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True? 3 Years Illegal Then Apply For Residency

Feb 21, 2012 · SpainExpat member · 3 replies · 560 views
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I'm from the USA. My brother (Spanish Citizen by marriage) brought me over here. He seems to think that I can stay here illegally (3 month tourist Visa - been here 2 years now) and then apply for some kind of legal residency or citizenship. I know I've seen this discussed somewhere as if real.
Anybody have any idea about this: true - not true, etc?
I'm thinking of returning to the USA. Trying to think if it matters at all to lose the 2 years I've stayed here illegally. I've seen where you can live here LEGALLY for 10 years and then apply for Spanish Citizenship. Seems impossible then that you could stay here ILLEGALLY and get citizenship. Maybe residency?
Anybody have any insights on this?

( Okay: I found this about the above: Doesn't say when it was written. I'll also post a link to the WebPage: Yes, I have family members who are citizens here.

1) ?Arraigo?, or ?having established roots here?. You must be able to prove that you have been living in Spain for 3 years, that you have received a job offer, and that either a family member (parent or offspring) has been a legal resident in Spain for at least a year, or you receive a letter from the City Council stating that you are ?adapted to Spanish culture?

http://www.barcelonaconnect.com/showlevel1.asp?pid=7990

AH! I think what I'm looking for is called: ?Permiso de Residencia por Arraigo Social?

Dotfur
Feb 21, 2012 · susanspain
There was an amnesty on illegals a few years back, but this was to legalize mostly the migrant workers who are important to the local food producing industry. (Others were granted residency too, but not sure on details.)

You would be best to consult an immigration lawyer no? (Client confidentiality and all that?)
Feb 21, 2012 · SpainExpat member
Thanks, SusanSpain. Yes, when the time comes, a lawyer will be involved. I'm just trying to prep for a conversation with my family members here. Possible that I will return to The States. Trying to weigh the pluses and minuses. Turns out that it's only 3 years that I have to prove that I've been here ( I've got 2 now) and I can apply for something I think is called: ?Permiso de Residencia por Arraigo Social?
So crazy, this whole thing comes about because I got stuck with a dog that no one here wants to adopt (he bites) and someone in the USA is offering him a home but only with me and MY dog who I brought with me here to Valencia 2 years ago. What a story.