Beginning on the first of January twenty twenty-four, students undertaking unpaid internships will be included in the Social Security system. This important measure allows over one million five hundred eighty thousand students to register and contribute, at least for one day, to Social Security from its implementation until the thirtieth of June twenty twenty-five. Previously, only those in paid internships were protected, making this change significant for students engaging in practical training.

The Minister of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, Elma Saiz, highlighted that these measures will more effectively protect students by recognising their rights from the start of their contribution careers with their internships. This aims to create a fairer system for all students, regardless of their internship’s remuneration status.

The regions with the highest number of students in unpaid internships include Madrid, Andalucía, Cataluña, and the Comunidad Valenciana. Madrid leads with two hundred eighty-one thousand six, followed by Andalucía with two hundred seventy-six thousand one hundred four, Cataluña with two hundred fifty-two thousand three hundred seventy-one, and Comunidad Valenciana with one hundred ninety-five thousand three hundred seventy-seven.

The General Treasury of Social Security has provided a special section on its website and mobile app, Importass, with specific information for students on internships. This includes a guide and frequently asked questions, along with the ability for students to manage important documents, such as their Social Security number and contribution history.