Spain researcher visa from Pakistan
A Spain researcher visa is for research, development and innovation at public or private bodies in Spain: researchers, scientific and technical staff, university and business school teachers, and doctoral students. The residence authorisation comes first, from the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE), normally at the request of your host, and your family can apply with you.
Last checked:
At a glance
- Main fee
- See the fees below
- Processing time
- Varies, see below
- Documents
- 7 on the list
- The residence authorisation comes first, from Spain's Large Companies Unit (UGE).
- Your spouse, children and dependent parents can apply too.
- The Embassy's time limit is 10 days, longer if it asks for more documents.
Fees
| Fee | Official amount | About in PKR |
|---|---|---|
| National visa feePaid in Pakistani rupees at the equivalent of the euro amount, and not refunded. The page does not state the amount. | Amount not confirmed |
Check the amount on the official source.
Official fee pages:National visas: researcher visa
Processing time
Not confirmed
The legal time limit is 10 days from the application, longer when the Embassy asks for more documents or an interview; the authorisation in Spain comes first.
Official source: National visas: researcher visaDocuments you need
From our draft document list for this visa. Your own list depends on your situation, so check the official source.
Usually needed
Passport
Valid for at least one more year, with two blank pages, issued within the last 10 years. Original and a copy of the data page.
Visa application form (signed)
National visa application form, every section completed and signed; a parent or representative signs for a minor.
Passport-size photograph (destination specification)
One recent colour passport-size photo, light background, face fully visible.
Approved residence (or residence and work) authorisation from Spain
Original and a copy of the residence authorisation issued by the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE).
Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC)
Proof that you live in the Embassy's district, for example your CNIC (original and a copy).
Needed in some situations
Police character certificate
Police certificate from the countries you lived in during the last two years (Pakistan: the National Police Bureau, Islamabad), issued within the last six months, apostilled and translated by a sworn translator, plus your sworn statement that you have no criminal record in the last five years.
Polio vaccination certificate (NIMS/NADRA)
Pakistan exit requirement, not a visa document: when you leave Pakistan you must show a NIMS/NADRA vaccination certificate including polio (the old paper card is no longer accepted, and since 14 September 2026 airports check a NADRA-integrated vaccination record). Verify current rules.
Where to apply in Pakistan
Which mission takes your application depends on where you live in Pakistan.
The official page for this visa:Researcher visaWe last checked it on Oct 8, 2026. Until this list is verified, follow that page where the two differ.
Embassy of Spain in Islamabad
EmbassyStreet 6, Ramna 5, Diplomatic Enclave I, Islamabad
Takes applications from Islamabad Capital Territory, Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Spain has one mission in Pakistan. Holders of a Pakistani passport count as residents of its district wherever they live in the country.
Ways to apply
In personAt the Embassy, by appointment (researcher visas)
Ask for an appointment by email to emb.islamabad.sc@maec.es, then hand in the application in person.
Visa centreTCS Visatronix (researcher visas)
TCS Visatronix offices in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.
In Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore
Consular questions (visas, legalisation) go by email to emb.islamabad.sc@maec.es. Some of the Embassy's visa pages still name BLS offices in Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore, while its page on where to apply names the Spain Visa Application Centre in Islamabad: check that page before you book.
How to apply, step by step
Check you qualify
You will do research, development or innovation at a public or private body in Spain: as a researcher under Spain's Science Law, as scientific or technical staff at a company or R&D centre, as a researcher hosted under an agreement, as a teacher hired by a university, higher education centre or business school, or as a doctoral student. Your spouse or partner, children and dependent parents can apply too.
National visas: researcher visaThe residence authorisation comes first
The authorisation is issued by the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE); the host in Spain normally applies for it online (verify). You apply for the visa only after its favourable decision.
National visas: researcher visaPrepare documents
National visa form, a photo, your passport, the approved authorisation, a police certificate for the last two years from the National Police Bureau, Islamabad (issued within six months) with a sworn statement for the last five years, and proof that you live in the Embassy's district. All foreign documents must be apostilled (Pakistan: MOFA apostille) and, if not in Spanish, come with a Spanish translation by a sworn translator (traductor jurado). Each family member also shows proof of the family link (and, for adult children and parents, that they depend on you).
National visas: researcher visaApply and decision
Apply in person (or through an accredited representative) at the Embassy with an appointment requested by email to emb.islamabad.sc@maec.es, or at TCS Visatronix in Islamabad, Lahore or Karachi. The Embassy decides within 10 days, longer if it asks for more documents or an interview. Collect the visa within a month of the decision. The visa is valid for a year, or for the authorisation if it is shorter, and proves your residence in Spain.
National visas: researcher visa
Questions people ask
How long does a Spain researcher visa take from Pakistan?
The legal time limit is 10 days from the application, longer when the Embassy asks for more documents or an interview; the authorisation in Spain comes first.
National visas: researcher visa (opens in a new tab)What documents do I need for a Spain researcher visa from Pakistan?
The usual documents are: Passport, Visa application form (signed), Passport-size photograph (destination specification), Approved residence (or residence and work) authorisation from Spain, and Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC). Depending on your situation, you may also need: Police character certificate and Polio vaccination certificate (NIMS/NADRA).
Where do I apply for a Spain researcher visa in Pakistan?
Embassy of Spain in Islamabad takes applications from Islamabad Capital Territory, Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Can I do a PhD in Spain on a researcher visa?
Yes. People who will do doctoral studies in Spain are covered by the researcher visa, with a residence authorisation from the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE).
National visas: researcher visa (opens in a new tab)Can my family come with me?
Your spouse or partner, your children (adult children if they depend on you and have no family of their own) and parents who depend on you can apply too, each with proof of the family link.
National visas: researcher visa (opens in a new tab)How long does the Embassy take?
The legal time limit is 10 days from the application, longer when the Embassy asks for more documents or an interview. Collect the visa within a month of the decision.
National visas: researcher visa (opens in a new tab)