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/Researcher Visa

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Researcher visa
Basic information on the procedure.

/ Object

/ Basic information

Steps for submitting the application:
  1. Compile the necessary documentation (check the Documents to be submitted in the section below) and verify that the requirements are met (please consult the Large Companies and Strategic Collective Unit website for updated information).Important: Some consulates and diplomatic missions have outsourced the processing of visa applications to an external provider named BLS. The final decision on whether to grant a visa lies with the Spanish Consulate or diplomatic mission.
  2. Pay the application fee. Important: once the payment has been made, a Complete Reference Number (NRC) will be issued by the banking institution processing the payment (if dealing with a Spanish bank). If you pay in a foreign bank, take proof of payment to the consulate, since you must present this code when submitting your application.
  3. Fill out the application according to the standard model provided. The PDF file of the application contains instructions on how to complete it.
  4. Submit the application through the “Submission of applications for international mobility residence authorization” section of the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migrations website. (Authorizations regulated by Entrepreneurial Support Act of 27 September 2013).
  5. A notification will be sent when the application has been processed. You can check the status of the application and the notifications received here: Sede Electrónica del Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones.
If you are outside of Spain: once you have obtained your residence permit, you must apply for a national visa at the consular office or diplomatic mission of your country of residence.

/ Important information regarding processing

  • Representatives must have an electronic certificate, Cl@ve or electronic DNI for identification purposes and be able to use their electronic signature.
  • Information related to the sworn translations and legalizations for the handling of procedures regarding foreigners and immigration can be found here: Legalization and translation of documents.
  • When a legal entity submits the application, the attached application form must be electronically signed with a certificate of legal entity representative.

/ General requirements

  • Not be in Spain irregularly.
  • Be over 18 years of age.
  • Not have a criminal record for crimes provided for in the Spanish legal system and in the countries where the applicant has resided during the last two years.
  • Not appear as rejectable in the countries with which Spain has signed an agreement in this sense.

/ Family unit

The following family members may apply for the residence permit and, if applicable, the visa:
  • The spouse or unmarried partner.
  • Children under age or older who, depending economically on the holder, have not constituted themselves a family unit.
  • Ascendants in charge.

/ Links to the municipal areas and institutions in charge of the procedure

Large Business and Strategic Groups Unit website: Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos
Contact: For functional and/or legal questions about the procedure, contact the Procedure Management Unit: movilidad.internacional@inclusion.gob.es

/ Approximate costs

  • Fee for issuing work authorizations to foreign citizens (Model 790 Code 038): €73.26 .
  • Visa fee: €80 approx. (the amount may vary depending on the country of nationality of the applicant).

/ Resolution period

The established timelines to process applications are:
  • Authorizations: 20 working days
  • Visas: 10 working days

/ Professional knowledge required for the issuance of the visa

–

/ Where and how to submit documentation

Certain research entities may register with the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit, which will allow them to be exempt from accrediting certain requirements at the time of submitting applications for a period of 5 years.

/ Modalities

There are two types:

A. Residence permit for research in the EU.Foreigners who hold a doctorate or an adequate higher education qualification that allows them to access doctoral programs, and who have been selected by a research entity to carry out a research activity. This authorization is intended for foreigners who are going to carry out a research project that involves mobility within the European Union. It enables holders to teach classes related to their research activity.
  • Validity: 3 years or equal to the duration of the hosting agreement or contract, if this is less.
  • Renewal: can be renewed for up to 2 years. Holders may obtain permanent residence after 5 years.
  • Completion of the research activity: Foreigners may remain in Spain for a maximum period of twelve months in order to seek employment in the field of research carried out or to undertake a business project, and must notify the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit within the established deadlines.
B. Residence permit for research in Spain. This authorization is intended for foreigners who are going to carry out a research project exclusively in an entity in Spanish territory.
  • Validity: 3 years or equal to the duration of the hosting agreement or contract, if this is less.
  • Renewal: can be renewed for up to 2 years. Holders may obtain permanent residence after 5 years.
  • Completion of the research activity: Foreigners may remain in Spain for a maximum period of twelve months in order to seek employment in the field of research carried out or to undertake a business project, and must notify the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit within the established deadlines.

/ Type of procedure

Visa | Residence permits | Researchers

/ Related procedures

/ Version and date of the last update

Version 1.0 Date September 2023

Consult other procedures