How to be a soldier in Spain as a foreigner

The Spanish army offers foreigners the opportunity to join its ranks under certain specific conditions. This is not only a job opportunity but also a way to integrate and contribute to the country. The percentage of foreigners currently in the army is less than 2%, but it is growing every year. Below, we break down all the necessary steps for foreigners to join the army.

General requirements for being a foreigner in the military in Spain

1. In order to be able to access the Spanish army, it is necessary to be a citizen of countries with specific agreements with Spain. These countries are mainly those of the Ibero-American Community, such as Argentina, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Dominican Republic, Uruguay and Venezuela, and also, Equatorial GuineaForeigners who have legally resided in Spain for more than two years are also permitted to do so, especially if they demonstrate their roots and mastery of the Spanish language.
2. Be between 18 and 29 years of age.
3. Not having a criminal record or having open criminal proceedings, both in Spain and in the country of origin.
4. Educational levels will be required depending on the position to be obtained. At least the applicant must have completed compulsory secondary education (ESO) or its equivalent in the country of origin.
5. Legal residence in force in Spain until the date of incorporation into the training center.
6. Have all the documentation in order.
7. Pass the psychophysical selection tests, depending on the position to be determined.

Steps to access the Spanish army as a foreigner

1. Review of the Call. Please carefully review the requirements, conditions and deadlines indicated in the official announcement. Confirm that you meet the general requirements (age, nationality, educational level, etc.) and those specific to foreigners.
2. Gather the Documentation. Prepare all required documents (see list mentioned above), making sure they are current and properly legalized, if necessary. For foreign academic degrees, process the homologation with LegalSpain Agency, experts in these processes.
3. Registration in the Selection Process. Access the Official Portal and enter the site of the Spanish Armed Forces. Create an account and complete the online registration form. Select the available positions that match your profile. Attach the required documentation digitally.
4. In-person presentation (if necessary). Some procedures may require your presence at a Defence Subdelegation or at public service points. Bring the original documentation and certified copies with you.
5. Selection Tests. Once your application is accepted, you will be invited to participate in the selection process that includes:

• Medical Examination. Verification that you meet the required physical and medical conditions.
• Physical Tests. Exercises to evaluate your physical condition.
• Psychotechnical tests. Evaluation of cognitive abilities and skills.
• Personal Interview (in some cases). Assessment of your motivation, adaptation and personal profile.

6. Publication of Results. Once the selection process is complete, the list of those admitted will be published on the official website and in the Defence Subdelegations. If you are selected, you will receive specific instructions on how to proceed with your incorporation.
7. Incorporation into the Training Center. Complete the final procedures to join the assigned military training center, where you will begin your basic and specialized training.

Required Documentation

• National Identity Document or Passport. Original and copy of the document proving your identity as a foreign citizen.
• Residence Card. Certification proving that the applicant has legal residence in Spain. The card must be valid at the time of submitting the application.
• Certificate of Registration. Document issued by the City Council certifying effective residence in Spain.
• Diploma. Certified copy of the corresponding academic qualification, equivalent to the minimum required in the call for applications (generally Compulsory Secondary Education or equivalent). In the case of foreign qualifications, they must be officially approved by the Spanish Ministry of Education.
• Declaration of Compatibility with Nationality. Signed declaration of commitment to apply for Spanish nationality once the established legal requirements have been met, given that some positions require subsequent acquisition of nationality.
• Criminal record. Document issued by the authorities of the country of origin certifying the absence of a criminal record. This certificate must be duly legalized or, where appropriate, accompanied by the Hague Apostille.
• Driving License (if applicable). If required for any specialty or position, you must present the corresponding driving license.
• Language tests (if applicable). If Spanish is not your native language, you may be required to demonstrate an adequate level of the language through a recognized certificate or a specific test during the process.

This documentation must be submitted within the deadlines established in the call for applications and, in some cases, it may be necessary to provide official translations into Spanish for documents issued in another language.

Selection tests

1. Medical Examination

It is carried out to determine whether the applicant meets the health conditions necessary for military service. It includes:

• General exploration: review of systems and organs (vision, hearing, musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular system, etc.).
• Checking weight and height: verification that the limits established in the call are met.
• clinical analysis: may include blood and urine tests to rule out diseases, consumption of prohibited substances, among others.
• Detection of diseases or pathologies: It is assessed whether there are any excluding medical conditions according to the Ministry of Defense's medical exclusion table.

2. Physical Tests

These tests evaluate the physical capacity of the applicant:

1. Long jump without running. Lower body power.
2. ABS. Abdominal muscle resistance.
3. Arm flexion-extensions. Upper body muscle resistance.
4. Round trip race. Cardio-respiratory resistance.

In each test a score is obtained based on the results obtained. The minimum marks are:

3. Psychotechnical tests

These assess the cognitive, intellectual and psychological skills necessary for military performance. They may include:

• Logical reasoning tests. Problem solving and mathematical logic exercises.
• Spatial and mechanical skills. Assessment of the ability to understand spatial relationships and the functioning of mechanical systems.
• Memory and attention tests. Exercises designed to measure the ability to concentrate, retain information and make decisions quickly.
• Personality assessment. Questionnaires designed to assess aspects of the candidate's personality and emotional stability.

4. Psychological Interview (in some cases).

It can be carried out to further assess the candidate's psychological profile, motivation and ability to adapt to military life.

Benefits of being a soldier in Spain

• The military provides a stable contract, with guaranteed income that ensures financial peace of mind.
• It is an ideal option for those looking for long-term employment.
• Military members receive financial compensation that includes their base salary plus additional allowances for seniority, rank and specialty. In addition, bonuses are offered for international missions and specific jobs.
• The Spanish Army offers ongoing training, allowing you to acquire technical skills, languages ​​and knowledge useful for the civilian labour market. You can also specialise in areas such as logistics, military health, engineering, telecommunications, among others.
• Comprehensive medical coverage for you and, in many cases, for your family.
• Access to pensions and social benefits in case of accident or retirement.
• Joining the military will allow you to develop values ​​such as discipline, teamwork, responsibility and resilience. It is an opportunity to overcome your personal limits and grow both physically and mentally.
• In the military, you will have the opportunity to live and work with people of different nationalities and cultures, enriching your global perspective. It is also common to participate in international missions that expose you to diverse scenarios.
• Working in the military can make the process of acquiring Spanish nationality easier, especially if you meet the residency and service requirements.
• Although some higher ranks require Spanish nationality, foreigners can advance in various military positions depending on their performance and experience.
• During training and missions, the military provides free accommodation and food, significantly reducing your personal expenses.
• Being part of the military is a respected profession that brings pride and recognition for contributing to the defense and well-being of the country.

FAQ

• Is it mandatory to obtain Spanish nationality to be promoted? In some cases, yes. Spanish nationality is a requirement for certain ranks and responsibilities within the army.
• What happens if my residence permit expires during the process? It is essential to renew it before it expires, since an expired permit could interrupt the selection process.
• Can I join the Spanish army if I am not a citizen? Yes, in certain specific cases depending on your nationality and legal status.
• What is the age limit to apply? Generally, 29 years.
• Is it necessary to speak fluent Spanish? Yes, mastery of Spanish is essential.
• What benefits does the Spanish army offer to foreigners? Job stability, training and promotion opportunities.
• Can I obtain Spanish nationality by joining the army? In some cases, service in the military can facilitate the naturalization process.
• Where can I see all the specifications? On BOE.