Finished your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Spain? Wondering how to stay and build your career? Most international students only know about the Post Study Job Search Visa or the challenge of finding a company to sponsor a full work permit. But there’s a faster, less-known option that can transform your future in Spain.
It’s called the Residency for Professional (Paid) Internship (Residencia para prácticas profesionales). This permit lets you stay, work legally, and move toward long-term residency.
Why Students Don’t Know About It
Many assume the Post Study Job Search Permit and Sponsored work permit are the only options to get Residency and work permit in Spain. But that option doesn’t allow immediate work. It also requires modification later into a standard work permit, which can be slow and complex.
The Residency for Professional Internship works differently. It is designed for Spanish university graduates seeking professional experience related to their studies. Best of all, applications are processed fast — within 30 days of application submission.
How It Works
After finishing studies, you can apply for this permit if you have:
- A training agreement (convenio de prácticas), valid up to 1 year.
- Or a professional internship contract (contrato en prácticas), valid up to 2 years.
This allows a smooth shift from student to full-time legal worker in Spain.
Key Advantages
- 30-Day Approval: Authorities must respond within 30 days. No reply? Approved automatically under silencio administrativo positivo.
- No Labor Market Test: Employers don’t need to prove no Spaniard or EU citizen can fill the role.
- Cheaper and Easier for Employers: Lower costs and less paperwork make you a more attractive hire.
- Legal Full-Time Work: You can work up to 40 hours weekly.
After the Internship
When the internship permit ends:
- Switch to a standard work permit (Residencia y trabajo por cuenta ajena).
- Under Spain’s new Immigration Regulation (May 2025), your first work permit is 1 year. Renewal?
Up to 4 years. - After 5 years of residence, apply for long-term residency in Spain.
Why This Path Matters
Instead of waiting months, risking visa denials, or depending on limited job search permits, you could:
- Get residency within 30 days.
- Start full-time work immediately after graduation.
- Be more attractive to Spanish employers because hiring you is simpler.
- Begin a fast track to long-term stability in Spain.
Final Thoughts
The Residency for Professional Internship remains a hidden gem in Spain’s immigration system. For international graduates, it’s a golden ticket — a direct path to career and life here.
So before leaving or stressing about sponsors, ask: Why not choose the hidden residency path most students never discover?
Contact Study in Spain Guide:
📧 Email: info@studyinspainguide.com
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