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Researcher Visa – Spain

Hassle-free visa processing for your travel needs.

Overview

The Spain Researcher Visa is a long-term national visa designed for non-EU citizens who intend to conduct research, collaborate on scientific projects, or engage in academic research activities in Spain. This visa is suitable for:

  • Researchers employed or invited by a recognized research institution in Spain.
  • Academics participating in a formal research collaboration.
  • Scientists working under a hosting agreement with a Spanish institution.

This visa does not permit employment unless explicitly authorized.

Processing Time

  • Applications submitted at the Spain Visa Application Centre are forwarded to the Spanish Consulate General in London on the next working day.
  • The legal decision-making period is 10 days from the day after submission.
  • Processing may take longer if additional documents or an interview are required.
  • Applicants should apply well in advance of their intended travel date.
  • The Spanish Consulate does not provide updates on application status or reasons for visa refusals via email.

Your Visa, Our Priority – With our express appointment scheduling and expert guidance, your visa process is handled with ease.

Documents Required

All documents listed below are mandatory. Each applicant must submit their own set of documents.

Important: Most documents required for your visa application must be recent and dated within the last 30 days at the time of submission. Ensure all paperwork meets this requirement to avoid delays or rejection.

General Requirements

Visa Application Form

  • Fully completed, signed, and dated.

Photograph

  • One passport-size colour photograph printed on photo paper with a white background.
  • No digital retouching allowed.

Passport

  • Valid for at least 1 year from the intended date of travel.
  • Must contain two blank pages.
  • Photocopy of the bio-data page of the passport.
  • Passports issued more than 10 years ago will not be accepted.
  • Applicants must leave their passports at the Consulate during processing.

UK Residency

  • Provide a UK eVisa printout from UKVI with a valid share code.

Proof of Research Authorization

One of the following documents must be provided:

  • Resolution of Authorization for Initial Research Residence (Nacional y UE) issued by the Spanish Government.
  • Hosting Agreement (Convenio de Acogida) with a recognized Spanish research institution or university.
  • Official letter of invitation from the hosting institution detailing the research project, duration, and financial coverage.

Criminal Record Certificate (For Applicants Aged 18+)

  • Original and photocopy of a criminal record certificate from all countries where the applicant has resided in the past 2 years.
  • Additionally, the applicant must submit a self-declaration confirming the absence of criminal records for the past 5 years.
  • UK applicants must provide an ACRO Certificate.
  • Documents must be legalized or apostilled (except for EU-issued documents).
  • If not in Spanish, an official translation must be provided.

Proof of Residence in the Consular District

  • Proof of legal residence in the UK, such as a utility bill, tenancy agreement, or university registration letter.
  • This must confirm the applicant lives or studies within the Spanish Consulate’s jurisdiction in London.

Proof of Representation (If Applicable)

  • If the applicant is a minor, proof of parental authority or legal guardianship must be provided.
  • If the application is submitted by a representative, a power of attorney and the representative’s passport copymust be submitted.
  • Documents must be translated into Spanish and legalized/apostilled, if applicable.

Documents for Family Members Accompanying the Researcher

Family members (spouse, children, or dependent relatives) can apply for a visa to accompany the researcher. They must submit:

  • A separate visa application form, photograph, passport, and proof of UK residence.
  • Proof of financial dependency (for children above 18 years and dependent relatives).
  • Marriage certificate (for spouses) or birth certificate (for children) proving kinship.
  • Official translations into Spanish and legalization/apostille required for all civil status documents.

Important Information

  • Stapling documents is not permitted.
  • All documents must be in English or Spanish. Translations into Spanish are only required if specifically requested.
  • Visa approval is not guaranteed, and additional documents may be requested by the Consulate.
  • All decisions regarding visa issuance, duration, and conditions are at the discretion of the Spanish Consulate General in London.

Photo Specifications

Applicants must submit one recent colour photograph (not older than 6 months) that meets the following requirements:

  • Background: Taken against a plain, light-coloured background (white or off-white) to ensure facial features are clearly distinguishable and contrast against the background.
  • Clarity & Focus: The photo must be of high quality, clear, and in sharp focus.
  • Full Face Visible:
    • The applicant must have a neutral expression (non-smiling).
    • No sunglasses, hats, caps, or head coverings, unless worn for religious or cultural reasons.
  • Printing Requirements:
    • Printed on standard photographic paper (camera print).
    • Must be glued to the visa application form (not stapled).
  • Compliance Check:
    • If the submitted photograph does not meet the above requirements, the application will be considered incomplete.
    • The applicant may be required to take new photographs at a photo booth in the visa application centre.

Ensure that your photo meets all specifications to avoid delays in your visa application.

Need Help? Contact Us!

+44 7700172124

sales@spainvisaonline.co.uk

+44 2035001581

Visa Charges

Below is the fee structure for our visa services.

Standard Visa Processing Fees

Package Processing Time Fee Includes
Silver Package Appointments within 6 weeks £550 + visa charges Appointment, guidance, document pre-check, official visa form filling
Bronze Package Appointments within 4 weeks £750 + visa charges Appointment, guidance, document pre-check, official visa form filling
Gold Package Appointments within 2 weeks £1250 + visa charges Appointment, guidance, document pre-check, official visa form filling, priority submission

Visa service charges are separate from official visa fees charged by the consulate.


Visa Solutions, Designed for You
– With our deep expertise, securing an appointment and navigating the process has never been easier.

Need Help? Contact Us!

+44 7700172124

sales@spainvisaonline.co.uk

+44 2035001581

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