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Residence permit for voluntary work

Volunteering in Spain is not only an opportunity to help the community and gain a unique cultural experience, but also a legal way to live in the country. A residence permit for volunteers (estancia por voluntariado) allows you to take part in official programmes aimed at achieving objectives of general interest, and to stay in Spain legally for a period of more than 90 days.
Assess the chances
  • Personal manager
    Your personal manager will accompany you every step of the way, monitoring all stages and resolving any issues that arise.
  • Preparation of documents
    We take care of the entire document preparation process, including checking them to eliminate errors and delays.
  • Case audit
    If your situation is complex, we will conduct a detailed audit and offer customised solutions to increase your chances of success.
Personal manager
Your personal manager will accompany you every step of the way, monitoring all stages and resolving any issues that arise.
Preparation of documents
We take care of the entire document preparation process, including checking them to eliminate errors and delays.
Case audit
If your situation is complex, we will conduct a detailed audit and offer customised solutions to increase your chances of success.
Who is it suitable for?
This type of residence permit is intended for non-EU nationals who plan to undertake unpaid work as part of an official volunteering programme. This may include:
Work with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) involved in social welfare, environmental protection and cultural heritage.
Participation in programmes organised by foundations or government bodies.
Participation in European Solidarity Corps programmes, which often cover accommodation and living expenses.
Key legislation
  • The procedure is governed by the general rules governing matters relating to foreign nationals:
    • Organic Law 4/2000 (Ley Orgánica 4/2000) on the rights and freedoms of foreign nationals in Spain.
    • Regulations implementing the Act (Royal Decree 557/2011), which set out the conditions of stay for volunteers.
    • Law 45/2015 on Volunteering (Ley 45/2015, de Voluntariado), which sets out the rights and obligations of volunteers and organisations.
Requirements
To obtain this visa, you must demonstrate the purpose of your visit and that you have sufficient funds.
Agreement with the organisation: You must have a signed agreement with an authorised volunteer organisation. The agreement must clearly set out your duties, the terms of your placement, your schedule, as well as provisions for accommodation, meals and travel expenses.
Objectives of the programme: The programme must pursue objectives of general interest (fines de interés general), for example in the social, environmental, cultural or educational spheres.
Financial support: You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay. This may take the form of a guarantee from the organisation itself, covering all expenses, or proof of personal funds equivalent to 100% of the IPREM (€600 per month for 2026).
Liability insurance: The volunteer organisation is required to take out civil liability insurance for you to cover any damage you may cause whilst carrying out your duties.
Health insurance: You must have a health insurance policy (state or private) providing full cover for the entire duration of your stay.
Long-term requirements (for programmes lasting more than 180 days):
  • A certificate of good conduct from the countries where you have resided over the past 5 years (with an Apostille and a certified translation).
  • Medical certificate confirming the absence of any serious illnesses.
Required documents
(main list)
The national visa application form (if applying from abroad) or Form Modelo EX-00 (if applying from within Spain).
A valid passport.
An agreement with a voluntary organisation, signed by both parties.
Documents confirming that the organisation and the programme meet the requirements (e.g. the organisation’s articles of association).
A civil liability insurance policy taken out by the organisation.
Proof of financial means (a guarantee from an organisation or a personal bank statement).
Health insurance policy.
A certificate of good conduct and a medical certificate (where applicable, with an apostille and a translation).

Application procedure

The procedure is characterised by its speed and the option to submit documents online. The application is submitted not by the researcher themselves, but by the host organisation.

  • Submitting an application to UGE-CE

    The host university or research centre submits the full set of documents online via the electronic platform of the Corporate Relations Unit (UGE-CE).

  • Fast-track processing:

    The processing time for the application is just 20 working days. If no response has been received by the end of this period, the residence permit is deemed to have been approved by ‘administrative silence’.

  • Obtaining a decision and a visa (if required):

    • If you are outside Spain: Once your application has been approved, you must apply for a researcher’s residence visa at the Spanish Consulate. The processing time for the visa is 10 working days.
    • If you are already legally resident in Spain (for example, on a student residence permit): You can apply to change your status without leaving the country, and proceed to the next step as soon as your application is approved.

  • Applying for a Resident Card (TIE):

    Upon arrival in Spain (or following approval, if you are already in the country), you must register with the police within one month to have your fingerprints taken and to obtain a residence card (TIE). The initial card is issued for a period of up to three years or for the duration of your contract.
Application procedure
The process is similar to applying for student accommodation and depends on where you are.
1. Submission at the Spanish Consulate in your country (the main method):
You need to compile a set of documents, book an appointment at the Consulate and submit an application for a national visa (type D). The processing time is usually around one month. Once you have received your visa and entered Spain, you must apply for a residence card (TIE) within one month.
2. Filing directly in Spain:
This is possible if you are legally resident in Spain (for example, as a tourist) and have at least 30 days remaining on your stay. The application must be submitted online or in person at the Foreigners’ Office (Oficina de Extranjería). Once approved, you must also collect your TIE card.
Are you ready to set off on your journey?
Make the world a better place, starting with Spain! Volunteering is a noble cause, but it also requires strict compliance with immigration regulations. We’ll help you review your contract with the organisation, ensure that all insurance and financial guarantees are in order, and make sure you successfully obtain your volunteer visa.
What does the service include?
Suitable for most applicants. We provide full support throughout the entire process and see your application through to the granting of a residence permit.
  • Case assessment: Checking documents for compliance with Spanish immigration regulations.
  • Preparing the application: Compiling a complete set of documents for the consulate or immigration authorities.
  • Health insurance: Finding a competitive policy and taking out insurance with a Spanish company.
  • Medical certificate: Arranging for the issue of a standard-format medical certificate.
  • Certified translation: Official translation (2 pages included in the price).
  • Technical translation: Preparation of translations (3 pages included in the price).
  • Application process: Booking an appointment at the Consulate and obtaining access codes.
  • Completing forms: Preparing all forms, applications and receipts for the payment of fees.
  • Submission by a solicitor: Electronic submission of documents via the solicitor’s official portal.
  • Cost
    since €3755
    On behalf of the main applicant.
    No hidden fees.
    Get in Touch
  • Payment procedure
    First, we sign a contract.
    50%
    before the provision of services begins;
    50%
    on the day the documents are submitted
Not included and charged separately:
  • State fees and charges: Payable in the country where the application is submitted (medical certificates, certificates of good conduct).
  • Personal expenses: Private health insurance, tuition fees or the cost of drawing up a business plan (depending on the type of residence permit).
  • Important: All government fees within Spain are already included in the service fee.