Authorization to stay for studies, unpaid internships or volunteering

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What is authorization to stay for studies, unpaid internships or volunteering?

Authorization to stay for studies, unpaid internships or volunteering is granted for a period of more than 90 days in Spain, for the sole or main purpose of carrying out one of the following activities:

1. Undertaking or extending a course of study at an authorized educational institution in Spain, on a full-time programme leading to a degree or certificate.
2. Carrying out research or training activities.
3. Taking part in a student mobility programme.
4. Undertaking an unpaid internship at an officially recognized public or private organization under an agreement drawn up for this purpose.
5. Providing a volunteer service as part of a programme that pursues objectives of general interest.

Which laws govern authorization to stay in Spain for studies, unpaid internships or volunteering?

The main legislation governing authorization to stay in Spain for studies, internships or volunteering is:

• Council Directive 2004/114/EC of 13 December 2004.
• Organic Law 4/2000 of 11 January on the rights and freedoms of foreign nationals in Spain and their social integration (Articles 25 bis(f), 30 and 33)
• Regulations implementing Organic Law 4/2000, approved by Royal Decree 557/2011 of 20 April (Articles 37 to 42).

What documents are required to apply for authorization to stay in Spain for studies, internships or volunteering?

The documents required to apply for authorization to stay in Spain for studies, internships or volunteering are:

1. National visa application form, using the official form and submitted in duplicate.
2. A complete, valid passport or travel document recognized as valid in Spain, with a validity period covering at least the requested period of stay.
3. Documents proving that you have the financial means required for the requested period and to return to your country of origin.
4. Documents proving that you have medical insurance.
5. Documents proving that you have been admitted to an educational institution.

If the period of stay exceeds 6 months:

• Medical certificate.
• If you are of the age of criminal responsibility, a criminal record certificate issued by the authorities in your country of origin or in any country where you have lived during the last 5 years.

What are the requirements for applying to stay in Spain for studies, unpaid internships or volunteering?

To apply to stay in Spain for studies, unpaid internships or volunteering, you must first have obtained a student visa from a Spanish consular office abroad.

Where do you apply for the visa?

You must submit your application to stay in Spain for studies, unpaid internships or volunteering at the Spanish diplomatic mission or consular office with jurisdiction over your place of residence.

Who can submit the visa application?

You must submit the visa application in person. If you are a minor, your parents, guardians or duly accredited representative must submit it on your behalf.

When do you pay the visa issuance fee, and how much does it cost?

The visa issuance fee is 60 euros, payable when you apply for the visa.

How long does it take to obtain the visa?

The maximum period for notifying you of the decision is 1 month from the day after you submit the application at the consular office.

You must collect the visa within 2 months of being notified that it has been granted.

How long can you stay in Spain for studies, internships or volunteering?

The authorized stay for studies, internships or volunteering will be for the same duration as the activity for which the authorization was granted, up to a maximum of one year.

If your stay in Spain for studies, internships or volunteering lasts more than 6 months, you must apply in person for a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) within 1 month of entering Spain. Apply at the Immigration Office or police station in the province where the authorization was processed.

Can you work in Spain if you have authorization to stay for studies?

Holders of authorization to stay for studies may be authorized to work in Spain for public or private institutions if their employer submits a work permit application and meets the relevant requirements.

They may also be authorized to work on a self-employed basis if they meet the relevant requirements.

In both cases, the work must be compatible with the activities for which the authorization to stay was granted, including class schedules.

In addition, income earned from this work must not be considered necessary to support you or cover your stay, and will not be taken into account when you apply to extend your stay.