The Spain Highly Qualified Professional Visa (HQV), also referred to as a PAC, “Permiso para Altamente Cualificados” (Permit for Highly Qualified Professionals) or the Highly Skilled Worker Visa, is a work permit for foreign professionals with advanced skills who want to live and work in Spain. It’s ideal for managerial, technical, or specialized roles and offers fast processing, the chance to bring family members, and access to Spain’s growing job market.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything about obtaining the Highly Qualified Professional Work Visa, including the documents needed, the full application process, and how to successfully obtain this sought-after permit.

What is the Highly Qualified Professional Visa Spain Visa?

Castile la Mancha, Central SpainThe Highly Qualified Professional Visa (HQP Visa) in Spain, also known as the PAC, or Highly Skilled Worker Visa, is designed for non-EU/EEA citizens who have specialized skills and qualifications and want to work in Spain in executive, managerial, or highly technical roles. This visa is ideal for professionals with higher education degrees or significant work experience in their field.

It allows individuals to live and work in Spain while being employed by a Spanish company or organization that requires highly skilled professionals. The visa also provides the benefit of family reunification, meaning your spouse and dependent children can join you in Spain. Additionally, it offers a faster processing time compared to other work visas and grants access to the Spanish social security system.

Benefits of the Spain Highly Qualified Professional Visa

  • Live and work legally in Spain: Gives you the right to live and work in Spain without additional residence permits.
  • Long-term flexibility: Stay in Spain for up to three years without frequent visa renewals.
  • Ideal for relocation: Perfect for those who want to live and work in Spain, as physical presence is required to maintain residency.
  • Schengen travel access: Travel visa-free across the Schengen area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
  • No investment needed: Unlike other visas, you don’t need to invest in Spain to qualify.
  • Healthcare and education access: Enjoy Spain’s high-quality public healthcare and education for you and your family.
  • Bring your family: Include your spouse or partner, children, and dependent relatives under one application.
  • Path to EU Citizenship: Become eligible for Spanish citizenship after ten years of continuous residency meaning it’s an opportunity to get dual citizenship.
  • Exemptions from EU Travel Systems: Holders of this visa are exempt from EU travel systems. They do not need ETIAS travel authorization when it comes into effect and can skip the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) requirements, such as passport scans and biometric data collection.

What's the difference between the Spain Highly Qualified Visa and the EU Blue Card?

The EU Blue Card and the Spain Highly Qualified Visa can be considered similar, but there is a key difference between the two visas, which lies in mobility and flexibility:

The Highly Qualified Visa is for professionals who want to live and work only in Spain. The EU Blue Card is better for those who want the option to work in multiple EU countries, offering more mobility after 18 months and a standard path to permanent residency across the EU.

Another difference is that the EU Blue Card requires you to earn 1 to 1.5 times the average salary in the country where you want to work, while the Spain Highly Skilled Worker visa requires a salary of over €50,000.

Salary Requirements for the Spain Qualified Professional Visa

caribbean countries offer citizenship by investment programmesThe salary requirements for Spain’s Highly Qualified Professional Visa depend on the type of job offered.

  • For managerial or directorial roles, the annual salary must be at least €54,000.
  • For academic or scientific positions, the minimum salary is €40,000 per year.

There are some exceptions that allow for a 25% reduction in these amounts. To qualify for this reduction, you must meet one of the following conditions:

  • Work for a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) in a strategic sector.
  • Be under 30 years old.

Additionally, if your employer includes non-cash benefits (like housing or transportation) as part of your salary, these can only count for up to 30% of the total salary needed for the visa.

Highly Qualified Professional Visa Spain Requirements

  • Applicants must be at least 18 years old
  • Applicants must be from non-EU, non-EEA, or non-Swiss countries
  • A clean criminal record is mandatory
  • Applicants must be in good health
  • The applicant must demonstrate that they have a job offer from a Spanish company and that the offer meets certain requirements, including annual salary, position, professional qualifications, or experience, among others

Required Documents for the Highly Skilled Worker Visa Spain

compliance documentsFor your documents, the Hague Apostille or legalization must confirm the signature of the person who issued the certificate (like a doctor or police officer), not a notary or solicitor who didn’t write it. If the Apostille is in Spanish or includes Spanish, you don’t need to translate it.

  1. Valid passport – Must be valid for at least one year with blank pages.
  2. Passport photos – A recent passport-size color photo with a light background, facing forward, without glasses or anything covering the face.
  3. Completed national visa application form – Signed and filled out accurately.
  4. Job Offer or employment contract – Proof of a job contract from a Spanish company for a highly qualified position.
  5. Professional qualifications – Degrees, diplomas, and certificates relevant to the job.
  6. CV/resume – Showing relevant professional experience and qualifications.
  7. Proof of financial means – Bank statements or salary slips showing sufficient funds to support yourself.
  8. Criminal record certificate – Applicants must provide a criminal record certificate from the past two years and a signed statement confirming no criminal record in the last five years.
  9. Medical certificate – Confirming you do not have any diseases that could pose public health risks.
  10. Health insurance – Private or public health insurance valid in Spain.
  11. Proof of payment of visa fees – Receipt of the visa application fee payment.
  12. Company documentation – Information about the Spanish company, including tax identification and registration details.

Documents for family members:

  • Spouse/Partner: Marriage certificate or proof of partnership (registered or unregistered).
  • Minor Children: Birth certificates.
  • Adult Children: Proof of financial dependence and civil status.
  • Parents: Proof of financial dependence.

How to Apply for the Spain Highly Qualified Professional Visa

Here are the steps to apply for the Highly Qualified Worker Permit. You must submit your visa application to the Consular Office responsible for your area.

1. Eligibility check

Before applying, ensure you meet the key requirements:

  • You must have a job offer in Spain for a highly skilled position.
  • The position must meet salary requirements set by the Spanish government, which are usually higher than average wages.
  • You must hold higher qualifications such as a degree or equivalent work experience.

2. Gather required documents

You’ll need to submit several documents as part of the application as mentioned above.

3. Submit the application

You must submit your visa application through the Spanish consulate in your home country or country of residence.

  • Submit the application in person or through an authorized representative.
  • The visa can be submitted at the Spain Visa Application Centre or the consular office designated for your region.

4. Decision timeline

The Highly Qualified Professional Visa Spain processing time is usually 10 to 20 business days after submitting your application. It may take longer if extra documents or an interview are needed.

5. Visa approval

If your application is approved, you will be notified. You can then collect your visa and travel to Spain.

6. Arrival in Spain

Upon arrival, you will need to:

Register your residence at the local town hall and apply for your NIE (foreigners’ identification number), which is necessary for work and other legal matters. Report to the authorities to complete the residency process.

7. Residence permit

Once you arrive, you must apply for a residence permit if you plan to stay for more than six months. This can usually be done at the local Foreigner’s Office in Spain.

Can a highly qualified professional change companies?

If you change companies while on Spain’s Highly Skilled Professional Visa, your legal residence status requires a new application by the new employer to the Unidad de Grandes Empresas (UGE), proving the role meets salary and qualification criteria.

The visa isn’t automatically transferable, so you cannot start working until approval. However, only a notification is usually required if switching roles within the same company, provided the new role still qualifies. Failure to follow these steps could result in the revocation of your legal residence.

There is also the Spain Intra-company Transfer Visa, which allows you to work as a manager, specialist, or trainee in a Spanish branch of your company or its group. It’s for people moving to Spain to work under an existing contract or professional role within the same company.

What is the Highly Qualified Professional Visa validity period?

The Highly Qualified Professional Visa in Spain permits skilled workers live and work in Spain for two years. It can be renewed if the requirements are met. After five years of living legally in Spain, you may apply for permanent residency.

How much does the Highly Qualified Worker Visa Cost?

The cost of the Spain Highly Qualified Professional Visa mainly involves the visa application fee, which falls between €60 and €80, depending on your nationality. The average fee is around €60, though it may vary based on your country of origin and individual circumstances. Please note that this fee is non-refundable if your application is denied.

Taxes in Spain 

The Highly Qualified Professional visa in Spain lets you live and work in the country but comes with tax implications. Visa holders must spend at least 183 days per year in Spain, making them liable for worldwide income taxes at progressive rates, reaching up to 50% in some regions.

Spain’s Special Expat Tax Regime, also known as Beckham’s Law, offers a flat 24% tax rate on income up to €600,000 for qualifying expatriates. This can result in significant tax savings, especially for professionals moving to Spain for work. However, income above €600,000 is taxed at higher rates, and not all expats qualify for the regime. It’s important to meet specific criteria, such as not having been a resident of Spain in the last 10 years.

How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?

Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments. 

We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application. 

Frequently Asked Questions about the Highly Qualified Visa Spain

What is the Highly Qualified Professional Visa (HQPV) in Spain?

The Highly Qualified Professional Visa Spain allows skilled foreign professionals to live and work in Spain in managerial, technical, or specialized roles. It offers residence authorization, fast-track processing, and the option to bring family members, making it ideal for highly skilled workers seeking career opportunities in Spain.

Who qualifies for the Highly Qualified Professional Visa in Spain?

Applicants must have a job offer in Spain, hold relevant higher education degrees, and meet the minimum salary requirements based on the position offered.

How long does the application process take for the Spain Highly Qualified Visa?

The Spain Highly Qualified Visa process usually takes 10 to 20 business days. It may take longer if more documents or an interview is needed, depending on the consulate’s workload.

Can family members accompany the applicant under the Highly Qualified Professional Visa in Spain?

Yes, family members can accompany you under the Highly Qualified Professional Visa in Spain. Spouses or registered partners, dependent children, and dependent parents are eligible to apply for residence permits. These applications can be submitted alongside yours or after you have settled in Spain. Once approved, family members are allowed to live and work in Spain

How long is the Highly Qualified Professional Visa in Spain valid?

The initial residence authorization is valid for up to two years and can be renewed for additional periods, provided requirements are still met.

Can I change employers under the Highly Qualified Professional Visa in Spain?

Yes, you can change employers under the Highly Qualified Professional Visa in Spain, but the new employer must submit a fresh application to the Unidad de Grandes Empresas (UGE). The new job must still meet the salary and qualification requirements. You cannot begin working for the new company until it’s approved.

Does the Spain Highly Skilled Worker Visa lead to permanent residency?

Yes, after five years of continuous legal residence in Spain, you can apply for permanent residency, granting long-term rights in the country.

Can I work in other EU countries with the Spain Highly Skilled Worker Permit?

No, the Highly Skilled Worker permit in Spain is only valid in Spain. For EU mobility, the EU Blue Card may be a better option.

What is the salary requirement for the Highly Qualified Professional Visa in Spain?

For Spain’s Highly Qualified Professional Visa, the minimum salary is €54,000 for managers and €40,000 for academic or scientific roles. This can be reduced by 25% if you work for a strategic SME or are under 30. Non-cash benefits can cover up to 30% of the required salary.

Is the Highly Qualified Professional Visa in Spain suitable for remote workers?

The Highly Qualified Professional Visa in Spain is not ideal for remote workers, as it is meant for highly skilled professionals with a job offer from a Spanish company. The role must be based in Spain and meet specific salary and qualification criteria. Remote work for a foreign company doesn’t qualify under this visa.

Can non-EU citizens apply for the Highly Qualified Professional Visa in Spain?

Yes, non-EU citizens can apply for Spain’s Highly Qualified Professional Visa. This visa is designed for skilled professionals from outside the EU/EEA who have a job offer in Spain for a managerial, technical, or specialized role. Applicants must meet specific salary and qualification requirements, and the hiring company must initiate the application process through the Unidad de Grandes Empresas (UGE).