Work / Employment in Spain
One documented route of this kind in Spain, with its conditions, documents, official government fees and process.
Highly Qualified Professional (HQP / PAC) Work Visa
Work and residence pathway for professionals with a confirmed Spanish job offer in a qualifying highly skilled role.
- Processing time
- Authorization decided in approximately 20 working days; visa in approximately 10 working days
- Validity
- Initial permit up to 3 years (indefinite contract), renewable in 2-year increments
- Language requirement
- None for the visa itself
- Permanent residence
- After 5 years of continuous legal residence
- Citizenship
- Generally after 10 years of legal residence (reduced periods for certain nationalities)
Requirements
- Qualifying job offer from a Spanish employer in a highly skilled role
- Salary meeting threshold: approx. EUR 40,000/year (general/academic-scientific) or approx. EUR 54,000/year (managerial)
- University degree and/or proof of at least 3 years specialized experience
- Health insurance / Social Security enrollment
- Legalized criminal record certificate
Required Documents
- HQP residence authorization filed in Spain by the employer via UGE-CE required
- Valid passport + National Visa Application form + photos required
- Legalized criminal record certificate required
- Health insurance / Social Security enrollment required
- University degree and/or proof of at least 3 years specialized experience; job contract required
Official fees
- Authorization + national visa fees (varies by nationality; others approx.) 106 USD
Process Steps
-
1
Secure job offer
Secure a qualifying job offer.
-
2
Employer files authorization
Spanish employer files the HQP authorization (UGE-CE).
-
3
Authorization approved
Authorization approved in approximately 20 working days.
-
4
File visa
Applicant files the visa at the consulate within 1 month.
-
5
Visa issued
Visa issued in approximately 10 working days.
-
6
Enter and register
Enter Spain, register Social Security, obtain TIE within 1 month.