Spain Highly Qualified Professional Visa
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 730 days
- Processing time
- 20 business days via UGE-CE fast track
- Fee
- EUR 80
- Validity
- 2-3 years (renewable)
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Fast-track work and residence visa for highly qualified professionals in managerial, technical, or specialized roles at Spanish companies. Processed through UGE-CE (Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit). No need to prove the position cannot be filled by a national. Family members can join immediately with full work rights. Salary threshold ranges EUR 32,000-60,000 depending on role; reduced by 0.75 coefficient for applicants under 30.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
All non-EU/EEA citizens
-
Employment
Must hold a university degree or postgraduate qualification (minimum level 5A), OR have at least 3 years professional experience equivalent to a higher education qualification, OR be a graduate of a recognized business school
Required status: University degree, 3+ years equivalent experience, or business school graduate
-
Financial
Job offer must meet minimum salary threshold: EUR 32,000-60,000 depending on role. Reduced by coefficient of 0.75 for applicants under 30.
Minimum funds: EUR 32,000-60,000 annual salary
-
Criminal record
No criminal record in countries of residence during the past 5 years
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 12
-
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: Recent passport-size color photograph
-
Police clearance
Countries required: Countries of residence during past 5 years; Validity months: 6
-
Medical certificate
Provide medical evidence from a recognised doctor or clinic when the route asks for health confirmation.
Required tests: General health assessment confirming no diseases with public health repercussions; Validity months: 3
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: National visa application form and UGE-CE online application
-
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Cash, card, bank transfer; Amount: EUR 80 consular fee + EUR 73.26 UGE-CE fee
-
Curriculum vitae
Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.
-
Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No
-
Private health insurance
Coverage territory: Spain; Minimum coverage: Full coverage until registered under Spanish Social Security
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Spanish employer prepares employment contract. Applicant obtains criminal record certificates (apostilled), medical certificate, and all personal documents.
-
Online application
Spanish employer submits online application to UGE-CE (Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estrategicos) for residence and work authorization.
-
Processing wait
UGE-CE processes the residence authorization application. Fast-track processing within 20 business days.
-
Appointment booking
After UGE-CE approval, book appointment at Spanish consulate to apply for the visa.
-
Document submission
Submit all documents and visa application at the Spanish consulate.
-
Fee payment
Pay consular visa fee and any applicable service fees.
-
Visa collection
Collect passport with visa within 10 days. After arrival in Spain, register with Social Security and obtain TIE within 30 days.