Question
Do people think that they doing the aux program (Auxiliares de Conversación) is good for people in their 30s that want stability and want to live permanently in Spain? Like doing the program for a year or two and then applying eventually for permanent residency … has anyone done this before ?
Answers
These are the answers of some Facebook group members:
“You can but keep in mind that any student years will only count half towards permanent residency (the EU version). The regular version, your student years won’t count towards your permanent residency. And as you said, you will have to switch to any residency type at some point because it’s impossible to achieve permanent residency with only student estancia. https://spainguru.es/2019/07/04/long-term-residency/“
“The short answer is no. It is not worth the headache. I was not trying to live in Spain for a long time/permanently but I did the aux program. The program has caught on to people trying to do exactly what you’re talking about and have kicked people out after two years despite some regions allowing three years. Then they’ll send you a carta after it’s too late to renew your visa, and then you have to get a new visa, effectively starting your duration over again and losing time credit. Perhaps look into other visas like the NLV or the Digital Nomad which should go live in March 2023.”
“I’m 43 and though I’m passionate and experienced in teaching children, I chose the aux program as a way to get my foot in the door for a permanent move to Spain. The income is paltry and Spain bureaucracy is cumbersome and inconsistent. Yes, be an aux if you enjoy teaching/tutoring children, but have your plan B in motion before the end of the school year.”
“I think especially in response to you saying “that want stability,” I have to say no, the program is unfortunately not good for that at all”
“The word that stuck out to me was “stability” and I have to say that if you want stability, the program is not good for that at all. I’m in my 40s, in my 4th year in the program and I could write a book on the the lack of stability I’ve experienced in this program. Of course, this has been my personal experience and others have had more stable experiences than me, others more unstable. If you want stability right off the bat, I would suggest trying to find another way. If you can put up with a few years of instability, then it’s a good way to get your feet wet (or feet in the door, I guess).”
“The Aux program is a great and easy way to get to Spain and get a feel of if it’s for you. What I would recommend if you are trying to stay long term is to work on getting a stable remote job while you are doing the Aux program as they are rolling out the Digital Nomad visa. That way when your time as an Aux is up, you are able to easily switch over to the Nomad visa and have a higher/more consistent income. This is what I did/doing. Another option (that I’ve also done) is doing a Masters or PhD program. I did a Master’s program in Madrid and received a full ride + stipend. Not bad option for those who are looking to pursue higher ED.”
“If “stability” is the goal, Spain is not a good option at all to be honest. That said, I started as an aux on a student visa and now have permanent residency. I got my larga duración UE about as fast as you can and it still took about 7 years.”
“It’s impossible to only work on an aux salary. I will be working two jobs. A majority of people hustle by tutoring after work and online teaching.”
“No, I wouldn’t recommend the auxiliaries programme as a good way to try and stay in Spain long-term, and, as others have said, Spain isn’t exactly brilliant if you’re looking for stability. The auxiliar programme will allow you to see more clearly what life in Spain is like, so it’s good in that respect. But as a method to staying permanently? No.”
“I agree there are other ways then just that program! Masters or coming here on a language visa while having a remote job or free lance!”
“Spain in general, isn’t great for stability… A lot of citizens here are in precarious work situations… So think about what you’re really wanting and why Spain, too.”
“I only intended to stay for 9 months, but I’ve been here for 7 years now (because I met my husband here). If it wasn’t for him, I would have definitely gone back, because as you say, stability is hard to find here.”
In conclusion, according to Spainguru’s Facebook group members, the Auxiliares de Conversación program is not viewed as a good option for people in their 30s who are looking for stability and permanent residency in Spain. Some people have successfully achieved permanent residency by combining the program with other methods such as obtaining a remote job, pursuing higher education, or coming to Spain on a language visa. However, others have experienced a lack of stability and difficulties in achieving permanent residency. Spain in general is not viewed as a good option for stability, with many citizens facing precarious work situations. Some members suggest considering other options if stability is the goal.
