A Guide To Spain's Researcher Visa

When international candidates accept opportunities in Spain to initiate research and development programs (R+D+i) instead of specific job positions, they are required to apply for a Researcher's Visa, granting them a three-year stay in the country. This visa is part of Spain’s fast-track immigration framework designed to attract global research talent.

Article 72 of the Entrepreneurial Support Act, dated September 27, 2013, which replaced the previous research residence requirement outlined in the Immigration Act, governs the Researcher Visa. This visa is exclusively available to research professionals referenced in Article 13 and the first supplementary provision of Act 14/2011, passed on June 1, 2011, focusing on Science, Technology, and Innovation. It allows them to reside and work in Spain as professional researchers affiliated with universities, businesses, or research institutions. Spain created this visa to support innovation under the R+D+i framework and encourage international scientific mobility.

One notable feature of this visa is its expeditious processing, typically taking just 20 business days for approval. Similar to a student visa, a physical residence card (Tarjeta de Identificación de Extranjeros or TIE) is only required if the research project exceeds six months. Moreover, immediate family members of the applicant can also be considered for work or residence visas.

Who Qualifies for This Visa?

Eligible research categories

The Researcher Visa is open to applications from five categories of non-EU citizens:

1. Educators working in Spanish universities, business schools, and higher education institutions from foreign countries.

2. Non-native individuals engaged in scientific research or technology innovation projects at research and innovation firms.

3. Academics who have entered into contracts with research institutions, whether public or private.

4. Research professionals specialising in Science, Technology, and Innovation, as defined by Article 13 of Law No. 14/2011, passed on June 1, 2011.

5. PhD students participating in university-sponsored research projects, exempting them from the need for a separate student visa to study in Spain.

Visa Length and Validity

Visa duration and renewals

The Researcher Visa is valid for three years or for the duration specified in the employment agreement or contract, if shorter. Individuals whose stay in Spain is less than six months are not required to apply for a TIE (physical residence card). The TIE can be automatically renewed every two years if the same conditions persist.

Key Requirements

Main applicant requirements

To be eligible for this visa, applicants must meet several criteria:

1. Be at least 18 years old.

2. Not be a resident of the European Union.

3. Not be in an irregular immigration status.

4. Maintain a clean criminal record in Spain or any other European Union country within the past five years.

5. Have adequate financial resources to cover living expenses for themselves and their family members if included in the application.

6. Applicants must provide private health insurance that meets Spain’s visa requirements.

7. Pay the requisite application fee.

8. Maintain an up-to-date and complete passport.

Most researchers will also need an NIE during administrative processes in Spain. You can learn more in the guide How to Get Your Spanish NIE Number.

Steps to Obtain a Visa

Research permit process

1. Apply for the Research Permit: The research permit must be secured before applying for the national visa. Once approved, applicants can proceed with the visa application, demonstrating their eligibility.

Completing your application

2. Complete Application and Gather Documentation: Applicants need to download, fill out, and sign the national visa application form, which can be in Spanish or the language of the country where they intend to submit the application.

Submitting your visa application

3. Schedule an Appointment: Visa applications must be made in person or through an authorised representative, usually by scheduling an appointment through the diplomatic mission or foreign office in their country of residence.

4. Pay the Visa Application Fee: Payment of the visa application fee is mandatory.

5. Submit Documents in Person: Applicants must visit the embassy mission or foreign office in their country of residence to submit the visa application and supporting documents.

6. Collect the Visa: Upon receiving a favorable decision notification, the visa must be obtained in person within one month.

7. Entry into Spain: Depending on their profile, applicants may need to complete additional procedures such as obtaining a Social Security number, registering for Social Security, or obtaining a TIE card.

Before travelling, applicants should review general Spain entry requirements.

Document Requirements for Research Visa

Required documentation

Applicants must submit the visa application in person at the diplomatic mission or embassy in their current country of residence within one month of the research organisation's notification of permit approval. Essential supporting documents include:

1. A valid passport or travel document with at least four months of validity remaining for entry into Spain.

2. A certificate from authorities in the applicant's country of origin or residence for the past five years, verifying a clean criminal record.

3. A medical certificate attesting to the absence of infectious diseases as specified by the International Health Regulations of the World Health Organisation.

4. The original or a copy of the employment contract.

5. Payment of the visa application fee.

Family Members and Visa Application

Bringing family members

Applicants are allowed to bring their families with them. Family members must apply for a family reunification visa, typically applied for by the beneficiary's spouse, minor children, or dependent parents.

The family reunification visa must be requested concurrently with the research residence application. Proof of financial ability to support the family in Spain is required, and all family members must complete the application process.

Procedures for Researcher's Family

Family members must also apply in person at the relevant Spanish consulate within two months of the researcher visa being granted. They must provide:

1. A passport or travel document with at least four months of validity.

2. For individuals above the age of criminal responsibility, a certificate attesting to a clean criminal record covering the past five years.

3. Original documents establishing familial and marital ties, de facto unions, and, if applicable, dependency.

4. A medical certificate confirming freedom from infectious diseases.

Costs Associated with the Researcher Visa

Visa fees and costs

Applicants must consider various costs associated with applying for research residence and family reunification, including potential interview fees. The researcher visa application typically costs between €60.00 and €80.00, with additional fees varying by country. Further expenses may include travel, accommodation, and insurance.

Extension for Employment Seekers as Researchers

Staying in Spain after research

After completing their research under the Entrepreneurial Law, individuals may remain in Spain for up to one year if they seek employment related to their research or establish a business. This extension becomes effective immediately after the initial permission expires. Renewal requests must be submitted to the Unit for Large Corporations and Strategic Groups (UGE) before expiry or within the designated renewal window.

Conclusion

Applying for a Researcher Visa in Spain is straightforward if you follow the correct process: secure the research permit, submit your visa application with supporting documents, and complete any post-arrival requirements such as obtaining a TIE. With fast-track processing and family inclusion, Spain remains an attractive destination for international researchers.

Need visa-compliant private health insurance? Visit the HealthPlanSpain homepage to compare Sanitas options for researchers and their families.