Legal Residency in Spain through Training (Arraigo para la Formación)

Are you an undocumented foreigner in Spain who wants to stay legally and improve your future through education or training? 

The Arraigo para la Formación is a new legal pathway that allows foreigners to obtain temporary residency in Spain if they commit to enrolling in recognized educational or vocational training programs. 

What Is Arraigo para la Formación?

Arraigo para la Formación is a recently introduced legal pathway in Spanish immigration law that allows non-EU foreignersincluding undocumented individualsto obtain temporary residency in Spain in exchange for committing to formal education or vocational training. 

It was designed to promote social integration through learning and professional development, and offers an alternative to other types of arraigo (social, family, or work-related), with less demanding requirements regarding employment or family ties.

Stay legally in Spain 
Enroll in certified training or academic programs 
✅ Open the door to future work authorization 

Who Qualifies for This Residency?

You may qualify if: 

  • You have lived in Spain continuously for at least 2 years (with absences of less than 90 days) 
  • You are not a citizen or relative of EU/EEA nationals 
  • You have no criminal record in Spain or your country of origin 
  • You commit to enrolling in official education, training, or certification programs within 3 months of receiving your permit 

Types of Training Accepted

To qualify, your training must be:

  • Authorized or recognized by public educational institutions 
  • Focused on employment-oriented skills or academic advancement 
  • Offered in-person or online, depending on the program 

Examples include:

  • Certified language programs (e.g., Spanish for employment) 
  • Technical training (IT, hospitality, healthcare, construction) 
  • University-access courses or higher education preparation 
  • Professional certificates with practical applications 

What You Get

With this permit, you will receive: 

  • A 1-year renewable residence permit (can be extended up to 2 years) 
  • The opportunity to later apply for a work permit if you complete the training and secure a job offer 
  • Legal status and access to public services in Spain 

Why Choose Sterna Abogados?

We are a Madrid-based immigration law firm with deep experience helping Americans and other non-EU citizens regularize their stay in Spain.

We guide you step by step 
We help you choose a qualifying training program 
We prepare and submit your full application 
We speak your language and defend your rights
 

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Want to stay in Spain and train for your future legally?  

👉 Chat with a Lawyer on WhatsApp 

Take advantage of this opportunity to live and grow in Spainlegally.