Spain is a very popular internship destination, due to its beautiful cities and culture, and the wide array of internships available. Thousands of students and young adults from all over the world opt for Spain every year to acquire work experience and get in touch with the Spanish culture and language. Cities such as Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia not only provide high standard working conditions, but are also highly reputed for their friendly environment in which interns can easily engage in local culture.
An internship in Spain (or prácticas, as they are known locally) is so much more than just professional development. Opportunity to Improve Your Spanish (a language spoken by 500 million people around the world) (a great asset to have at a time when we work in a global job market) Not only do you gain fluency in another language, interning in Spain provides a broader cultural outlook, adds international experience to your resume, and builds adaptability and independence. Work experience abroad is a very important detail to stand out the crowd, and by pursuing a Spanish internship you can tell your future employer that you have the international experience they are looking for.
The Spanish labor system and working culture combines the best of both worlds with professionalism and relaxed work-life balance. As an intern, you will get a taste for real-world business in a Mediterranean society, which can be very different from what you know at home. This exposure to others ways of doing business and cultural norms is priceless for getting ready to work in an international context.
Whether you want to work in business, tourism, technology, arts, and beyond, Spain provides internships in a variety of fields. From startups behind the tech boom in Barcelona to global corporations based in Madrid to local tourism businesses along the coast, the opportunities in Spain are as diverse as the country.
Types of Internships in Spain
Before we get into specifics about different options available in Spain, you should know that the internships in the country are very organized, and there are different ways that you can go about securing one depending on your status as a student or person entering or currently working in the workforce. Understanding which one applies to your situation will be an invaluable first step on your internship journey.
Curricular Internships
These internships are usually referred to as «prácticas curriculares» in Spanish, and are intended for students currently in education, usually within a university course. They are interwoven with your coursework and in some cases may count for academic credit.
These work placements are usually arranged by agreements between your university and Spanish businesses, so you’ll find your educational institution will have their hands all over the arrangements. It usually lasts for the length of the school term, from a few weeks to a few months, and it’s more about learning and less about earning.
Non-Credit-Bearing Internships
Extracurricular Internships outside University Curriculum or elsewhere outside of Groundwater Research Group, UCSC Framework.
These are also known as “prácticas extracurriculares” and are usually aimed at newly graduated students (you can’t have graduated more than two years before you apply), are not part of a university program or degree.
They provide greater flexibility in duration and timing and are perfect for recent graduates who have completed their studies but still need some real-world experience. For recent graduates, the internship can be as long as 1 year and is renewable once.
Paid vs. Unpaid Interns
When it comes to pay, it’s important to manage your expectations. In Spain, like in other countries, many of the internships offered, especially in the field of academic programs, are unpaid or pay a tiny sum also called “beca” (scholarship). Some employers will cover some of your costs for transportation or meals.
Paid internships usually amount to €300 to €600 per month so it is not going to get you a fabulous apartment, but date, to have a drink and eat. It’s more about the experience and learning aspect than profit.
All that said, there’s something to be said for the professional contacts and experience you acquire through the experience, which can make the whole thing worth it in the end.
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Who Can Apply?
Discovering if you’re eligible for an internship in Spain is the key starting point before you start fantasising about your Spanish adventure. Happily, there are a wide range of backgrounds for interns and many countries are invited.
Internship in Spain Internships in Spain are available for a variety of applicants ranging from current students to recent graduates (1-2 years after finishing the most recent studies) to young professionals seeking industry experience. Spain has a very open attitude towards foreign skills, and many Spanish firms appreciate how much foreign interns contribute to their company both by bringing in new insights and by speaking new languages.
EU/EEA and NON-EU/EEA candidates can apply for internships in Spain, however the process is completely different for each group2. For EU citizens it’s all much easier as they move freely through the Union, and for non-EU citizens the visa and residency permit model is a bit more complicated.
Whether or not you need to know Spanish depends largely on the industry and company, but most look for people who speak at least some Spanish. For those working in international business or tourism, speaking English is a great asset, while a basic understanding of the Spanish language can greatly increase your chances of being accepted and also enhances your experience out here1.
Some internship programs will have age requirements, especially those with government funding in existence or working through certain youth employment initiatives. Most programs aim to serve those between 18 and 30 years old, but that isn’t a hard-and-fast rule.
Requirements for Internships in Spain
In 2025, an internship in Spain will require meeting certain requirements that depend on your nationality and the kind of internship you’d like to do. Knowing these ahead of time will not only save you time, but thwart disappointment later.
For EU/EEA Citizens:
If you’re a citizen of an E.U. or E.E.A. country, it’s fairly easy. There is no visa needed for you to kick off your internship or work in spain no matter how long your internship will be. And that freedom of movement is one of the central benefits of being an EU citizen.
But you are still required to travel with a passport or national identity card at all times in Spain. Also if you are staying in Spain for more than three months, then you need to register yourself with the local authorities and get the ”Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión” made. This is a simple although required registration process.
To qualify for an internship as an EU citizen, you generally need to meet one of these criteria, such as: being a graduate for two years or less, as having an agreement with university for draft in the frame of a valid traineeship; or being a registered student at a university with an agreement in place for an internship, or having to do a degree in Spain or exchange abroad.
For Non-EU/EEA Citizens:
It’s more complicated if you’re not an EU/EEA national. For internships which last for more than 90 days, you must apply for a student visa or an intern visa before entering Spain.
Your host entity (company where you will intern) in Spain must usually apply for your Internship Residence Authorization from the immigration office of the province where your internship will be located. It must be planned months in advance, sometimes the process can be as long as 3 to 5 months.
Common documents needed are:
- Valid passport of not less than 1 year validity and two spare pages.
- An internship contract (Convenio de Prácticas) stating the programme of study, duration, terms, and legal binding
- Proof of being a current student at a university or graduation from a university in the past 90 days
- Criminal record certificate from your country or countries you have lived in the last 5 years
- Full medical insurance for the duration of your stay in Spain
- Evidence of adequate financial resources to sustain yourself
- Visa application form and passport size photographs
All foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and, if necessary, translated into Spanish by a sworn translator.
Other General Requirements:
Whether you’re a citizen or not, you need to prepare:
- Personalized CV and cover letter here in Spanish, unless you are applying to an international company
- School Reports and Certificates to show your study profile.
- References are not required but strongly preferred
- Proficient in Spanish and/or English as determined by position.
- Active Health Insurance in Spain.
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How to Find an Internship in Spain in 2025
To find your ideal internship in Spain, you will need to be strategic, persevere and begin your search early (very early!). Hispanic job market may be a little bit slower pace than what you’re accustomed to, so it’s advisable to plan ahead.
Start Your Search Early
Start applying for internships at least six months prior to your anticipated start date. That gives you plenty of time to do some research, fill out applications and go through any visa or registration procedures. Spanish red tape can be slow at times, especially in the summer or around major holidays, so buffer time is important.
Use Online Job Portals and Company Websites
On job websites such as InfoJobs, Primer Empleo, or LinkedIn, you can find countless internship offers. Spanish job opportunities are also listed on international job boards such as Indeed. Moreover, dozens of major Spanish companies and multinational companies offer internships on their own websites. Creating job alerts with specific keywords like “prácticas,” “becario” or “internship Spain” can be a good way to stay up to date on new openings.
Leverage University Resources
If you are a student, look to your university’s career center or international office as an invaluable resource. Cause of poor attendance Many Spanish universities have partnership agreements with local industry, and foreign universities have exchange agreements with the industry of Spain. These pre-existing connections can make the application process easier and might provide you with extra support while you’re abroad.
Attend Job Fairs and Networking Events
You have the opportunity to meet Spanish host offices and employers in a few In-person job fairs and many virtual ones. Professional meet & greets, industry conferences, and alumni mixers are also good places to network and build relationships that may result in an internship offer. Personal relationships are a big deal in Spanish business culture so networking can be especially fruitful.
Tap Into Personal and Professional Networks
Never underestimate the power of personal relationships. Contact or even just connect with friends, professors, relatives or alumni who might have contacts in Spain. In the Spanish business world, a personal recommendation can work wonders. Advertise your internship search to your extended network, sometimes the openings come from unlikely quarters.
Consider Internship Placement Agencies or Programs
Specialised agencies are available in case you are struggling to find an internship by yourself, in one of the best agencies for internships in Spain. They usually charge a fee, but their support is usually a broad one, including placement, house placement (depending on city) and sometimes language courses. There are also programs such as AIESEC, IAESTE or (for EU citizens) Erasmus+ which help to organize work experience placements abroad.
Use Spontaneous Applications
Similarly, spamming companies that you like (even if they don’t advertise for interns) helps if it is personalized[1]. Draft a strong cover letter that discusses why you’re interested in that company and what you could bring to the table. This is an enterprising approach and can occasionally reveal openings not widely publicised.
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How to Apply for an Internship in Spain
If you’re interested in obtaining an internship in Spain in 2025, you will be required to follow a series of steps ranging from searching for potential openings to sending out your application and obtaining required documents. Being systematic about your work can help you succeed.
Research Firms and Internship Programs
Start by finding businesses or nonprofits in your industry, if any, in Spain. Look into what they value, the projects they work on, corporate culture, and if it fits what you are interested in for a career. Anything in particular to look out for – for example, specific internships that they have, details on when to apply, length of time, requirements etc? This focused method is more efficient than spamming companies with general applications.
Get Your Application Documents Ready
Prepare a Spanish version of your CV and covering letter for each job application. Spanish CVs (c.v.s) also often include personal information such as date of birth and place of birth date. Limit your CV to 1-2 pages and focus on how you can contribute to the lab and its work; relevant education and skills; and any prior international experience. Your cover letter needs to include your interest in the individual company and the position, the reason you want to intern in Spain and also, what you expect to give and what you hope to receive in return.
If applying to Spanish-speaking jobs, translate your documents to Spanish. Even if English is accepted, turning in your documents in Spanish shows that you speak it and care. Have a native speaker critique the materials so that you know they are well written and culturally appropriate.
Submit Multiple Applications
In order to boost your odds of landing a summer internship, don’t put all your eggs in one basket, apply to several companies. There can be competition for jobs in Spain, especially in larger cities such as Madrid and Barcelona. Develop a tracking system to trace where you applied and when you applied, and any responses you may have received.
Follow Up on Your Applications
After you submit your application, give it a week or two before you follow up if you haven’t heard back. Spanish business communication is not always as fast as in other countries, so remain patient yet persistent. A courteous email asking where your application stands demonstrates that you remain interested without appearing to pushy.
Prepare for Interviews
If you are chosen for an interview, that likely will take place either over video call or, if you are already in Spain, in person. Prepare by researching the company, practicing interview questions and preparing examples that show “proves” your skills and experience. Some useful hints for those interviews in Spanish: Prepare in advance to make sure you can speak easily.
Get All Needed Documents
You will have to start the visa or residence permit process if necessary as soon as you get an offer for an internship. Work with your host company to get the necessary paperwork, such as your apprenticeship contract. Get going with it now, because this process may take a few months, especially if you are a non-EU citizen.
Formalize Your Internship Agreement
You will be contracting an agreement (convenio de prácticas) before you start the internship establishing points like how long it will be, how many hours you are going to work, your responsibilities, working hours, maybe you are getting paid, etc. Make sure you read it carefully before signing and you understand any sections you don’t get.
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Tips for a Successful Internship Application
To make your application shine in a competitive field, you really need to make sure your application is exceptional. These are some strategic tips which can be the difference between being rejected and getting your dream internship in Spain.
Start Early and Stay Organized
Start searching/interviewing at least 6 months before your desired start date. Develop a timeline for the due dates of the applications, follow-up dates, and recording submission deadlines. And doing so in an orderly manner means you won’t miss any important deadlines, something you can ill afford to do when you consider that visa application processing can easily take months.
Customize Your Application For The Spanish Market
Personalize your resumé and cover letter not just for every job but also for the Spanish job market. Spanish employers may like to see a photo on your CV, as well as personal information which would be seen as inappropriate elsewhere. Look up what the standard for your industry is in Spain directly so you can tailor your application accordingly. Emphasize any of your links to Spanish culture or language in your SOP to show them your legitimate interest in Spain.
Showcase Your Language and International Experience
Focus on your language skills, specifically Spanish if you have any level of fluency. Even the average Spanish demonstrates an interest to engage with local culture. If you are being considered for an international company, emphasize your English skills, too. Also show other foreign experiences, such as study or travel abroad or cross-cultural projects. It shows that you can handle new environments.
Be Patient and Persistent
The process for applying may move rather more slowly in Spain compared to what you’re used to, and that reflects the difference between fast and slow cultures in business. Don’t let competition, delays in responses or sluggish administrative processes spook you. Possibly wait for 1-2 weeks after you apply and then follow up nicely. Persistence just shows how much you actually care but mix this with patience and empathy for culture.
Get Ready for Cultural Differences
If you need to work with a Spanish team, there are some occasional traits that you might be unfamiliar with, so it is good to be ready.
Investigate Spanish business culture prior to your interview as well as the commencement date your internship. Spaniards frequently place a premium on personal relationships in the business environment, may have different communication styles (often more indirect), and follow different working hours (including later lunches and work that often continues into the evening). Being aware of these contrasts in advance can help you adjust and make a good impression sooner.
Have Emergency Funds and a Contingency Plan
Save up some money for when you are on your internship, especially if it’s unpaid or pays a very small wage. Keep cash reserves to cover any surprise costs or paperwork holdups. Investigate inexpensive housing way in advance as urban areas in Spain are expensive and hard to find accommodations. It might be a good idea to have a second accommodation option in case your first falls through.
Utilize Online Networking to Network Before You Arrive
Get in touch with professionals in your industry in Spain on LinkedIn or other industry platforms before you get there. Find and get involved in applicable Internet groups or chats. A one/two introductions could give you clues about the local job market and maybe some chances.
Life as an Intern in Spain
When you get your internship and you land in Spain that is another adventure. Knowing what to expect from everyday life and work culture will help you get the most from this invaluable experience.
Work Culture and Schedule in Spain
Working hours in Spain while Resume Writing Service In Spain Work hours in Spain might differ significantly from what you are used to, but generally, a common workday begins at 9 am and finishes at 6 p.m or later. The well-known Spanish lunch break (la comida) is often between one and two hours long, and can extend from approximately 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., especially in smaller workplaces or towns. Foreign companies may also adhere more closely to traditional European working hours.
Spaniards want to have a good work-life balance and have a more relaxed approach to time, which doesn’t mean they are not professional and hardworking. Workplace relationships and personal connections are regarded highly, and conversations pertaining to work may be preceded by a chat on family or common interests.
Professional Opportunities
Spain provides internship options in many fields; it is especially good for those interested in tourism, hospitality, business, marketing, tech, education and creative studies. There are many multinationals in major cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, with some jobs connected to tourism and hospitality in the coastal areas. Growing tech hubs in places like Valencia and Málaga are increasingly providing job opportunities in startups and technology companies.
As an intern, if you show aptitude and initiative, you could wind up with some pretty awesome responsibilities. A lot of Spanish businesses appreciate new points of view, even more of international interns who come with other methods and insights.
Language and Cultural Immersion
You will also have the chance to boost your Spanish skills, as daily life will be entirely in Spanish. And while your workplace may be English-speaking, every other aspect of your life will be in Spanish. Get some language classes in if you can to work on the pace at which you are learning.
Beyond the language, you will be exposed to Spanish culture directly – the social tradition of tapas after work, regional festivals and customs. And to embrace these cultural experiences is what elevates your internship beyond the professional realm.
Building Your International Network
Your internship in Spain and Latin America is an incredible chance to develop an global contacts network. Go to industry events, join professional organizations, and accept invitations to socialize with colleagues. These relationships also can turn into career connections, or collaborations or – as it often happens – lifelong friends in the form of international pen pals. The Spanish business culture is relationship-driven, so taking time to develop these relationships is advantageous to your professional proceeding.
Balancing Work and Exploration
As much as your internship is a professional one, it’s also an opportunity to explore Spain’s rich history, varied landscapes and buzzing cities. It’s an ideal destination for short visits to other cities or natural spots during weekends. Spain’s great transportation system makes it easy to travel to different areas, from the historic Andalucía to the beaches of Valencia or the mountains of the north.
This combination of career development and personal discovery is what turns a Spanish internship into a life-changing experience that impacts your chosen career and the way you will view the world for years to come.
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Conclusion
An internship in Spain presents a combination of career opportunity, cultural absorption, and personal enhancement that is hard to rival. As we have seen in this article getting and doing well in a Spanish internship takes forethought, preparation and an open attitude, but the benefits are rich reward indeed.
Summarizing key aspects, first you need to determine which type of internship fits your circumstances, whether you are a current student or a recent graduate. Find out what is required according to your citizenship, EU citizens have it easier while non EU citizens need more documentation. Begin your search early on, you can use university connections, online platforms, networking, direct applications etc to find something which is in line with your career aspiration.
Prepare detailed applications specifically targeted at the Spanish market, emphasising your language skills and any international experience, and apply to as many places as possible in a bid to increase your odds. When you get an offer, act fast on securing any visas or permits you need, and get ready for professional and personal life in Spain.
Whilst attending an internship in Madrid, take in the work culture, make contacts and enjoy the fantastic avenue to practice your Spanish and to see the cultural beauty of the country. The freelancing/contacts/skills you pick up while in Spain will probably affect your career path for many years into the future.
Whether you want to get better at a language, are looking to get some international work experience under your belt, want to taste-test a potential career, or just want to experience life in one of Europe’s most lively countries, an internship in Spain ticks all the boxes. Professional experience combined with “immersion” in a culture creates an experience that goes miles beyond the paragraphs of your resume.
As many former interns would attest, the decision to pursue an internship in Spain often becomes a defining chapter in both their professional development and personal growth – opening doors to new opportunities, perspectives, and connections that last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not all internships in Spain offer payment. Student internships (prácticas) that are part of academic programs are often unpaid or offer only a small stipend to cover expenses like transportation and meals. Graduate internships are more likely to be paid, typically offering between €300-€600 per month. The focus is primarily on the learning experience rather than financial compensation, so it’s important to budget accordingly for your stay.
While not always mandatory, having at least basic Spanish skills significantly improves both your application chances and overall experience. Some international companies and tourism-related businesses may operate primarily in English, but Spanish language ability opens more doors and enriches your cultural experience. Many interns take language courses before or during their internship to improve their skills.
The visa and residence permit application process for non-EU citizens can take between 1-3 months, sometimes longer during busy periods. The Spanish host entity typically needs to apply for your Internship Residence Authorization first, which can take 3-5 months to process. It’s crucial to start the application process as soon as you receive an internship offer to avoid delays in your start date.
Yes, internships can definitely lead to job opportunities, either with your host company or within your professional network in Spain. Many Spanish companies use internships as a way to identify potential full-time employees. To increase your chances of receiving a job offer, demonstrate initiative, build strong relationships with colleagues, and clearly express your interest in potential long-term opportunities before your internship concludes.
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