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Residence permit for research activities

Spain actively attracts talent from around the world to promote science, technology and innovation. If you are a researcher, scientist or academic, there is a special, fast-track route to obtaining a residence permit. This permit allows you not only to conduct research at accredited centres, but also to bring your family with you. The procedure is handled by the Unit for Large Companies and Strategic Groups (UGE-CE), which ensures that applications are processed quickly.
Assess the chances
  • Personal manager
    Your personal manager will accompany you every step of the way, monitoring all stages and resolving any issues that arise.
  • Preparation of documents
    We take care of the entire document preparation process, including checking them to eliminate errors and delays.
  • Case audit
    If your situation is complex, we will conduct a detailed audit and offer customised solutions to increase your chances of success.
Personal manager
Your personal manager will accompany you every step of the way, monitoring all stages and resolving any issues that arise.
Preparation of documents
We take care of the entire document preparation process, including checking them to eliminate errors and delays.
Case audit
If your situation is complex, we will conduct a detailed audit and offer customised solutions to increase your chances of success.
Who is it suitable for?
This type of residence permit is intended for non-EU nationals who plan to engage in the following activities:
Conducting research at public or private research centres (universities, research institutes, corporate R&D departments).
Teaching at universities and higher education institutions.
Carrying out research and development (R&D&I) work in business incubators or technology companies recognised in Spain.
Key legislation
  • The procedure is governed by a specific law designed to attract talent and investment:
    Law 14/2013 "On Support for Entrepreneurs and Their Internationalisation". This law established a special immigration regime for investors, entrepreneurs, highly qualified professionals and researchers, characterised by faster processing times and simplified requirements.
Requirements
Key requirements apply to both the researcher and the host organisation.
1. Requirements for the researcher:
  • Qualifications: Hold a Master’s degree, a PhD or an equivalent qualification demonstrating a high level of expertise.
  • No criminal record: You must have no criminal record in Spain or in the countries where you have resided over the past 5 years.
  • Health insurance: You must have a state or private health insurance policy providing comprehensive cover.
2. Requirements for the host organisation:
  • Accreditation: The organisation must be a university, a research centre, an R&D centre or a company officially registered in the Spanish Register of Research Centres.
  • Contract or agreement: An employment contract (contrato de trabajo) or hosting agreement (convenio de acogida) must be signed between the researcher and the organisation, clearly setting out the terms, duration and subject matter of the research.
Required documents
(main list)
Letter from the host organisation.
A full copy of the researcher’s valid passport.
Certificate of good conduct with an apostille and a certified translation.
Documents confirming qualifications (a diploma with an apostille and a translation).
An employment contract or placement agreement (convenio de acogida) signed by both parties.
Proof of health insurance.
Receipt for payment of stamp duty.

Application procedure

The procedure is characterised by its speed and the option to submit documents online. The application is submitted not by the researcher themselves, but by the host organisation.

  • Submitting an application to UGE-CE

    The host university or research centre submits the full set of documents online via the electronic platform of the Corporate Relations Unit (UGE-CE).

  • Fast-track processing:

    The processing time for the application is just 20 working days. If no response has been received by the end of this period, the residence permit is deemed to have been approved by ‘administrative silence’.

  • Obtaining a decision and a visa (if required):

    • If you are outside Spain: Once your application has been approved, you must apply for a researcher’s residence visa at the Spanish Consulate. The processing time for the visa is 10 working days.
    • If you are already legally resident in Spain (for example, on a student residence permit): You can apply to change your status without leaving the country, and proceed to the next step as soon as your application is approved.

  • Applying for a Resident Card (TIE):

    Upon arrival in Spain (or following approval, if you are already in the country), you must register with the police within one month to have your fingerprints taken and to obtain a residence card (TIE). The initial card is issued for a period of up to three years or for the duration of your contract.
Are you ready to set off on your journey?
Your research shouldn’t be held up by red tape. A researcher’s residence permit is the quickest route to residency for academic talent, but it requires seamless coordination with your host university or research centre. We will handle all communication with your host institution and ensure that your documents are submitted correctly and promptly to UGE-CE, so that you can start your work in Spain as soon as possible.
What does the service include?
Suitable for most applicants. We provide full support throughout the entire process and see your application through to the granting of a residence permit.
  • Case assessment: Checking documents for compliance with Spanish immigration regulations.
  • Preparing the application: Compiling a complete set of documents for the consulate or immigration authorities.
  • Health insurance: Finding a competitive policy and taking out insurance with a Spanish company.
  • Medical certificate: Arranging for the issue of a standard-format medical certificate.
  • Certified translation: Official translation (2 pages included in the price).
  • Technical translation: Preparation of translations (3 pages included in the price).
  • Application process: Booking an appointment at the Consulate and obtaining access codes.
  • Completing forms: Preparing all forms, applications and receipts for the payment of fees.
  • Submission by a solicitor: Electronic submission of documents via the solicitor’s official portal.
  • Cost
    since €3755
    On behalf of the main applicant.
    No hidden fees.
    Get in Touch
  • Payment procedure
    First, we sign a contract.
    50%
    before the provision of services begins;
    50%
    on the day the documents are submitted
Not included and charged separately:
  • State fees and charges: Payable in the country where the application is submitted (medical certificates, certificates of good conduct).
  • Personal expenses: Private health insurance, tuition fees or the cost of drawing up a business plan (depending on the type of residence permit).
  • Important: All government fees within Spain are already included in the service fee.