A Guide To Internships In Spain

Interning in Spain isn’t just a line on your CV — it’s a life-changing opportunity to grow professionally, personally, and culturally. You’ll gain real-world experience, improve your Spanish (or at least try), and get a deeper understanding of how life and work flow in a totally different culture.

But we get it — navigating the paperwork, finding the right placement, understanding the rules, and wondering if you’re even allowed to be here… it can all feel overwhelming. Especially if you’re coming from another country, alone, with Google Translate as your co-pilot.

That’s why we’ve put together this no-nonsense, human-first guide to internships in Spain. Whether you’re a student looking to earn credit or a recent grad chasing experience, we’ll help you understand what’s possible — and how to actually make it happen.

Types of Internships in Spain

There are two main types of internships (prácticas) in Spain:

Curricular internships are tied to your studies. You must be enrolled in a university program, and the internship is part of your academic pathway. It’s usually short-term (2–6 months) and requires a signed learning agreement between you, your school, and the host company.

Extracurricular internships are open to students and recent grads (up to 2 years post-graduation). These are more flexible but still require a legal agreement with a school or intermediary agency. They can last up to 12 months and often lead to full-time job offers.

Internships in Spain may be paid, unpaid, or offer a small stipend (€300–€700/month). Unpaid interns must now be registered with Spanish Social Security and may need to file a tax return — a rule that came into effect in late 2023.

Do I need a visa?

EU/EEA students: You don’t need a visa. But if staying over 90 days, register with your local town hall and apply for a NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero).

Non-EU/EEA students: You’ll need a student visa if you’re doing a curricular internship, or a special internship visa and residence authorisation if you’re coming just for the internship.

Both require a formal internship agreement in advance, proof of housing, health insurance, and in some cases, a background check. Your sponsoring company must apply for your authorisation before you apply at a consulate in your home country.

Residency paperwork in Spain — Once you arrive for longer stays, you’ll need to apply for a TIE (residence card) and possibly empadronamiento (town hall registration). For paid internships, you’ll also need a Social Security number — which your host company must help you with.

How do I apply for an internship in Spain?

It’s not always easy — but with structure, you’ll get there. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Enrol in a program or find a sponsor — Curricular internships require university enrolment. If you’re not in a university, work with an intermediary company or apply for internships that accept graduates.

2. Find a host company — Use job portals, social media, or apply directly. Try:

– Spain Internship
– GoOverseas
– Internship Makers
– ErasmusIntern
– Primer Empleo

3. Sign a convenio (learning agreement) — This legal agreement must be signed by the intern, the host company, and a university or intermediary agency.

4. Get your documents in order — You may need: a NIE, visa (non-EU), proof of housing, bank balance, private health insurance, and criminal record certificate.

5. Apply early — Many internships in Spain start in spring/summer. For visa-requiring students, start applying 3–4 months ahead of arrival.

Top cities to intern in Spain

Madrid – A great hub for finance, journalism, and politics.

Barcelona – Popular for creative industries, tech, architecture, and NGOs.

Valencia – Ideal for hospitality, sustainability, and startup culture.

Malaga – Popular with Erasmus+ placements, especially tourism, language teaching, and events.

Tenerife/Canary Islands – Unique programs in marine biology, conservation, hospitality, and international tourism.

Remote Internships in Spain

Post-pandemic, many Spanish companies now offer remote internships — especially in marketing, software, UX, copywriting, and admin. You may not need to live in Spain, but some programs still require residency if tied to a university.

Best sectors for English-speaking interns

If your Spanish isn’t fluent, try internships in:

– English teaching support
– Tech support & software
– Digital marketing & SEO
– NGOs & social justice
– Travel/tourism with international markets

What if I want to stay in Spain after?

If you intern for at least 6 months, you may be eligible to switch your student/internship residency to a full work permit. Ask your employer if they’ll sponsor you. You can also apply for the Job Search Visa to stay and look for work legally.

Writing a Spanish-style CV & cover letter

– Keep it concise (1 page)
– Include a professional photo (common in Spain)
– Use a Spanish-style format with key info up top
– Use polite, formal tone for emails & cover letters
– Always tailor it — generic applications don’t get far

Need Health Insurance for Your Internship or Student Visa?

If you're coming to Spain for an internship or study program, having private health insurance that meets government requirements is essential. Our Sanitas International Students Plan is designed specifically for international students and interns — offering full coverage, no co-pays, and fast documentation for your visa application.

Get covered and focus on what really matters — your future in Spain.

You’re not alone — and it’s worth it

Finding the right internship in Spain takes time, patience, and paperwork. But if you stick with it, you’ll come out the other side with international experience, personal growth, and memories you’ll carry for life.

And remember — you don’t have to do it alone. Ask questions. Lean on your university or internship agency. And reach out to people who’ve done it before.

You’ve got this

Intern Success Stories (Yes, Really)

Emily, UK – “I interned in Valencia at a sustainable design firm. The first month was rough — my Spanish was ‘GCSE good’, I didn’t know anyone, and I accidentally ordered 6kg of aubergines instead of six. But things changed. My mentor was patient, the team started inviting me for after-work cañas, and by the end, I had a job offer. Valencia feels like home now — and yes, I still avoid aubergines.”

Ahmed, Egypt – “I did a remote internship with an NGO in Madrid while living in Granada (yes, best of both worlds). I worked in policy research, and it was intense. Zoom fatigue is real, and one time I gave a presentation with my camera off and no one told me I had a pirate filter on. But I learned loads, built real connections, and they actually sponsored me to stay longer on a digital nomad visa. Still working with them today — no pirate hat.”

Sofia, USA – “I was placed with a tourism company in Barcelona through my uni. Sounds glamorous, right? And it was... eventually. But week one, I handed a famous footballer the wrong VIP itinerary and almost sent him to a llama park in Girona instead of a yacht party. We laughed about it (he didn’t). Still, I learned more in six months than in two years of lectures. And yes, I triple-check every name on every list now.”

Tomás, Argentina – “I came to Seville for an internship in digital marketing. I was supposed to do analytics. By week two, they had me running their Instagram account. I accidentally posted a meme of a confused goat with the caption ‘Monday mood’ to their official profile. It got 800 likes. They promoted me to content manager. Goats for the win.”

Jenna, Ireland – “I interned in Bilbao at a startup that made eco-friendly packaging. Day one, they handed me a lab coat and told me to ‘help the scientist’. I’m a marketing major. We both just stared at each other. But I stuck with it, pivoted to the branding team, and ended up designing their launch campaign. Sometimes it’s about adapting — and laughing through the chaos.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

– Waiting too long to apply: Spots fill up fast. Start 3–4 months in advance, especially if you need a visa.

– Not checking the legal requirements: Don’t assume you can just show up and start working. You’ll need the right agreements and paperwork.

– Assuming English is enough: Some companies operate bilingually — but basic Spanish helps more than you think. Use Duolingo or take a few classes beforehand.

– Forgetting to register: If you’re in Spain for more than 90 days, you’ll likely need to register locally and get a TIE.

Internship Planning Timeline (Save This!)

4–5 months before: Research destinations, decide curricular vs extracurricular

3–4 months before: Apply to companies, prepare your CV and convenio

2 months before: Secure visa paperwork, arrange housing and insurance

1 month before: Confirm travel, prepare documentation, schedule arrival tasks

Arrival week: Register for TIE, get Social Security number if paid, settle in