Highly Qualified Professional Visa

Spain’s Highly Qualified Professional Visa, also referred to as the Highly Skilled Professional Work Permit, is a special residence authorization that allows highly skilled professionals from non-European Union (EU) countries to work and live in Spain. This visa is particularly attractive to executives, specialists, and highly educated professionals who have been offered a job by a Spanish company.

The HQP Visa is part of Spain’s effort to attract international talent and fill specialized roles within the country’s economy. Managed by the Large Companies and Strategic Sectors Unit (Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos, UGE-CE), this visa offers a faster and more efficient route to legal residence for foreign professionals.

Who is Eligible for the Highly Qualified Professional Visa?

To qualify for this visa, applicants must meet a set of strict requirements. The Spanish government has outlined clear criteria to ensure that only highly skilled professionals who will contribute to the economy are granted this permit.

1. Employment in a Qualified Position. The primary requirement is having a job offer in one of the following roles:

• Management or Executive Position: A high-ranking role where the applicant oversees teams, projects, or operations.
• Highly Specialized Technical Position: Jobs requiring advanced knowledge in specific fields such as IT, engineering, finance, or science.
• Employment by a Recognized Institution: This includes roles in universities, research institutions, or government agencies that require advanced academic credentials.

2. Salary Requirements. The salary threshold is an important factor in the approval process. While there is no universal minimum salary, certain salary benchmarks apply:

• At least €50,000 per year for general managerial or highly skilled roles.
• For lower managerial positions, the minimum salary should be around €40,000 per year.
• For technology or research roles, the required salary can be slightly lower but should still be competitive.

If an applicant’s salary is below these benchmarks, the visa application is less likely to be approved unless there are exceptional circumstances.

3. Educational Background. Applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a recognized institution. In some cases, professional experience can substitute for formal education, but having an advanced degree significantly improves the chances of approval.

4. Employer Requirements. The company offering the job must also meet specific conditions:

• The employer should be a large company or a company operating in a strategic sector for Spain’s economy.
• The employer must be registered with the Spanish Social Security system and comply with tax obligations.
• Startups or smaller companies may qualify if they can prove that the applicant’s role is essential for their business growth.

5. Criminal Record and Health Insurance. Applicants must provide:

• A clean criminal record certificate from their home country and any other country where they have lived for the past five years.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage for themselves and their family members.

Advantages of the Highly Qualified Professional Visa

This visa offers several benefits, making it one of the most attractive residence permits in Spain for skilled professionals.

1. Fast Processing Time. The HQP Visa is processed in about 20 days, making it one of the quickest work permits in Spain.
2. Family Reunification. Applicants can include their spouse and children in the same application, allowing the whole family to move to Spain together.
3. Free Movement in the Schengen Area. Visa holders can travel freely within the Schengen Zone without requiring additional visas.
4. No Need for a Work Market Test. Unlike standard work permits, the HQP Visa does not require proof that the job could not be filled by a Spanish or EU citizen.
5. Pathway to Permanent Residency and Citizenship. After five years of continuous residence, visa holders can apply for permanent residency. After ten years, they may qualify for Spanish citizenship (subject to additional requirements).
6. Flexibility in Applying from Spain. Applicants can apply for the visa while already in Spain, even on a tourist visa.

Duration and Renewal of the HQP Visa

The visa is initially granted for two years. It can be renewed for another two years as long as the applicant continues to meet the original conditions. The renewal process requires submitting updated documents, including proof of continued employment, salary, and residency.

After five years of legally living in Spain with the HQP Visa, holders can apply for permanent residence, allowing them to stay in Spain indefinitely.

Applying for the Highly Qualified Professional Visa in Spain can be a complex process that requires attention to detail and proper documentation. The team of expert immigration lawyers at Navarra Associate is ready to assist you every step of the way. We assess your individual situation and provide expert guidance, help with document preparation and submission, ensure compliance with all legal requirements, and respond to any queries from the UGE-CE on your behalf.

If you are a skilled professional looking to move to Spain, contact our legal team today for a consultation. Let us help you secure your future in Spain with a hassle-free visa application process!