Research Stay
Spain Student Visa

Yes — if your research stay exceeds 90 days and you are a non-EU national, you need either a Spain student visa (if you are enrolled in a doctorate or affiliated with a university programme) or a researcher visa (if you have a hosting agreement with a recognised Spanish research institution).

The student visa (estancia por estudios) is for those enrolled in an official academic programme — including PhD programmes. The researcher visa (visado para investigación) is specifically for researchers affiliated with a recognised research organisation under a hosting agreement. The researcher visa is typically for post-doctoral researchers and visiting academics who are not enrolled as students.

Yes — if you are formally enrolled in a Spanish university's doctoral programme, the student visa is the correct visa type. The researcher visa is distinct and applies to researchers who are not registered as students.

The duration depends on the type of visa. Student visas for PhD students can be renewed annually. Researcher visas are typically issued for the duration of the hosting agreement.

The same as any student visa — plus an official enrolment letter from your university's doctoral school or research centre. The letter must confirm your research affiliation, the duration of your stay, and your funding arrangements.

PhD students on a student visa have the standard 30-hour weekly work right. This covers academic activities like teaching, tutoring, and research assistant roles within the university. Commercial work outside the university also falls within the 30-hour limit.

The autorización de estancia por investigación is a separate visa/authorisation for researchers visiting Spain to conduct research at an accredited research organisation or university. It is not the same as the student visa — it is designed for post-doctoral researchers, visiting academics, and research fellows rather than enrolled PhD students.

Researchers who have been accepted to carry out a research project at a Spanish research organisation, university, or public body that is on the approved host list. You must have a signed hosting agreement (convenio de acogida) with the research institution. Typically this covers post-doctoral researchers, visiting academics, and research fellows.

The student visa (visado de estudios) covers formal academic enrolment — attending classes and working toward a degree. The research stay authorisation is for research activity hosted by a research institution, not necessarily involving formal degree enrolment. Research stay holders may have different work rights and social security entitlements. For enrolled PhD students, the student visa is usually the right route.

The initial authorisation is typically issued for the duration of the research agreement, up to 1 year, and can be renewed. If the research project is extended, the authorisation can be renewed accordingly. Long-term researchers who remain for over 5 years may qualify for long-term residency.

Yes. Research stay visa holders can apply for family reunification for a spouse and dependent children. The family members receive a residence authorisation linked to the researcher's. Financial and accommodation requirements apply — consult an immigration specialist for the specific thresholds.

If you are formally enrolled as a PhD student at a Spanish university, the student visa is generally the right route. If you are a post-doctoral researcher or visiting academic who is not formally enrolled as a student, the research stay is more appropriate. Some PhD programmes involve significant external research — your university and an immigration specialist can advise on the best option for your specific circumstances.