Spain Announces 1,050 Prison Assistant Positions in 2026 Recruitment Drive

The Spanish Ministry of the Interior published a call in the BOE for 1,050 openings for the Corps of Prison Institution Assistants, an increase of 150 places compared with the previous year. The recruitment aims to address a structural staffing deficit in prisons caused by an aging workforce and a wave of upcoming retirements.

The selection process consists of a single‑day exam that includes 120 multiple‑choice questions and eight practical case studies covering penitentiary regulations, criminal law and public‑service duties. Candidates must be Spanish or EU citizens, at least 18 years old, hold a secondary‑school qualification and meet health and conduct requirements. No university degree is required. Successful candidates will receive a permanent civil‑service position with a gross monthly salary of €1,600‑€1,900 across fourteen payments.

Unions CCOO and CSIF note the high demand for these posts—typically all vacancies are filled—but stress that the increase still falls short of the personnel needs of Spain’s prisons. The recent legal recognition of prison staff as agents of authority is also highlighted as a significant occupational benefit.