Residency based on studies roots in 2024: what does it consist of and what are the requirements?

The studies roots base is a temporary residency authorization for exceptional circumstances that can be granted to foreign citizens who are living in Spain and have been in Spain continuously for two years, allowing them to obtain an authorization to carry out training, subject to obtaining the residency and work authorization upon the completion of the training and the presentation of an employment contract.

The granted authorization may be extended only once for another period of 12 months in the cases when the training period is over a year or if it exceeds the validity of the first authorization granted.

• Not to be a citizen of a State of the European Union, of the European Economic Area or of Switzerland, or relative of citizens of these countries to which the regime of citizen of the Union is applicable.
• To have no criminal record in Spain and in their country of origin or in the country or countries in which they have resided during the last five years.
• To have not been banned from entering Spain and to not be considered as inadmissible in the territorial space of countries with which Spain has signed an agreement in this regard.
• If applicable, not to find themselves within the term of commitment not to return to Spain that the foreigner has assumed when returning voluntarily to their country of origin.
• To have remained in Spain continuously for a period of minimum two years prior to the application for the authorization. It is understood as continuous permanence if the absences have not exceeded 90 days in the last two years.
• Commitment to undertake training:
  • Regulated education for employment or to obtain a professional certificate, or a training leading to obtaining the certification of technical aptitude or professional qualification necessary for the exercise of a specific occupation or one promoted by the Public Employment Services and oriented to the performance of occupations included in the Catalog referred to in Article 65.1.
  • Or, within the scope of the continuing university education, to commit to the realization of courses of expansion or updating of competences and training or professional skills, as well as of other lifelong learning courses
  • For these purposes, the enrollment must have been carried out within three months from the notification of the resolution granting the residency permit.
• To pay the corresponding fee for the processing of the procedure.

Until now, this permit did not allow to work during studying. However, according to what has been announced with the new Reform of the Immigration Regulation, the incorporation of the work permit with this type of residence is being considered.

If you meet the requirements for this type of residency or you have any doubts about how to carry out any immigration procedure, please contact the Immigration Department of CINC Consultancy and we will assist you with your legal situation in Spain.