--- title: "Spain Researcher permit requirements 2026: 3-year stay" url: https://settleanywhere.com/countries/spain/researcher-residence/ lang: en updated: 2026-10-11 --- Spain · Work # Spain Researcher permit **First stay:** 3 yrs Residence and work authorization for research (Art. 72 Ley 14/2013) First checked against official sources on 11 Oct 2026 [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/) - **First stay:** 3 yrs (The permit is valid three years, or the length of the hosting agreement or contract if shorter, and is renewable for two years, with permanent residence possible at five years.) - **Who can apply:** Most passports (Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals) - **Spouse work:** Can work (Family members may apply together with the holder. Your spouse or partner may work in Spain without a separate permit.) - **Tax angle:** 24% tax (Special regime for workers, entrepreneurs and teleworkers relocated to Spain (Beckham regime, Art. 93 LIRPF): Optional regime taxing Spanish-source income under non-resident rules: 24% up to EUR600,000 (≈ $670,000) and 47% above, for the year of arrival plus five years. Foreign-source income outside the qualifying work and entrepreneurial income is not taxed in Spain under this regime.) ## Key facts Researcher permit is a work route for Spain. Checked 2026-10-11 against the official source. - **Government fees:** €90 ≈ $100 - **First stay:** 3 yrs ## Cost, time and long term **Government fees: €90 ≈ $100** - EUR 90 (≈ $100) National long-stay visa (type D) processing fee, collected in euros or local currency; some nationalities pay a different amount under reciprocity. **Renewal: Renewable** Valid three years, or the length of the hosting agreement or contract if shorter; renewable for two years. [Boletín Oficial del Estado](https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2013-10074) **Permanent residence: After 5 years of residence** Permanent residence is possible at five years (Art. 72). Long-term residence needs five years of continuous legal residence; absences of up to 6 consecutive months (10 in total, or 18 for work) do not break continuity. [Boletín Oficial del Estado](https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2013-10074) **Citizenship: After 10 years of residence** Nationality needs 10 years of legal, continuous residence immediately before applying (2 years for nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea and Portugal), plus good conduct and integration. [Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado](https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-1889-4763) **Processing: Official timeline** The Large Companies Unit must decide within twenty working days of electronic filing; silence means approval. [Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration](https://inclusion.gob.es/en/web/migraciones/w/68.-autorizacion-de-residencia-temporal-y-trabajo-para-investigacion) [Boletín Oficial del Estado](https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2013-10074) **Where to apply: Abroad or in-country** The research entity applies to the Large Companies Unit; the researcher gets a visa abroad or applies from within Spain if already there lawfully. [Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration](https://inclusion.gob.es/en/web/migraciones/w/68.-autorizacion-de-residencia-temporal-y-trabajo-para-investigacion) [Boletín Oficial del Estado](https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2013-10074) ## Why this route may not fit Check this before you apply. - Needs a job offer from an employer in Spain - Not open to EU, EEA or Swiss passports ### What you'll need #### Who can apply - The applicant is research staff, R&D technical staff, a researcher under a hosting agreement, or a university teacher. - EU research modality: the applicant holds a doctorate or a qualification giving access to doctoral studies. #### What you must show - The applicant shows sufficient resources for self and family, which a work contract can supply. #### Documents - A hosting agreement or employment contract naming the research purpose and dates, and the MI-T form. - Passport, criminal record certificates for two years, a sworn five-year statement and health insurance. #### Steps 1. The research entity applies to the Large Companies Unit, which decides within 20 working days. #### After you arrive - The permit lasts 3 years or the agreement length if shorter and is renewable for 2 years. - After the research ends the holder may stay up to 12 months to seek related work or start a business. ## What happens at day 183 How Spain decides tax residence and treats foreign-source income, from its tax records. - **Stay on this route:** **3 years at first, renewable** - **Tax residence:** - **More than 183 days in a calendar year** Spanish tax residence if more than 183 days in Spain in the calendar year (Art. 9 LIRPF), subject to centre-of-interests rules. - **Foreign-source income:** **Beckham regime (6 years)** Foreign-source income outside the qualifying work and entrepreneurial income is not taxed in Spain under this regime. - **Regime tied to this route:** **Special regime for workers, entrepreneurs and teleworkers relocated to Spain** · 24% tax [All tax rules for Spain](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/spain/tax/) Tax records checked 11 Oct 2026 ## What you need to arrange - **Health insurance** Passport, criminal record certificates for two years, a sworn five-year statement and health insurance - **Police certificate and civil documents** Passport, criminal record certificates for two years, a sworn five-year statement and health insurance Taken from this route's requirements above. The authority's own list is the one that counts. **Full official text** Residence and work authorization for researchers, scientific staff and university teachers hosted by Spanish research entities, in EU research and national research modalities. (sources 1, 2, 3, 4) #### What you must show and pay - A fee of EUR 90 (≈ $100) · National long-stay visa (type D) processing fee, collected in euros or local currency; some nationalities pay a different amount under reciprocity. (source 3) #### Requirements - The applicant is research staff, R&D technical staff, a researcher under a hosting agreement, or a university teacher. (sources 1, 2) - EU research modality: the applicant holds a doctorate or a qualification giving access to doctoral studies. (sources 1, 2) - The applicant shows sufficient resources for self and family, which a work contract can supply. (source 1) - A hosting agreement or employment contract naming the research purpose and dates, and the MI-T form. (sources 1, 2) - Passport, criminal record certificates for two years, a sworn five-year statement and health insurance. (source 1) - The research entity applies to the Large Companies Unit, which decides within 20 working days. (sources 1, 2) - The permit lasts 3 years or the agreement length if shorter and is renewable for 2 years. (source 2) - After the research ends the holder may stay up to 12 months to seek related work or start a business. (source 2) #### Stay - The permit is valid three years, or the length of the hosting agreement or contract if shorter, and is renewable for two years, with permanent residence possible at five years. - Initial permitted stay: 36 months. - Renewable, subject to the conditions in force at renewal. #### Nationality Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals Not open to: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Cyprus, Czechia, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, Finland, France, Greece, Croatia, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovenia, Slovakia. #### Work Research activity; the EU research modality also covers teaching related to the research. #### Family Family members may apply together with the holder. Your spouse or partner may work in Spain without a separate permit. Checked 2026-10-11 ## Official sources 1. [Sheet 68 - Temporary residence and work authorization for research](https://inclusion.gob.es/en/web/migraciones/w/68.-autorizacion-de-residencia-temporal-y-trabajo-para-investigacion) · Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration · checked 2026-10-10 2. [Ley 14/2013, support for entrepreneurs and their internationalisation: consolidated text (Arts. 61-76, 74 bis-quinquies)](https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2013-10074) · Boletín Oficial del Estado · checked 2026-10-10 · published 2013-09-28 3. [Orden AUC/891/2024 setting the fees for processing visas](https://www.boe.es/buscar/doc.php?id=BOE-A-2024-17292) · Official State Gazette (BOE) · checked 2026-10-11 4. [FAQs: residence and work authorizations for international teleworkers](https://inclusion.gob.es/documents/d/unidadgrandesempresas/digital-nomad-faqs-english) · Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE-CE) · checked 2026-10-10 5. [Real Decreto 1155/2024, Regulation of Ley Orgánica 4/2000: consolidated text (in force 20 May 2025)](https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2024-24099) · Boletín Oficial del Estado · checked 2026-10-10 · published 2024-11-20 6. [Código Civil, Art. 22 (Spanish nationality by residence)](https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-1889-4763) · Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado · checked 2026-10-11 ## Researcher permit and its alternatives | Route | Money needed | Stay | Work | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Researcher permit | – | 3 yr, renewable | – | | [Employee visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/spain/employee-visa/) | – | 1 yr, renewable | Limited | | [EU Blue Card](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/spain/eu-blue-card/) | Needs income from €33k a year ≈ $37k | 3 yr, renewable | – | | [Highly qualified worker](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/spain/highly-qualified-visa/) | Needs income of €41k+ a year ≈ $46k | 3 yr, renewable | – | | [Intra-company transfer](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/spain/ict-residence/) | – | 3 yr, renewable | – | ## Questions people ask ### How much money do I need for the Researcher permit? A fee of EUR 90 (≈ $100). National long-stay visa (type D) processing fee, collected in euros or local currency; some nationalities pay a different amount under reciprocity. ### How long can I stay on the Researcher permit? The permit is valid three years, or the length of the hosting agreement or contract if shorter, and is renewable for two years, with permanent residence possible at five years. ### How long does the Researcher permit take to process? The Large Companies Unit must decide within twenty working days of electronic filing; silence means approval. ### Can I work on the Researcher permit? Research activity; the EU research modality also covers teaching related to the research. ### Can I bring my family on the Researcher permit? Family members may apply together with the holder. ### Who can apply for the Researcher permit? Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals Not open to: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Cyprus, Czechia, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, Finland, France, Greece, Croatia, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovenia, Slovakia. ### Does the Researcher permit lead to permanent residence in Spain? Time on the Researcher permit counts toward permanent residence in Spain, which the rules allow after 5 years of residence. Time on the Researcher permit counts toward citizenship, which the rules allow after 10 years of residence. ### Is there a tax break for Researcher permit holders in Spain? Special regime for workers, entrepreneurs and teleworkers relocated to Spain (Beckham regime, Art. 93 LIRPF): Optional regime taxing Spanish-source income under non-resident rules: 24% up to EUR600,000 (≈ $670,000) and 47% above, for the year of arrival plus five years. It's separate from the visa and has its own conditions. ## Tax Special regime ### [Special regime for workers, entrepreneurs and teleworkers relocated to Spain (Beckham regime, Art. 93 LIRPF)](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/spain/tax/#tax-es-art93-inpatriates) 24% tax Foreign-source income: Beckham regime (6 years) **Details** - Limit: €600k/yr ≈ $670k Optional regime taxing Spanish-source income under non-resident rules: 24% up to EUR600,000 (≈ $670,000) and 47% above, for the year of arrival plus five years. Foreign-source income outside the qualifying work and entrepreneurial income is not taxed in Spain under this regime. #### Taxed on Tax calculated under Spanish nonresident-income-tax rules for opted-in individuals who become Spanish tax resident through a qualifying move. AEAT treats all work income and qualifying entrepreneurial-activity income earned during the regime as Spanish-source, even when activity is performed abroad, subject to the before-move/after-regime timing exception. Base A (dividends, interest and capital gains) uses a separate savings scale; other income is generally base B. A limited foreign tax credit may apply to qualifying foreign-earned employment/entrepreneurial income, with statutory cap. #### Who it applies to - Individual must become Spanish tax resident because of the move, not have been resident in Spain in the five tax periods before it, and elect the regime on form 149. - The move (in the first year of application or the year before) must result from one of: an employment contract in Spain (including remote work for a foreign employer under the international teleworking visa), becoming a director of an entity, an entrepreneurial activity recognised under Art. 70 of Ley 14/2013, or a highly qualified professional serving start-ups or doing R&D&I work with more than 40% of business, professional and work income from it. - The individual must not earn income through a permanent establishment in Spain (except in the entrepreneur and highly qualified professional cases). - The regime applies in the tax period of the change of residence and the following five tax periods, while the conditions continue. - Spouse and children under 25 (or any age if disabled), or the parent where there is no marriage, can elect too if they also become resident and their combined taxable base is lower than the principal taxpayer's. #### Exclusions - Not automatic with a digital-nomad or other visa; tax election, residence and activity conditions are separate. - Dividends, interest and capital gains (Art. 25.1.f TRLIRNR income) use the separate savings scale in Art. 93.2.e: 19% up to EUR 6,000, (≈ $6,700) 21% to EUR 50,000, (≈ $55,900) 23% to EUR 200,000, (≈ $223,000) 27% to EUR 300,000 (≈ $335,000) and 30% above (30% from tax year 2025 under Ley 7/2024). The 24%/47% scale applies to the rest of the base. - Non-business urban real estate in Spain may generate imputed rental income even when used as the taxpayer's habitual home (TEAC unification criterion of 17 July 2025). - Qualifying employment and entrepreneurial income earned during the regime is treated as Spanish-source even when the work is done abroad, apart from income from activity before the move or after the regime ends. #### Limits - EUR 600,000 a year (≈ $670,000) · General part of the base: 24% up to this amount and 47% above (Art. 93.2.e.1); withholding on employment income is 24%, and 47% on pay from one payer above EUR 600,000 (≈ $670,000). - EUR 300,000 a year (≈ $335,000) · Savings part of the base: 19% to EUR 6,000, (≈ $6,700) 21% to EUR 50,000, (≈ $55,900) 23% to EUR 200,000, (≈ $223,000) 27% to this amount and 30% above (Art. 93.2.e.2). #### Days in the country - More than 183 days in calendar year · Spanish tax residence if more than 183 days in Spain in the calendar year (Art. 9 LIRPF), subject to centre-of-interests rules. #### Tax residence Applicant must become Spanish tax resident because of the move and not have been resident in the prior five tax periods; election is filed on form 149 and lasts the arrival year plus five. Participants are treated as non-residents for double tax treaty purposes and are taxed in Spain only on Spanish-source income, with qualifying work and entrepreneurial income deemed Spanish-source. #### Visas Independent tax election; a telework visa can be a qualifying circumstance but does not confer the regime. #### Other taxes Spanish social security, VAT and business registration are separate. Participants are subject to Wealth Tax on a limited (Spanish-situated assets) basis. Non-business urban property in Spain gives imputed rental income even if it is the main home (TEAC criterion of 17 July 2025). A foreign tax credit for qualifying work and entrepreneurial income earned abroad is capped at 30% of the related tax charge. Checked against official sources on 11 Oct 2026 [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/) [Full page →](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/spain/tax/) ## More in Spain [Working Holiday · Argentina](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/spain/working-holiday-argentina/) [Working Holiday · Australia](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/spain/working-holiday-australia/) [Working Holiday · Canada](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/spain/working-holiday-canada/) [Working Holiday · Japan](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/spain/working-holiday-japan/) [Working Holiday · New Zealand](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/spain/working-holiday-new-zealand/) [Working Holiday · Korea](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/spain/working-holiday-south-korea/) [Digital nomad visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/spain/international-telework-visa/) [Entrepreneur visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/spain/entrepreneur-visa/) ## Work visas elsewhere [🇵🇹 Blue Card](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/portugal/eu-blue-card/) [🇬🇪 IT sector permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/georgia/it-residence-permit/) [🇮🇹 Blue Card](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/italy/eu-blue-card/) [🇬🇷 Large-company director permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/company-executive-b3/) [🇩🇪 Blue Card](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/germany/eu-blue-card/) [🇫🇷 Talent · Company officer](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/france/talent-corporate-officer/) ≈ USD figures are approximate: daily reference rates from ExchangeRate-API, dated 12 Oct 2026, refreshed when the site is updated. ## How this was checked **Checked on 2026-10-11 against 6 official sources.** Status: verified against the official sources. Every figure on this page comes from the official source it links to. The record was researched against these sources, then reviewed separately, with special attention to effective dates and amendments. Where a source does not state something, the page leaves it out. 1. [Sheet 68 - Temporary residence and work authorization for research](https://inclusion.gob.es/en/web/migraciones/w/68.-autorizacion-de-residencia-temporal-y-trabajo-para-investigacion) · Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration · checked 2026-10-10 2. [Ley 14/2013, support for entrepreneurs and their internationalisation: consolidated text (Arts. 61-76, 74 bis-quinquies)](https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2013-10074) · Boletín Oficial del Estado · checked 2026-10-10 3. [Orden AUC/891/2024 setting the fees for processing visas](https://www.boe.es/buscar/doc.php?id=BOE-A-2024-17292) · Official State Gazette (BOE) · checked 2026-10-11 4. [FAQs: residence and work authorizations for international teleworkers](https://inclusion.gob.es/documents/d/unidadgrandesempresas/digital-nomad-faqs-english) · Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE-CE) · checked 2026-10-10 5. [Real Decreto 1155/2024, Regulation of Ley Orgánica 4/2000: consolidated text (in force 20 May 2025)](https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2024-24099) · Boletín Oficial del Estado · checked 2026-10-10 6. [Código Civil, Art. 22 (Spanish nationality by residence)](https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-1889-4763) · Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado · checked 2026-10-11 Tracked since 2026-10-10. Rule changes and corrections are listed on the [changes page](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/), and the [methodology page](https://settleanywhere.com/methodology/) explains how facts are checked. Found something out of date? Email [contact@stayglobe.app](mailto:contact@stayglobe.app?subject=Correction) with a link to the official source.