International Researchers

This section is specifically intended for researchers who will establish a contractual relationship with UAM. Here you will find all the necessary information about the procedures prior to your arrival, the administrative procedures according to your nationality, and the steps to follow in order to regularize your situation in Spain. In both cases, it is required to obtain a NIE and have a Social Security Number in Spain.

Researchers from the European Union

Citizens of the European Union who intend to reside in Spain for a period longer than 90 days must obtain the Certificate of Registration as a European Union Citizen, a document that includes their Foreigner Identification Number (NIE).

• Appointment available at: página - Administraciones Públicas (administracionespublicas.gob.es) / Option: “POLICÍA - CERTIFICADOS DE REGISTRO DE CIUDADANO DE LA UE”.​

Non-EU Researchers

In these cases, UAM, through its International Welcome Office, will process the visa application regulated by Law 14/2013 of 27 September Apoyo a los Emprendedores y su Internacionalización (on Support for Entrepreneurs and their Internationalization). This law facilitates entry into and residence in Spain for reasons of economic interest for: investors, entrepreneurs, highly qualified professionals, researchers, workers carrying out intra-company transfers within the same company or group of companies, and the family members of the aforementioned categories.

Once you arrive in Madrid, you must apply for the Foreigner Identity Card (TIE).

• Appointment available at: página - Administraciones Públicas (administracionespublicas.gob.es) / Option: “POLICÍA - EXPEDICIÓN DE TARJETAS CUYA AUTORIZACIÓN RESUELVE LA DIRECCIÓN GENERAL DE GESTIÓN MIGRATORIA”. You may request an appointment before your arrival.

Required documentation for all nationalities

• Application form.
• ​Full passport, including all pages (also blank pages).
• Pre-contract signed with UAM.
• Fee 038: Issuance of work authorizations and authorizations for foreign citizens (Expedición de autorizaciones de trabajo y autorizaciones a ciudadanos extranjeros). In the case of initial authorizations, UAM covers the cost of this fee through the budget of the hiring Department or the research project funding the contract.
• Previous NIE or TIE, if you have previously resided in Spain.
• Criminal record certificate and medical certificate, mandatory if the contract is shorter than 6 months.
• Research project description, if the contract is funded through a research project.

Timeframes and next steps

The residence authorization procedure is usually resolved within approximately 2 to 3 weeks. Once a favorable decision has been issued by the Directorate-General for Migration:

• If the researcher is outside Spain, they may apply for the corresponding visa at the Spanish consulate in their country of residence.
• If they are already legally in Spain, they may directly begin the process to obtain their Foreigner Identity Card (TIE).