Internship Legislation and Students Visa in Spain
Spain is an attractive destination for international students seeking internships, thanks to its rich culture, diverse job market, and world-class educational institutions. However, it is crucial to understand the regulations surrounding student visas, particularly for nationals, EU citizens, and non-EU citizens. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Spain’s student visa requirements and internship regulations, highlighting key information and legal sources to help aspiring interns navigate the process.
Gain valuable insights into the intricacies of Spain’s internship legislation and student visa application process for citizens, EU, and non-EU individuals. Let Piktalent be your trusted resource for up-to-date regulations and unparalleled career opportunities in Spain. Empower your journey with us today!
EU citizens
To be eligible for an internship in Spain as a foreigner, you must meet one of the following conditions:
You graduated within the last two years.
Your studies require obtaining a degree either in Spain or abroad.
You are currently enrolled at a university and can provide a valid traineeship agreement.
EU citizens and Swiss nationals are not required to apply for a visa for internships in Spain. However, they must fulfil specific requirements and undergo certain administrative processes to ensure compliance with Spanish laws. The following are some important considerations:
a. Valid Identification: EU citizens must possess a valid passport or national identification card when entering Spain. It is essential to carry the original identification document throughout the internship period.
b. Registration: EU citizens are required to register their presence in Spain within 3 months of arrival or if they are doing an internship in the country. This registration process is known as the “Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión” (Certificate of Registration of the Union Citizen) or “Número de Identificación de Extranjero” (NIE) that can be completed at the local immigration office (Oficina de Extranjería) or the police station (Comisaría de Policía). The registration involves providing personal details, proof of residence and reason for the request (a traineeship contract), and supporting documents such as a valid passport or national identification card. Both procedures include the NIE number that serves as an identification number for tax purposes.
Additionally, EU citizens are encouraged to complete Empadronamiento, which is the process of registering their residence address in Spain. Empadronamiento provides proof of address and enables access to various benefits and services in the local municipality. The specific requirements and procedures for Empadronamiento may vary depending on the region in Spain, so it is advisable to check with the local Town Hall (Ayuntamiento) or Empadronamiento Office for detailed information.
c. Health Insurance: EU citizens should have valid health insurance coverage while in Spain. They can either rely on the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which provides access to necessary healthcare services based on reciprocal agreements between EU member states or obtain private health insurance. It is important to check the coverage and validity of the health insurance to ensure it meets the requirements during the internship period.
d. Social Security Contributions: Starting from October 1st, 2023, students doing internships in the private sector in Spain will be required to contribute to the Social Security system. They will have to pay a reduced contribution, which will be 30% of the minimum base set by law for the calculation of Social Security contributions. This measure aims to improve the social protection of these students while ensuring the sustainability of the Social Security system. Please note that this measure only affects students who do their internships in the private sector. Public sector internships are already covered by Social Security contributions.
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Click HereNon-EU citizens
Non-EU citizens, including students and interns, must obtain a student visa before entering Spain for internship purposes. As of 2023, the visa process involves several steps and requirements, as outlined below:
a. Acceptance at a Spanish Institution or Approved Internship Program: Non-EU citizens should first secure acceptance at a Spanish educational institution or an internship program approved by a recognized Spanish institution. This could involve obtaining admission to a university or securing an internship placement through an authorized program.
b. Visa Application: The student visa application should be submitted at the Spanish consulate or embassy in the applicant’s home country.
* Types of Student Visas: If you are studying in Spain for between 90 and 180 days, you will need a student visa type C. With this visa you won’t be able to apply for a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) and also won’t be able to legally work in Spain. If you are studying in Spain for more than 180 days, you will need a student visa type D, and also get a TIE card within 30 calendar days of your arrival in Spain.
As of 2018, non-EU citizens that come to Spain with a tourist visa can apply for a student visa without having to leave the country.
Required documents may include:
- Valid passport: The passport should have an expiration date that extends beyond the intended duration of the internship in Spain, with a minimum validity of 1 year and at least two blank pages.
* Provide a passport-sized photograph: Ensure that the photograph has a light background and meets the specified size requirements. - Fill out the National visa application form: You can find the application form on the official website of the Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country.
- Acceptance Letter or Authorization for Residence and Internship: A formal acceptance letter from the Spanish educational institution or the approved internship program.
- Proof of financial means: Non-EU citizens must provide evidence of sufficient financial resources to cover their stay in Spain. This may include bank statements, scholarships, or financial guarantees. Proof of funds should be at least 600€ per month of stay in Spain.
- Proof of housing: or at least the first 4 weeks of your stay.
- Health insurance: Proof of comprehensive health insurance coverage that is valid in Spain. Check our Insurance for Studies or Internships in Spain: health and travel.
- Medical certificate: Some consulates may require a medical certificate attesting to the applicant’s good health.
c. Visa Processing Time: The processing time for a student visa may vary depending on the consulate and the time of year. However, applicants are advised to submit their applications well in advance, preferably three months before the intended start date of the internship, to allow sufficient processing time.
d. Residency Permit (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero – TIE): Upon arrival in Spain, non-EU students must apply for a student residency permit, known as the TIE, within 30 days. This permit allows them to legally reside in Spain for the duration of their studies or internship. The application for the TIE is typically submitted at the local Foreigner’s Office (Oficina de Extranjería) or Police Station. The required documents may include a visa, passport, proof of enrollment in a Spanish institution or internship program, proof of financial means, proof of health insurance, and a completed application form. Please note that before the TIE you also have to apply for the NIE number.
e. Internship Regulations: Students must comply with the internship regulations set by their educational institution and the Spanish authorities. These regulations typically include restrictions on working hours, duration, and compatibility with the study program.
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Additional Requirements:
- Eligibility: Ensure you are eligible to apply for a student visa in territories with which Spain has an agreement.
- Regular Status: If applying from within Spain, you must be in a regular situation in the country.
- Processing Fee: Pay the required processing fee for the student visa application.
- Criminal record check from the place(s) where you have lived the past 5 years (not needed for students under 18 years old).
- Minors: If you are a minor and not travelling with your parents or guardians, obtain authorization from them, including details of the internship.
- Extended Stay: If the duration of your stay exceeds six months, additional requirements include having no criminal record in Spain or previous countries of residence during the last five years and not suffering from diseases that may have serious public health repercussions.
Validity of the Spanish Internship Visa:
The Spanish internship visa is valid for the duration of the internship. If your internship has a hosting agreement, the visa can be valid for a maximum of 6 months. However, if your internship is based on a trainee contract, the visa validity can be extended up to 1 year. For internships exceeding 6 months, you may apply for a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) from the Foreign Nationals’ Office. It’s valid for 1 year and you can renew it in Spain before it expires without applying for a new visa.
It is important to note that immigration policies and procedures can change over time. Therefore, it is advisable to consult the official website of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation, as well as the Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country, for the most up-to-date and detailed information on student visas and internship regulations in Spain.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Recent graduates within the last two years.
- Students pursuing studies that require obtaining a degree in Spain or abroad.
- Students still enrolled at a university and can provide a traineeship agreement.
No, EU citizens and Swiss nationals do not need a visa. They only require a NIE (número de identificación de extranjeros) if their internship is paid.
Yes, non-EU citizens need to obtain a student visa (type D visa) before entering Spain for internship purposes. The visa application process involves several steps and requirements, such as acceptance at a Spanish institution, submission of necessary documents (e.g., valid passport, acceptance letter, proof of financial means, health insurance), and obtaining a student residency permit (TIE) upon arrival in Spain. It is important for non-EU citizens to consult the Spanish consulate or embassy in their home country and refer to official sources for detailed and up-to-date information.
To access detailed and up-to-date information, you can refer to the following sources:
- Spain Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation: Visit their official website at https://www.exteriores.gob.es.
- Spanish Embassies and Consulates: Check the website of the Spanish Embassy or Consulate in your home country for specific visa requirements and procedures.
- Spain Immigration Authorities: Visit the website of the Ministry of Interior at https://www.interior.gob.es. Information about the Spanish Immigration Office (Oficina de Extranjería) can be found on their website.
- Official Websites of Spanish Universities and Educational Institutions: Explore the websites of Spanish universities or educational institutions offering internships. They often provide specific information on visa requirements and internship regulations for international students.
- Legal Consultation: Consider seeking advice from an immigration lawyer specializing in Spanish immigration law to obtain personalized guidance based on your specific situation.
Certainly! When applying for a student visa (type D visa) in Spain as a non-EU citizen, the following documents are typically required:
Valid passport: Ensure that your passport has an expiration date that extends beyond the intended duration of your internship in Spain.
Acceptance letter: You will need an official acceptance letter from the Spanish educational institution or an approved internship program confirming your enrollment or internship placement.
Proof of financial means: Non-EU citizens must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to cover their stay in Spain. This may include providing bank statements, scholarship award letters, or a financial guarantee from a sponsor.
Health insurance: You will need to provide proof of comprehensive health insurance coverage that is valid in Spain. This can be obtained through private health insurance or an international student health insurance plan.
Medical certificate: Some Spanish consulates or embassies may require a medical certificate issued by a licensed medical professional, confirming that you are in good health and fit to travel.
It is important to note that specific consulate or embassy requirements may vary slightly, so it is advisable to check the official website of the consulate or embassy in your home country for the most accurate and up-to-date information on required documents.
The processing time for a student visa in Spain can vary depending on factors such as the consulate or embassy, time of year, and individual circumstances. Generally, it is recommended to submit your visa application well in advance, preferably three months before the intended start date of your internship. This allows for any potential delays and ensures that you have sufficient time to complete the process and receive your visa before your internship begins.
A student residency permit, also known as the TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero), is a document that allows non-EU students to legally reside in Spain for the duration of their studies or internship. To obtain a TIE, non-EU students must apply within 30 days of their arrival in Spain at the local Foreigner’s Office (Oficina de Extranjería) or Police Station. The required documents typically include your valid student visa, passport, proof of enrollment in a Spanish institution or internship program, proof of financial means, proof of health insurance, and a completed application form. It is important to follow the specific instructions provided by the authorities and ensure that you meet all the requirements for obtaining the TIE.
Yes, non-EU students must comply with the internship regulations set by their educational institution and the Spanish authorities. These regulations may include restrictions on working hours, duration, and compatibility with the study program. It is crucial to familiarize yourself with the specific requirements and limitations outlined by your educational institution or approved internship program. Adhering to these regulations will help ensure a smooth and compliant experience during your internship in Spain.
Remember that immigration policies and procedures can change over time. Therefore, it is advisable to consult the official website of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation, as well as the Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country, for the most up-to-date and detailed information on student visas, required documents, processing times, and internship regulations in Spain.
EU citizens must possess a valid passport or national identification card when entering Spain for an internship. It is essential to carry the original identification document throughout the internship period.
EU citizens are required to register their presence in Spain within 3 months of arrival. This process is known as the “Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión” (Certificate of Registration of the Union Citizen) or NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero). The registration can be completed at the local immigration office (Oficina de Extranjería) or the police station (Comisaría de Policía). It involves providing personal details, proof of residence, and supporting documents such as a valid passport or national identification card.
- The visa is valid for the duration of the internship.
- For internships with a hosting agreement, the maximum validation period is 6 months.
- Trainee contracts may extend the validation up to 1 year.
- If the internship exceeds 6 months, it is possible to apply for a Foreigner Identity Card from the Foreign Nationals’ Office.
Empadronamiento is the process of registering the residence address in Spain. EU citizens are encouraged to complete Empadronamiento as it provides proof of address and enables access to various benefits and services in the local municipality. The specific requirements and procedures for Empadronamiento may vary depending on the region in Spain, so it is advisable to check with the local Town Hall (Ayuntamiento) or Empadronamiento Office for detailed information.
Yes, health insurance is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a student visa in Spain. All international students, including those going for internships, are required to have health insurance coverage if their stay in Spain exceeds 90 days. This policy ensures access to necessary healthcare services without the burden of high medical costs.
EU citizens should have valid health insurance coverage while in Spain. They can either rely on the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which provides access to necessary healthcare services based on reciprocal agreements between EU member states, or obtain private health insurance. It is important to check the coverage and validity of the health insurance to ensure it meets the requirements during the internship period.
To be considered valid for the visa application, the health insurance policy must meet the following criteria:
Coverage Duration: The policy should be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Spain as a student, including the internship period.
No Co-Pays: The policy should not have co-pays for visits to healthcare providers, relieving you of out-of-pocket expenses during medical consultations. This feature is particularly beneficial for students on a tight budget.
Full Hospitalization Coverage: The policy must cover 100% of hospitalization expenses. Hospital stays can be costly, and having full coverage ensures financial protection in case of medical emergencies.
Repatriation Coverage: The policy should include repatriation coverage in the event of severe injury or death. It is essential to have a deductible of at least 30,000€ to ensure you can return to your home country for necessary treatment if required.
It is important to choose a health insurance policy that meets these criteria to fulfill the Spanish visa requirements and secure your well-being during your internship in Spain.
[Legal Source: Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation – Visa Policy Guidelines (2023)].
Having health insurance during your internship in Spain provides you with comprehensive medical coverage and peace of mind. In case of illness or medical emergencies, you can access necessary healthcare services without worrying about the financial burden of high medical expenses. With proper health insurance, you can focus on your studies and internship experience, knowing that you have the support and financial protection needed to deal with any health-related situations that may arise.
