I have come to live in Spain as a researcher (scientist) and as such I was allowed a special visa which was basically a residence visa exempt from a work visa because I had a contract with my research institute. Well, my research project in finishing and my visa is about to expire on Aug. 24. My questions is what happens if I STAY after that? Am I here illegally as I won’t be working on a contract or have a valid Visa? Do I have to plant o absolutely be gone by then or can I stay for say 30 or 90 days or something like that? Any help would be appreciated..

djkok,
what do you really want to do?
do you have a residence card?

I’d like to stay through the end of september then leave to go home to the US in septmeber..so basically extend my stay a month..I have a NIE card…

djkok,
you can apply for renewal.
you can apply for another kind of residence permit/card.
renewal extends the validity of the card until they send you a letter saying your application is approved or denied.
but do it now. it is july.
some people realize they want to stay after their permits expire.