1. What SEM Instruction 4/2025 regulates
This instruction establishes clear and uniform criteria for the preparation, content and evaluation of the social integration report, an essential requirement for temporary residence authorizations for social and socio-formative roots under the new Immigration Regulations (RLOEX, RD 1155/2024).
The social integration report, as defined by this instruction, will be a technical instrument with determining effects for granting these authorizations. The instruction addresses, at least:
- The nature and competence to issue the report.
- The minimum contents to be included in the report (link with the community, degree of autonomy, use of social resources, level of integration).
- The transitional regime for those who were already under previous regulations.
The aim of this regulation is to standardize the way in which the different autonomous communities and local entities prepare the reports, thus avoiding disparities in the granting of these permits.
2. Mandatory elements of the social integration report
The instruction sets out what a valid report must contain. Although I cannot reproduce the entire text verbatim, the most relevant aspects are:
- Applicant’s identification data and context of residence.
- Analysis of their relationship with the community: social ties, participation, support networks.
- Use of social services: whether you have had contact with social services, volunteering, citizen activities.
- Level of autonomy and independence in daily life.
- Communication/language skills: proficiency in the local language or other relevant languages.
- Compliance record: no history of compliance with obligations: no history that would prevent a positive assessment.
- Qualitative observations that allow the authority to make a comprehensive assessment of the applicant.
This approach makes the report a document that goes beyond a simple administrative certification: it is a personalized assessment of their actual integration into Spanish society.
3. Transitional regime and practical application
For those who already had ongoing root proceedings under the old rules (RD 557/2011 or previous guidelines), the instruction contemplates transitional mechanisms. They will be able to submit the new report or adapt their files to the new criteria, as appropriate.
It also regulates how to act in cases where the competent local authority (city council, autonomous community) is in charge of issuing the integration report, ensuring that there are no gaps in competence.
In practice, the foreigners’ offices must verify that the report submitted complies with the standards described above; if not, they may require its correction or interpretation.
4. My professional assessment
From my experience as an immigration lawyer, I consider SEM 4/2025 to be a wise and necessary instruction, albeit with challenges in its implementation:
Positive aspects
- Interpretative uniformity: reduces the risk of disparate decisions between provinces or communities.
- Depth of assessment: the report does not remain merely formal, but addresses the social reality of the applicant.
- Transparency and legitimacy: the applicant will know which criteria will be evaluated and can better prepare his dossier.
- Real integration approach: by focusing on autonomy, linkages and use of services, it promotes that those who obtain permission are better genuinely integrated.
Challenges and observations
- That the municipalities or local entities are sufficiently qualified to prepare these reports with homogeneous criteria.
- The risk of delays: the requirement for more elaborate reports could slow down the process if resources are not provided.
- Subjectivity: although criteria are defined, the qualitative assessment will always have a subjective margin, which requires transparency in the reasons for acceptance or rejection.
- Territorial mismatch: some administrations may not adapt or apply the instruction quickly, generating inequalities.
5. Conclusion
The SEM Instruction 4/2025 represents a firm step towards a fairer, more understandable and coherent application of the regime of “arraigo” in Spain. As an expert in foreigners, I see it as a very positive step forward: it dignifies the integration process by evaluating realities and not just formalities.
The real challenge now is to ensure that this instruction comes to life in every immigration office and municipality, without arbitrary decisions or divergent interpretations. If that is achieved, we will be looking at a fairer and more humane system.
Diana Caballero
CEO – Founding Partner
Martínez & Caballero Abogados
