Volunteering in Spain is an enriching way to live in the country, offering a unique opportunity for cultural, social, and personal immersion. However, for non-EU citizens, simply participating in a volunteer program is not always enough to justify a legal stay. It is essential to understand that this is a specific administrative category, distinct from study or work residence.
Spanish regulations, via the Foreigners Regulation (Reglamento de Extranjería), regulate the stay for volunteering as its own category—the Authorization of Stay for Volunteering Services (Autorización de Estancia por Servicios de Voluntariado)—with specific requirements and procedures. In this guide, we break down what you need to know to legally participate in a volunteer program in Spain.
What is the Stay Authorization for Volunteering in Spain?
The Stay Authorization for Volunteering is a permit granted to foreigners who participate in a volunteer program promoting goals of general interest. These programs must be developed by public or private entities that are duly recognized by Spanish law and registered in the corresponding official registry.
- Nature: It is classified as an “Stay” (Estancia), not a residence or work permit.
- Remuneration: Its primary characteristic is that the activity is non-remunerated, although the hosting organization may cover expenses such as accommodation, board, local transport, and, crucially, insurance.
Key Requirements for the Volunteering Stay
To obtain the volunteering stay authorization, the applicant must fulfill a set of requirements based on the activity’s nature and the volunteer’s situation:
1. Agreement with the Volunteer Entity (The Core Document)
The most important document is the Volunteer Agreement (Convenio de Voluntariado), signed by the entity in Spain and the applicant. This agreement must specify:
- The detailed description of the activities to be carried out.
- The schedule and the duration of the program.
- The conditions for accommodation, maintenance (manutención), and insurance provided by the entity.
- The entity’s commitment to cover the cost of the return trip (viaje de regreso) if the agreement is breached.
- Proof that the entity is officially registered and recognized.
2. Economic Means
If the agreement does not cover the entirety of the stay expenses, the volunteer must prove they have sufficient personal funds to maintain themselves in Spain without needing to work.
- Minimum Amount: The minimum required amount is 100% of the monthly IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples). For 2025, this is €600/month, or its equivalent in foreign currency.
3. Medical and Background Checks
- Medical Insurance: The volunteer must have public or private medical insurance that covers health risks during their stay, with coverage similar to the Spanish National Health System. If the entity does not provide it, the volunteer must contract it.
- Criminal Records: The applicant must not have criminal records in Spain or in their countries of residence for the last five years (required if the stay is longer than six months and the applicant is of legal age).
- Entry Prohibition: Must not be prohibited from entering Spain or the Schengen area.
- Age: In most cases, the applicant must be over 18 years old.
Volunteering Stay Application Process
The application process must be initiated in the volunteer’s country of origin before traveling to Spain.
- Visa Application: The applicant must submit their visa application at the Spanish Diplomatic Mission or Consular Office corresponding to their place of residence. The submission must include the visa form, valid passport, the Volunteer Agreement, and all other required documentation.
- Visa Resolution: The Consulate generally has a maximum of one month to resolve the application. Once approved, the visa is issued, allowing the volunteer to travel to Spain.
- Foreigner Identity Card (TIE): Once in Spain, if the volunteering stay is longer than 6 months, the volunteer must apply for their Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) at the National Police Station in their province of residence within one month of their arrival.
The stay for volunteering is an excellent way to contribute to Spanish society while enjoying an unforgettable personal experience. Ensuring compliance with the legal requirements and following the correct procedure is the first step to enjoying this opportunity without complications.
If you need personalized assistance, at Entre Trámites we offer management and advisory services on immigration matters. You can contact us through this contact form for us to call you, or if you prefer, you can schedule a free consultation or write to us on WhatsApp.
