, the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration has already published the following information four official instructions (SEM 1/2025 to SEM 4/2025) The new procedures are essential for the correct interpretation of the new procedures for foreigners.

These instructions particularly affect those who are in the process of regularization, legalization, residency for studies or applications as family members of Spaniards.

SEM Instruction 1/2025 - Arraigo (Arraigo)

This instruction unifies the criteria for the different types of exceptional circumstance roots. Highlights:

• Social rootsEconomic requirements are reinforced. The 200 % of IPREM if there is a family relationship, or the 100 % of IPREM if an integration report is provided.
• Social and labor rootsare accepted temporary or permanent discontinuous contractsprovided that they exceed 90 days duration and accredit a minimum working day of 20 hours per week. Self-employment is not allowed.
• Socio-formative rootsThe minimum attendance rate must be at least 50 %, y can only be applied for once every three years.
• Second chance rootsThe residence permit is regulated for people who had a previous legal residence (not exceptional) and could not renew it for justified reasons.
• Relationship with the asylumThe following is clarified: it is possible to have access to the arraigo if one has expressly waived of the application for international protection.

SEM Instruction 2/2025 - Relatives of Spaniards

For the first time, a new separate and differentiated regime for family members of Spanish citizens who have not exercised their right to freedom of movement (i.e., they have not resided outside Spain).

Some important points:

• Applies to third country nationalseven if they had already initiated the procedure under the community regime.
• Can be ordered from Spain if the requirements are met, without the need for a prior visa.
• It is allowed to include dependentseven if do not coexistprovided that economic dependence from the country of origin is demonstrated.
• The authorization is granted for 5 yearsrenewable or modifiable in accordance with the regulations.
• Allows access to an independent residence in cases of divorce, death of the Spanish family member or situations such as gender violence.

SEM Instruction 3/2025 - Long-term stay for studies.

Establishes the criteria applicable to the long-stay authorizations for studies, volunteering or training. Some key points:

It establishes a transitional regime to adapt permits granted under the previous regulations to the new model with full validity of the curriculum.

The following are recognized as higher education face-to-face language courses provided by institutions of higher education, as long as it is not the applicant's native language.

Payment of tuition can be credited for even if fractional or exemptprovided there is a commitment to pay.

It is clarified that the applicant may resigning the previous month and 15 days thereafter The authorization will be adjusted to the exact duration of the course.

The extensions are subject to the payment of fees and, in certain cases, to the presentation of criminal record certificate.

It regulates the stay for family members of the student, allowing for joint applications.

SEM Instruction 4/2025 - Social integration report

This instruction is fundamental to understanding how the social integration reportespecially required in:

• Social rootswhen there are no family ties.
• Socio-formative rootsas part of the file.

Key points of the new criteria:

• The report should include: time spentavailability of housing, means of livelihood, family ties in Spain and integration effort (educational activities, democratic values, equality, official languages, etc.).
• It will be issued by the Autonomous Community or the City Council according to the census, with valid for six months.
• If the report is not issued within one month, the applicant may submit substitute documentationsuch as certificates of registration, training programs, proof of remittances, contracts, etc.
• In case of delaysIn the case of a foreigner's application, the Foreigners' Offices must allow the application to be corrected, not filed directly.
• Reports issued in accordance with the old regulations will be accepted if they were applied for or issued before May 20, 2025.

At KR Lawyers we already apply these new criteria. If you are in the process of regularization, legalization, residency for studies or as a family member of a Spanish citizenIf you have any questions, it is essential to review how these instructions affect you.

👉 Write to us or schedule a personalized consultation. We can help you to adapt your file to the current regulations.