At ARC Legal Abogados, we have received another favorable decision from the Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos (UGE-CE), granting a residence permit for research purposes to an international PhD student under the new Management Criterion 2/2026.
This approval is particularly noteworthy due to the specific circumstances of the application and the challenges encountered during its preparation, especially regarding the financial resources required to reside in Spain.
In this case, providing evidence of the applicant’s own financial resources was not sufficient. We also had to demonstrate the availability of financial support from family members residing in a third country and provide UGE-CE with a detailed explanation of how the student’s living expenses would be covered throughout their stay in Spain.
⏺️ The new Management Criterion 2/2026 for PhD Students
Management Criterion 2/2026 (Criterio de Gestión 2/2026), dated August 7, 2026, establishes that international students enrolled in official PhD programs in Spain fall under the national residence permit for research purposes provided for in Article 72 of Law 14/2013.
This represents a significant development for international PhD students, as their applications are processed through UGE-CE rather than under the ordinary student stay authorization procedure. However, applying this new framework also raises practical questions, particularly when an applicant’s financial circumstances do not fit the most common scenarios.
💡 If you would like to learn more about the requirements, necessary documentation, and application process, you can read our comprehensive guide to residence permits for PhD students in Spain: Residence authorization for PhD Students in Spain | 2026 Guide
⏺️ The main challenge: demonstrating financial resources from abroad
One of the most important aspects of this application was demonstrating that the student had sufficient financial resources to cover their living expenses while pursuing a PhD in Spain. The case presented a particular challenge: part of the financial support came from family members residing in a third country.
As a result, preparing the application required considerably more than simply submitting bank statements.
At ARC Legal Abogados, we worked on documenting both the applicant’s own financial resources and those of the supporting family members. We provided a detailed explanation of the origin and availability of the funds, as well as how they would be used to cover the student’s expenses in Spain. We also had to address the different currencies involved, the applicable exchange rates, and the corresponding amounts in euros, allowing UGE-CE to properly assess the financial resources presented.
Our objective was to provide a clear, consistent, and well-documented explanation demonstrating not only that sufficient funds existed, but also how the student’s living expenses would actually be financed.
⏺️ Why properly documenting PhD students funding matters
This case highlights the complexities that may arise when international PhD students rely on financial support from family members living outside Spain.
Demonstrating that funds exist in a bank account may not always be enough. Depending on the circumstances, applicants may also need to explain who is providing the financial support, their relationship to the applicant, and how those funds will be made available to cover living expenses.
When multiple countries and currencies are involved, it is particularly important to present financial documentation that allows the authorities to clearly assess the resources available.
In this case, preparing a detailed financial explanation allowed us to present UGE-CE with a comprehensive picture of the applicant’s financial circumstances.
⏺️ A new residence permit for PhD Student approved
Following the submission and processing of the application, we received a favorable decision from UGE-CE granting the requested residence permit for PhD student.
This approval is particularly significant because the application was submitted under a recently introduced management criterion and involved specific challenges concerning the supporting financial documentation.
The case also provides a useful practical example for other international PhD students who need to demonstrate financial resources provided by family members residing outside Spain.
Nevertheless, every application must be assessed individually. This approval does not mean that all forms of family financial support will automatically be considered sufficient.
⏺️ How ARC Legal Abogados can help you
ARC Legal Abogados is a law firm specializing in Spanish Immigration Law. We advise international students and researchers who wish to pursue their academic and professional activities in Spain.
Following the introduction of Management Criterion 2/2026, we assist PhD students with preparing and submitting residence permit applications for research purposes before UGE-CE.
Our services include assessing the applicable requirements, reviewing academic and financial documentation, preparing and submitting applications, and monitoring the administrative process until a decision is issued.
We pay particular attention to applications involving specific circumstances, such as financial support from family members residing abroad, which may require more detailed documentation and explanations.
If you are currently pursuing a PhD in Spain or planning to begin one, you can contact ARC Legal Abogados to discuss your circumstances and the residence options available to you.
Related publications
- Foreign PhD students must apply for a residence authorization for research
- How to apply from abroad for a residence authorization to complete a PhD in Spain
- PhD students and researchers in Spain: the new residence permit and its impact on Spanish nationality
Prefer to read this article in Spanish 🇪🇸? You can find it here: Residencia para estudiantes de doctorado: nueva autorización concedida por la UGE bajo el Criterio 2/2026
The content of this article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Spanish immigration rules are subject to ongoing changes in interpretation and administrative practice. At ARC Legal, we make every effort to keep our information up to date and verified against official sources, but we always recommend consulting a specialised professional before starting any procedure or making legal decisions. If you require personalised advice regarding your situation, you can contact our law firm.