Volunteering in Spain

It is for anyone thinking about, planning or carrying out a move to Spain. You will learn where to volunteer, whether you may do it on your permit, and how to pick a role that also builds a social life. It also covers the main kinds of volunteering, roles you can do with limited Spanish, and the checks that apply when you work with children or vulnerable people.

Start with "Where to find volunteering roles in Spain as a newcomer". It shows you where to look and how to apply. Then read "Can you volunteer on your visa or residence permit?" before you commit to a role.

Key rules

• Expenses: Volunteering is unpaid, and you can only be reimbursed for actual, documented expenses.
• Minors certificate: If your volunteering involves regular contact with minors, you must show a negative certificate from the Central Register of Sex Offenders, which is free to request.
• Written agreement: The organisation must give you a written volunteer agreement setting out your tasks, schedule, duration, expenses and insurance.
• Cost of searching: Searching and contacting organisations is open to foreigners as well as residents.
• Best first stop: Use a searchable national site first, then your city or region's volunteer office.
• Time: Most regular roles ask for two to four hours a week; one-off days exist for food aid, clean-ups and events.

Documents you may need

Identity and residence

• Your passport or national ID — Volunteering with children or vulnerable people: checks and certificates

Guarantees

• Insurance details and an emergency contact sheet — Volunteering with children or vulnerable people: checks and certificates

Translations and legal papers

• A sworn translation into Spanish — Volunteering with children or vulnerable people: checks and certificates

Other documents

• A negative certificate from the Central Register of Sex Offenders — Volunteering with children or vulnerable people: checks and certificates, Where to find volunteering roles in Spain as a newcomer
• The organisation's own forms — Volunteering with children or vulnerable people: checks and certificates
• A no-criminal-record certificate covering sex offences from your country — Volunteering with children or vulnerable people: checks and certificates
• Legalisation of the foreign certificate — Volunteering with children or vulnerable people: checks and certificates

Volunteering in Spain: questions that cross several articles

Can I volunteer if my Spanish is only basic?

Yes, you can volunteer with basic Spanish, but the role decides how much you need. Practical animal and environmental tasks usually work with A1 to A2 Spanish, while teaching Spanish or accompanying people to appointments usually expects B1 or above. Read "Volunteering in Spain when your Spanish is limited" first, then "Types of volunteering in Spain: charities, animals, culture and environment" to compare roles.

Where do I apply for a role with Cruz Roja, Cáritas or a food bank?

You apply directly with each organisation, and the route differs for each one. Cruz Roja has an online volunteer form and local offices, Cáritas works through your local parish or diocese, and each provincial food bank has its own volunteer form. Expect an interview and an induction. "Where to find volunteering roles in Spain as a newcomer" lists the national search sites too.

Does volunteering count as work if I hold a non-lucrative residence visa?

Genuine unpaid volunteering through a registered non-profit is generally not treated as work, but no single rule says so explicitly. Any payment or benefit beyond expenses could be treated as work, so keep your written agreement and accept no compensation.

Do I need a certificate to volunteer with refugees or migrants?

You need a certificate only if the role involves regular contact with minors, for example running children's activities. Many refugee and migrant support roles, such as Spanish classes or paperwork help, are with adults. "Volunteering with children or vulnerable people: checks and certificates" explains the check, and "Types of volunteering in Spain: charities, animals, culture and environment" shows which roles are affected.

Can I volunteer if I am under 18?

Usually you must be 18 or older, but people aged 12 to 18 can join suitable activities with parental consent, within limits. Under-12s cannot be volunteers, and shelters often set a minimum age of 18. Check the age rule with the organisation, and read "Can you volunteer on your visa or residence permit?" for the rules on status.