Medical PG in Spain for International Students: Medical residency in Spain

Are you a non-European medical graduate (MBBS) dreaming of medical residency in spain for foreigners? Pursue Medical PG in Spain as it offers one of the best pathways to achieve medical residency (Medical PG) through the MIR (Médico Interno Residente) exam, a highly respected and structured route to specialize in fields like cardiology, dermatology, pediatrics, internal medicine, surgery, and more. 

• Global Recognition: Spain’s medical training system is recognized across the EU and beyond. 
• Affordable Public Healthcare System: Compared to other European countries, the cost of medical training and living in Spain is lower.
• High Quality of Training: Residents work in advanced hospitals under expert supervision with hands-on clinical exposure.
• Work Opportunities: After completing residency, doctors can continue working in Spain or apply for recognition of qualifications across Europe.

1. Get Your Medical Degree Recognized (Homologación)

Non-EU medical graduates must homologate their degree in Spain. This process verifies that your degree is equivalent to a Spanish medical degree. Pro tip: Homologation can take 6 months – 2.5 years. Contact us to apply your MBBS degree homologation. 

Requirements:

• Valid Passport
• Apostilled degree certificate and transcripts
• Official translations into Spanish
• DELE B2 or C1 Spanish language certificate (from Instituto Cervantes)

2. Learn Spanish Language (Minimum B2 Level)

Spanish is mandatory for the entire MIR process — from homologation to exam, to clinical residency. You must be proficient in medical Spanish to:

• Pass the MIR exam (conducted in Spanish)
• Interact with patients during the residency
• Integrate into the Spanish healthcare system

Recommendation: Enroll in a Spanish language program in Spain and aim for a DELE B2 or C1 certificate. This is often required for degree homologation and hospital placements.

3. Register and Prepare for the MIR Exam

The MIR exam is a national competitive exam held once a year in Spain (usually in January–February).

Key Facts:

• 225 multiple-choice questions (clinical cases)
• Conducted only in Spanish
• Placement is based on score + academic merits
• High scorers choose first from available medical specialties

Popular specialties include:

• Dermatology
• Cardiology
• Pediatrics
• Ophthalmology
• Anesthesiology

• Once selected in a medical residency program, you receive a residence permit as a medical resident in Spain.
• You will earn a monthly stipend during your residency (approx. €1,500–€2,500 depending on specialty and hospital).
• After finishing the residency, you can apply for a long-term work permit and continue your medical career in Spain.
• You can later apply for permanent residency and eventually Spanish citizenship (after 2 years of legal residency for Latin American citizens or 10 years for others).