Residence permit for research, training, and R&D&i

The permit obtained allows the researcher to reside and work in Spain for a period of three years – or for the term of the research contract or hosting agreement if this is shorter than the aforementioned three-year period.

Family members may also request this type of permit simultaneously with the worker or after the worker's residence is granted.

The application must be submitted through a duly accredited representative by the business entity or research centre that wants to hire the foreigner.

There are two types of research residence permits:

1. EU research residence permit. This permit applies in the case of foreigners included in the first section of this article who hold a doctorate or an appropriate higher education qualification that allows them to access doctoral programmes and who have been selected by the research entity with the purpose of carrying out a research activity.
2. National research residence permit.

All those interested in undertaking a research activity at a university, a business, or a R&D&i centre in a research organisation established in Spain and who have an offer.

• The research personnel referred to by the Spanish Law on Science, Technology and Innovation.
• Scientific and technical personnel for business entities or R&D&i centres established in Spain.
• Researchers covered by an agreement with public or private research organisations.
• Professors hired by universities, higher education institutions, research centres, and business schools established in Spain.

Once the aforementioned period has transpired, the researcher may request the renewal of the residence permit for a period of two additional years. Permanent residence can be obtained after five years.

• Passport, with a visa if applicable.
• Criminal record check.
• Degree/qualification.
• Report from the university or body doing the hiring where the research activity is carried out.
• Proof of payment of the fee.
• Contract or agreement with the institution.

In the case of EU research residence permits: 

• The title or purpose of the research activity or scope of the research.
• Commitment from the foreigner to try to complete the research activity.
• Commitment from the research entity to host the foreigner in order to complete the research activity.
• The start and end date of the research activity, or its estimated duration.
• Information on planned mobility in other Member States (as applicable).

• If the foreigner is outside of Spain, they can submit their VISA application through the Spanish Consulate of their place of residence. The response deadline is ten business days.
• If the foreigner is legally in Spain, they can submit their application directly through the Large Business and Strategic Groups Unit (Spanish acronym UGE-CE), without the need for a prior specific visa. The response deadline is twenty business days.

• Research entities may request registration with the UGE. 
• Registration will be valid for 5 years, renewable if the requirements are kept. Any modification in conditions must be disclosed to the UGE.
• The registered entity will be exempt from providing the required documentary proof, but the government may carry out routine verifications of compliance with these requirements.
• Once the research activity is completed, foreigners may remain in Spain for a maximum period of twelve months in order to seek suitable employment in relation to the field of research carried out or to undertake a business project.
• Both the visa and the residence permit are valid to work and reside anywhere in Spanish national territory. This includes family members, provided they meet the age stipulated in labour law.
• The National Employment Situation does not apply.
• Application for a residence permit (or its renewal) before the UGE-CE automatically extends the applicant's current permission to stay or reside in Spain until the application that has been submitted is approved or denied.