Research & Innovation · Researchers
Knowledgehas no borders.Nor shouldinnovation.
Spain can be the place where a scientific career continues, where a research project finds new resources, or where an idea moves from the laboratory into the real world. The residence permit for researchers allows certain third-country nationals to reside in Spain and carry out training, research, development and innovation activities within the cases provided for by the legislation.
We do not simply support the researcher’s arrival. We support the project that lies behind it.
Analyse my situation
Subject to fulfilment of the applicable legal requirements.
The profile
Could this be your route?
This permit may apply to certain international professionals and researchers connected with:
Public or private research institutions.
Universities and higher education institutions.
Companies, centres and structures devoted to research, development and innovation.
Scientific and technological projects.
Research, training and scientific collaboration programmes.
Research carried out within certain corporate structures.
The legislation provides for several categories, including research staff within the meaning of Spanish science legislation, researchers attached to certain institutions, and other specific cases.
The first question
Not every researcher comes in through the same door.
Before preparing an application, we need to understand:
- Who the researcher is.
- Who is hosting them.
- What activity they will carry out.
- Where it will be carried out.
- What relationship they will have with the institution.
- For how long.
- And under what programme or structure they are coming to Spain.
The legal category depends on the scientific and professional reality that lies behind it.
Requirements
What must exist before you begin.
A research activity
The activity must fall within the training, research, development and innovation cases provided for by the legislation.
A suitable host institution
The research must be carried out at an institution that falls within the statutory categories. These may include:
- public universities
- public research institutions
- certain private universities and institutions
- companies or R&D centres established in Spain
- research institutions that have signed the relevant agreements
- higher education and research centres
- business schools established in Spain
A legal relationship with the institution
Depending on the category, the relevant link will need to be evidenced by:
- employment contract
- convenio de acogida (hosting agreement)
- letter of invitation
- or other documentation appropriate to the case
Professional qualification
The professional qualification required to carry out the activity in question must be evidenced.
Financial resources
Sufficient financial resources must be evidenced for the researcher and, where applicable, for the members of their family.
Health cover
The public or private health insurance required by the legislation must be in place, except where the researcher is covered by the Spanish National Health System by reason of their activity.
General requirements
The general requirements for international mobility permits must also be met. Among other aspects, we examine:
- nationality
- status of stay in Spain
- criminal record
- documentation
- insurance
- financial resources
- and the other conditions required by law
The host institution
The host institution is also part of the file.
One important difference from other residence permits is that here the institution hosting the researcher plays a central role.
We analyse:
- its legal nature
- its activity
- its capacity to host the researcher
- the person who signs
- its link with the researcher
- the contract or convenio de acogida
- the supporting documentation
The file must tell a coherent story from both sides: researcher and institution.
The agreement
Contract. Agreement. Invitation.
The documentary relationship depends on the specific case. There may be:
Employment contract
Where the relationship is structured as employment.
Convenio de acogida (hosting agreement)
In the research categories that provide for it.
Letter of invitation
Where applicable.
The documentation must accurately reflect what activity will be carried out, who will carry it out, who is hosting it and on what terms.
The process
From research to residence.
- 01ProfileWe analyse the researcher’s career and situation.
- 02HostWe identify and review the host institution.
- 03ProjectWe examine the scientific or research activity.
- 04StructureWe determine the appropriate legal category.
- 05DocumentationWe coordinate the documentation of the researcher and the institution.
- 06ApplicationWe prepare and file the application with the UGE-CE (Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos). Applications for permits under Ley 14/2013 are filed electronically.
- 07ArrivalWe support the subsequent steps needed to make your residence effective.
The time limits
A residence with a horizon.
The residence permit for research may run for up to three years, or for the duration of the convenio de acogida or contract where shorter.
The UGE-CE has a maximum decision period of 20 working days from electronic filing with the competent authority; if no decision is issued within that period, the permit is deemed granted by silencio administrativo (administrative silence), on the terms laid down by law.
After the research
And what happens when the research ends?
The end of the research project need not automatically mean the end of your time in Spain.
In certain circumstances, the researcher may remain in Spain for a maximum period of 12 months to seek employment related to the research carried out or to start a business project, subject to the conditions and notifications required.
A research project can end. A career does not have to.
The family
An international career can also be a family decision.
The legislation provides routes for certain family members of international mobility permit holders.
From the outset, we analyse:
- spouse or partner
- children
- other family members who may be legally included
Because relocating a scientific career can mean relocating an entire family.
Research alsohas a businessdimension.
A researcher may be connected simultaneously with:
universities
research centres
companies
international projects
patents
intellectual property
funding
companies
family
wealth
And that is why certain projects call for a view that goes beyond the immigration permit itself. When research creates value, the legal structure that accompanies it matters too.
The Garzalex approach
Before. During. After.
- 01StrategyWe understand the research project.
- 02EligibilityWe determine the appropriate route.
- 03Host institutionWe review the institution and its relationship with the researcher.
- 04ApplicationWe prepare and manage the file.
- 05ArrivalWe support your establishment in Spain.
- 06ContinuityWe analyse renewal, mobility and continuity.
- 07Next chapterWhen the research ends, we examine the alternatives available for the next stage.
The Garzalex view
Research is not merely an activity. It is a career.
Spain can be the place where that career continues. Our work consists in understanding where it began, where it stands and where it may go next.
There is more beneath the surface.
There is more beneath the surface. Our job is to see it first.
Speak to our teamGeneral information reviewed against the legislation and official sources available as at August 2026. Requirements and procedures may vary depending on the research category, the host institution, the applicant’s situation and the legislation in force at the time of the application. This information does not constitute individual legal advice.