What is the residence permit for training (arraigo para la formación), and how can it be applied for?
Residence based on training (arraigo para la formación) is one of the forms of temporary residence authorization on exceptional grounds that may be granted to foreign nationals in Spain who meet a series of requirements. This authorization allows them to reside legally in the country for one year, with the possibility of renewal, and to undertake training activities related to their country of origin or to Spain’s interests.
The requirements for applying for residence based on training are as follows:
– Have lived in Spain continuously and without interruption for at least two years. Residence is considered continuous if absences from Spanish territory do not exceed a total of 120 days during the two-year period.
– Have no criminal record and not be prohibited from entering Spain or the Schengen Area.
– Provide evidence of participation in or admission to a training programme related to your country of origin or to Spain’s interests, delivered by an officially recognized public or private entity.
Several types of training are valid for residence based on training in Spain:
- Regulated vocational training: This type of training is officially recognized and qualifies you to practise a specific profession.
- Training leading to a certificate of technical aptitude: This type of training allows you to obtain a certificate of technical aptitude.
- Training promoted by public employment services (SEPE): These courses are promoted by SEPE and are designed to help you acquire the skills needed for a specific job.
- Official master’s degrees: These are master’s-level qualifications that are officially recognised.
- Microcredentials: These are continuing education certificates that allow you to acquire specific skills.
It is important to bear in mind that not all courses are valid for residence based on training. The course you choose must meet certain requirements, such as having a start date within the next three months, being in-person or a hybrid of in-person and online learning, having a minimum and maximum duration, offering future prospects, and allowing you to obtain a certification.
The steps to follow when applying for residence based on training are as follows:
– Submit the application to the relevant Immigration Office for the province where you live. You may submit the application in person or through a duly accredited representative. You may also submit it online through the Electronic Office of the General Secretariat for Immigration and Emigration.
– Provide the required documentation, including: a valid passport or travel document, a certificate of registration at your address, a criminal-record certificate issued by the authorities of the country or countries where you have lived during the last five years, and a document proving participation in or admission to the training programme.
– Wait for the decision on the application, which must be notified within a maximum period of three months from the date the application is entered in the competent authority’s register. If no notification is received within that period, the application may be deemed rejected due to administrative silence.
– If the decision is favourable, apply for the foreign national identity card (TIE) at the relevant police station within a maximum period of one month from notification. To do so, you must present your passport or travel document, a recent colour photograph, and proof of payment of the fee for issuing the TIE.
Some advice for people interested in applying for residence based on training is as follows:
– Find out carefully about the requirements and documentation needed before submitting the application, and make sure you meet the requirements and provide everything correctly.
– Choose a training programme that suits your interests and abilities and is offered by a recognised and reputable organisation.
– Take advantage of the opportunity to train and acquire new skills that can facilitate your social and professional integration in Spain.
– Seek advice and support from the bodies and organisations that work with migrants, both for processing the residence application and for monitoring the training programme and finding resources.
