The Research Residence Visa is a permit designed for non-EU nationals who wish to carry out research, development, and innovation (R&D+i) activities in Spain. This authorization is highly advantageous, particularly in terms of the application process and the speed of approval. Below, we explain the most important aspects of this permit, including who can apply and the steps to follow to obtain it.
What is the Research Residence Visa in Spain?
The Research Residence Visa is a permit for foreigners who are going to undertake a research project in Spain. This residence is valid for 3 years and is regulated under Law 14/2013 of Entrepreneurs, which allows applicants to apply directly from within Spain. Additionally, the application process is quite efficient, with a resolution in just 20 working days.
If the research project lasts more than 6 months, the applicant must obtain the Foreigners’ Identity Card (TIE), which will allow them to reside and work legally in Spain. Furthermore, the main applicant can include their immediate family members, who will also be granted authorization to reside and work in the country.
Who is the Research Residence Visa for in Spain?
The Research Residence Visa is intended for several groups of non-EU foreigners, including:
- Professors who will work at universities, business schools, or higher education institutions in Spain.
- Researchers who will develop research or technological innovation projects at R&D+i companies.
- Researchers who are part of an agreement signed with a research organization, either public or private.
- Research personnel in the fields of Science, Technology, and Innovation, as defined under Law 14/2011.
- PhD students participating in a research project at a Spanish university, as long as the visa is not for studies.
How Does the Research Residence Visa Application Process Work?
The application process for the Research Residence Visa is primarily managed by the company or university that hires the researcher. This entity must initiate the process through the electronic office of the Ministry of Labor, Migration, and Social Security, directing the request to the Unit of Large Companies (UGE) located in Madrid.
When Should the Research Residence Visa Be Applied For?
The Research Residence Visa can be applied for from within Spain (if the applicant holds a tourist visa) or from the home country before traveling to Spain, as it is regulated under the Entrepreneurs’ Law.
Requirements for the Research Residence Visa Application
General Requirements
- The applicant must not be a citizen of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, or be a family member of citizens from these countries under the EU citizen regime.
- The applicant must not be in Spain irregularly.
- The applicant must not have a criminal record in Spain or in any of the countries where they have lived, for crimes listed under Spanish law.
- The applicant must not be considered undesirable in the territory of countries with which Spain has an agreement, nor should they have been banned from entering Spain.
- The applicant must not suffer from diseases that could have serious repercussions on public health, as per the International Health Regulations of 2005.
Specific Requirements
- The research institution must be authorized to sign agreements and must appear on the list approved by the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness.
- The research project must be accepted and must detail its purpose, duration, and the material and financial resources needed for its execution.
- The research institution must be registered with the corresponding system in the Social Security.
- There must be a hosting agreement signed between the foreign researcher and the research institution, including a descriptive project memo and the work contract.
- The applicant must hold the professional qualifications legally required to carry out the profession.
- The institution employing the researcher can be either public or private, but it must be accredited as being engaged in research or the promotion of research.
Documentation to Submitr
- Official Application Form: The form must be signed by the research institution and submitted in duplicate.
- Complete Passport Copy: A copy of the applicant’s full passport.
- Proof of Required Professional Qualifications: Documentation that proves the qualifications required for the researcher position.
- Identification of the Research Institution: Documents that identify the research institution.
- Hosting Agreement: A signed hosting agreement between the researcher and the institution, which includes a project description and the work contract.
Steps to Follow for the Application
- Who Can Submit the Application: The person authorized to represent the research institution is the one who must submit the application.
- Where to Submit the Application: The application must be submitted at the Foreigners’ Office in the province where the research project will begin.
- Tip: The best option is to submit the application through the Telematics Route to expedite the process. At Gemovir, we have authorized professionals who can represent you and manage these procedures.
- Fees: The fees are due at the time of submission and must be paid within 10 working days.
- Resolution Deadline: The application will be resolved within 45 days from the date it is registered. If the resolution is not notified within this period, the application is considered denied due to administrative silence.
Advantages of Obtaining This Authorization
- Residence and Work Throughout Spain: Both the visa and the authorization allow you to work and reside legally in Spain.
- Exemption from the National Employment Situation: The national employment situation is not applied to researchers granted this authorization.
- Fast Resolution: The resolution times are faster compared to other immigration processes.
- Family Reunification: The family members of the researcher (spouse, de facto partner, dependent children, and dependent parents) can obtain residence authorization for family reunification for the duration of the research project.