Authorization of Stay for Training Activities in Spain

Training in Spain can be a strategic decision for your professional and personal growth. Every year, thousands of foreign nationals choose Spain to specialize, acquire new skills, and advance their careers through structured and officially recognized training programs.

The authorization of stay for studies for the purpose of training activities is the legal pathway that allows foreign nationals to reside in Spain for more than 90 days in order to participate in this type of training, provided that the requirements established by the applicable regulations are met.

This authorization offers a clear and secure legal framework for those who wish to invest in their education, plan their stay in Spain with legal certainty, and avoid unnecessary risks—whether the application is submitted from the country of origin or, where permitted, from within Spain.

💡 If your training project is linked to university studies (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programs), we recommend consulting our 2026 Guide on the authorization of stay for higher education studies, where we analyze this type of authorization step by step and explain the key elements for a successful application.

Link to the 2026 Guide on the authorization of stay for higher education studies

⏺️ What is the authorization of stay for training activities?

It is a long-term stay authorization that allows a foreign national to legally remain in Spain for a period exceeding 90 days in order to carry out certain training activities.

The key element of this authorization is not only the length of stay, but the structured, organized, and accredited nature of the training, which must fall within the scenarios expressly provided for by Spanish immigration regulations.

This authorization is neither automatic nor generic. The Spanish authorities will assess both the content of the training activity and its consistency with the applicant’s profile, as well as strict compliance with all legal requirements.

⏺️ Who is this authorization intended for?

This authorization is designed for foreign nationals who wish to travel to Spain to participate in specific training programs that do not necessarily qualify as official university studies, but which have a clearly defined structure and training objectives.

In accordance with the Immigration Regulations and current administrative criteria, the following types of studies and activities may qualify, among others:

Foreign language assistants in Spanish educational institutions: Foreign nationals performing duties as language assistants in Spanish educational centers registered in the State Register of Non-University Educational Institutions or in the corresponding official registers.
Spanish or co-official language studies: Language courses delivered in person at:
- Official Language Schools, or
- Centers accredited in Spain by the Instituto Cervantes or by the competent public authority for the relevant co-official language.
Preparatory courses for specialized healthcare training exams: Programs specifically designed to prepare candidates for competitive examinations granting access to specialized healthcare training positions, in accordance with the applicable regulations.
Training leading to professional certifications or licenses: Training activities aimed at obtaining a technical competency certificate or professional license, provided they are included in the list of eligible training activities, durations, and conditions established by Resolution of the competent authority.
Vocational training leading to professional certificates (Level C): Completion of a full, non-modular vocational training program delivered by an authorized educational institution in Spain, leading to Level 2 or Level 3 professional certificates within the vocational training system regulated by Organic Law 3/2022 of March 31 and its implementing regulations.

💡 It is not enough for an activity to simply include a training component. The authorities place particular emphasis on:

– The existence of genuine and verifiable training content
– The identification of a recognized and, where required, accredited training provider
– The consistency between the training and the applicant’s academic or professional background
– A workload and duration that reasonably justify the stay in Spain

For this reason, choosing the right training program and properly preparing the application file are essential to avoid requests for additional documentation or unfavorable decisions.

⏺️ General requirements

For the application to be accepted and assessed favorably, a number of general requirements must be met and evaluated as a whole by the authorities:

– Not being a citizen of the European Union, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland, nor a family member subject to the EU free movement regime.
– Not being in an irregular immigration status in Spain at the time of application, where the application is submitted from within Spain.
– Having no criminal record in Spain or in countries of residence during the previous five years for offenses recognized under Spanish law.
– Not being listed as inadmissible in the Schengen Area and not being subject to a ban on entry into Spain.
– Having sufficient financial means to cover living expenses and return travel, in accordance with the criteria applicable to study stays.
– Holding public or private health insurance covering the entire duration of the stay in Spain.
– Not suffering from any disease that may have serious public health implications, in accordance with the 2005 International Health Regulations.
– Providing proof of the training activity to be carried out, including its duration, content, and the entity responsible.
– Paying the applicable administrative fees.
– In the case of preparatory courses for access to specialized healthcare training, holding a Spanish degree in medicine, pharmacy, nursing, or another qualifying university degree, or a foreign degree that has been duly recognized or homologated.

All of these requirements must be documented and submitted at the outset of the procedure.

⏺️ Application procedure

The application procedure varies depending on where it is initiated, making it essential to correctly identify the applicable route in each case.

Application from outside Spain

This is the standard and ordinary route for applying for an authorization of stay for studies for training activities.

When the foreign national is outside Spain, the application must be submitted to the Spanish Diplomatic Mission or Consular Office corresponding to the applicant’s place of legal residence.

Under this procedure:

– A study stay visa is requested, together with all required documentation.
– The consular authority assesses both the applicant’s personal circumstances and the proposed training activity.
– The granting of the visa includes the authorization of stay.

Once the visa has been granted:

– The applicant must enter Spain within the visa’s validity period.
– If the authorized stay exceeds six months, the applicant must apply for a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) within one month of entry.
– Until entry into Spain and, where applicable, issuance of the TIE, the authorization does not fully produce its legal effects.

Application from within Spain

Exceptionally, the regulations allow the procedure to be initiated from within Spain for training activities referred to in Article 52.1.4º leading to a technical competency certificate or professional license, where expressly provided for in the conditions established by Resolution of the competent authority.

This route is only available when the foreign national:

– Is legally present in Spain.
– Submits the application at least two months before the start date of the training or studies.
– Submits the application at least two months before the expiration of their current legal status in Spain.
– Meets all the requirements applicable to this authorization.

The application must be submitted electronically to the competent Immigration Office.

⏺️ Duration of the authorization

The duration of the authorization of stay is tied to the actual length of the training activity, with a maximum limit of one year.

The authorization is granted for the period necessary to complete the training, provided it exceeds 90 days and is properly accredited. It may begin one month prior to the start of the activity or from the date of the granting decision, where the activity is scheduled to begin within one month, and will extend up to fifteen days after the end of the training activity.

⏺️ Does this authorization allow you to work in Spain?

Yes. The authorization of stay for studies for training activities may allow the holder to work in Spain, provided that the corresponding work authorization is requested and that the employment activity is compatible with the training that constitutes the primary purpose of the stay.

In general terms, it may allow:

– Employment as an employee
– Self-employment

No additional authorization is required for curricular internships that form part of the training program for which the stay was granted, provided they are carried out under the relevant agreements and do not constitute an employment relationship.

Limits on employment activity

As a general rule, employment may not exceed 30 hours per week, except in specific cases of intensive vocational training. Failure to comply with this limit may result in termination of the authorization.

In addition, employment must primarily take place within the autonomous community in which the authorization was granted, subject to certain exceptions in bordering areas.

Duration of the work authorization

The work authorization will have the same validity period as the authorization of stay for studies and will automatically expire upon termination of the study stay authorization.

How ARC Legal Abogados Can Assist You

At ARC Legal, we support our clients throughout the entire application process for the authorization of stay for studies for training activities, from the initial legal assessment of the training program to the issuance of the Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) in Spain.

We take care of:

– Verifying that the training activity meets all applicable legal requirements.
– Defining the most appropriate application route (from Spain or from abroad).
– Preparing and submitting the documentation in accordance with current regulations and administrative criteria.
– Assisting with post-entry procedures once you arrive in Spain.

If you are considering carrying out a training activity in Spain and want to do so with legal certainty, without mistakes, and with a well-defined strategy, contact our firm and we will begin working on your case.

Related publications

¿Prefieres leer este artículo en español 🇪🇸? Aquí tienes el enlace: Autorización de estancia por estudios para actividades formativas | Guía 2026

The content of this article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration regulations are subject to continuous interpretative and administrative changes. At ARC Legal, we make every effort to keep information up to date and verified against official sources; however, we always recommend consulting a specialized professional before initiating any procedure or making legal decisions. If you require personalized legal advice regarding your situation, you may contact our firm.

Authorization of Stay for Training Activities in Spain | 2026 Guide