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Residence permit for a researcher

Spain actively promotes international scientific cooperation by offering a special residence permit for researchers from around the world. This residence permit, established under Law 14/2013 "On Support for Entrepreneurs", allows scientists, postgraduate students and technical specialists to live and work legally in Spain as part of research projects. All applications are processed on a priority basis through the UGE-CE unit, ensuring a decision on your case within just 20 working days.
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 exclusively or predominantly in research activities. Categories of applicants:
Academic staff and researchers invited to work at Spanish universities (public or private).
Scientists involved in projects run by state research centres (such as the CSIC).
R&D specialists employed to work in the research and development departments of private companies.
Lecturers employed by universities or higher education institutions.
Key legislation
  • Law 14/2013 "On support for entrepreneurs and their internationalisation". This law provides a fast-track procedure for researchers and their families, exempting them from the general, slower immigration regime.
Requirements
A key requirement is having an official relationship with an accredited research organisation in Spain.
1. Requirements for the researcher:
  • Qualifications: A degree equivalent to a Master’s (Máster) or PhD (Doctorado), or an equivalent professional qualification.
  • No criminal convictions in Spain or in the countries of residence over the past 5 years.
  • Comprehensive health insurance in Spain.
2. Requirements for the host organisation:
  • This must be a university, a research centre or a company authorised to carry out research activities in Spain.
  • The organisation must sign a "host agreement" (convenio de acogida) with the researcher. This is an official document in which the organisation confirms the purpose and duration of the project, and guarantees that the researcher has sufficient funds and health insurance for the entire period. Alternatively, an employment contract may be submitted.
3. Project requirements:
The aim of the project should be to carry out research, development or innovation activities.
Required documents
(main list)
A declaration (Form MI-T) signed by the host organisation.
A full copy of the specialist’s passport.
Certificate of good conduct (with an apostille and a certified translation).
A diploma certifying qualifications (with an apostille and a certified translation).
A hosting agreement (convenio de acogida) or an employment contract signed by both parties.
Proof of health insurance (if not covered by the agreement).
Receipt for payment of stamp duty.

Application procedure

The process is initiated by the host organisation and is highly efficient. The researcher’s family (spouse and children) may submit their applications at the same time as the main applicant.

  • Submitting an application to UGE-CE:

    The university or research centre submits the full set of documents online via the UGE-CE electronic platform.

  • Fast-track processing:

    The processing time for the application is 20 working days. If no response is received, the application is deemed to have been approved under the principle of ‘administrative silence’.

  • Obtaining a visa (if you are outside Spain):

    Once your application has been approved, you should submit your visa application to the Spanish Consulate. The processing time for the visa is 10 working days.

  • Applying from Spain (if you are in the country legally):

    You can apply for this residence permit whilst legally residing in Spain (for example, on a tourist visa or student residence permit), and proceed to apply for the card immediately upon approval.

  • Applying for a Resident Card (TIE):

    Upon arrival in Spain (or following approval within the country), you must register with the police within one month to have your fingerprints taken. The initial residence card is valid for three years.
Focus on science, not red tape.
A residence permit for researchers is a fast and prestigious route to residency in Spain for you and your family. We will coordinate fully with your university or research centre, check every detail of the ‘convenio de acogida’, and ensure your application is submitted flawlessly to the UGE-CE to secure approval as quickly 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 €3770
    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.