Two distinct tracks. New social security requirements. One firm that knows both routes.
The Spain Internship & Training Visa authorizes non-EU nationals to complete a professional placement or internship at a Spanish company. It differs from both the student visa and the work permit, although it shares elements of both.
Under RD 1155/2024, there are two distinct tracks:
Convenio de prácticas – A curricular or extracurricular internship agreement linked to an enrolled university program. This applies to students currently enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s degree whose internship forms part of their academic program through a university placement office.
Contrato de prácticas – A training employment contract for recent graduates who completed their qualification no more than two years before starting the internship. This route includes an employment contract and Social Security coverage.
Both tracks require that the internship relates to your field of study, that you hold the required academic qualifications, and that you are enrolled in Spain’s Social Security system for the duration of the placement. Social Security enrolment is one of the most significant changes introduced by RD 1155/2024.
Applications are generally submitted using the EX-04 application form for internship and training residence permits.
The Spain Internship & Training Visa applies through two separate legal pathways.
If you are unsure which track applies to your situation, we can assess your eligibility and identify the correct route before you apply.
The exact documents required depend on which internship track applies to your case. Below is a consolidated checklist covering both routes, with notes on where they differ.
Determine whether your placement falls under the convenio or contrato route, and confirm that your host company is prepared to meet its administrative obligations. Under RD 1155/2024, employers must enrol interns in Spain’s Social Security system. Many companies are still adapting to this requirement, so it is worth confirming with HR as early as possible.
For Track 1, your university placement office coordinates the convenio de prácticas with the host company. For Track 2, the employer prepares the training contract. In both cases, the document must follow the required legal format, as errors are a common cause of delays.
Complete the EX-04 application form and gather all supporting documentation. Applications made from outside Spain are submitted through the relevant Spanish consulate. Applicants already in Spain on a student permit generally apply through the local immigration office.
Submit your complete application file. Processing times typically range from one to three months depending on the immigration office. If you already hold valid legal status in Spain, you may remain legally in the country while your application is being processed.
After approval, you will receive your authorization resolution and can book your TIE appointment at the local immigration office (Extranjería). Your residence card will normally be issued for the same duration as your internship placement.
Internship authorizations under RD 1155/2024 are more complex than they were under the previous framework. We manage the complete process for both internship tracks.
Our role includes:
We also help clients transition to a work permit after their internship ends, where eligible.
After your internship, if you receive a job offer in your field, you may qualify to modify your authorization to a full Spanish work permit.
If your internship ends without a confirmed job offer, the Job Seeker Visa may allow you to remain in Spain while searching for employment.
Currently studying in Spain and planning a curricular internship? Your student visa and internship authorization may need to be managed together.
The 3 to 5 month timeline for an internship authorization means planning ahead is essential. Waiting until your internship is about to begin can delay your placement or leave you without the correct authorization. Start the process early and we’ll make sure every document is prepared correctly before submission.
A convenio de prácticas is an internship agreement linked to an active university programme and coordinated through the university’s placement office. It is intended for students who are still studying. A contrato de prácticas (or contrato de formación en alternancia) is an employment-based training contract for recent graduates who completed their degree within the previous two years. Each route has different legal requirements and documentation, and they are not interchangeable.
Yes. Under RD 1155/2024, your host company must enrol you in Spain’s Social Security system for the duration of your internship. For employers that have not previously hosted international interns, this is often a new administrative requirement. We guide employers through the process and help ensure the required documentation is in place before your application is submitted.
Your internship authorization is normally issued for the same period as your internship agreement or training contract. Most internships last between six and twelve months. Extensions may be possible if the placement is formally extended, but they must be requested before your current authorization expires.
Yes. If you already hold a Spanish student TIE and your studies include a curricular or extracurricular internship, you may apply for the convenio route from within Spain. Applications are submitted through the immigration office rather than a Spanish consulate. In many cases, the internship authorization runs alongside your existing student permit.
Both paid and unpaid internships may qualify, depending on the legal route. Curricular internships under a convenio may be paid or unpaid. Training contracts under the contrato route are employment contracts and must include remuneration in accordance with Spanish labour law. The determining factor is the type of agreement, not whether the internship is paid.
It depends on your circumstances. If you receive a job offer from a Spanish employer, you may qualify for a work permit. If you have completed three years on student-related permits, you may also be eligible to modify your status to a work permit. If neither route is immediately available, the Job Seeker Visa may allow you to remain in Spain while looking for employment. We assess your individual situation and recommend the most suitable pathway.
