Visa for Highly Qualified Workers in Spain: How to Secure Your Permit

Do you hold a University Degree? Is a Spanish Company willing to hire you? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting a visa for highly qualified workers in Spain. Perfect for non-EU citizens in specialized or technical roles, this visa offers streamlined application processes and the chance to bring your family along.

We’ll cover eligibility criteria, application steps, benefits, and common questions. Our goal is to make the information clear and straightforward, so you can confidently move forward with your plans to work in Spain. Let’s dive in!

What is the Highly Qualified Professional Visa in Spain?

Before we dive into the details, let’s first discuss what exactly the Highly Qualified Professional Visa in Spain is. This coveted visa is for non-EU citizens who want to work in specialized, technical, or managerial positions. This visa allows you to live and work in Spain for an initial period of up to two years, with the possibility of renewal.

This residence and work permit is regulated by the Entrepreneurs Law and enables companies to hire university graduates, employees of large companies, or those in strategic sectors or developing projects of general interest. The process is agile and straightforward.

Key Features of the Visa for Highly Qualified Workers in Spain:

• Eligibility: Aimed at professionals with advanced degrees or extensive work experience in specialized fields.
• Application Process: The company wishing to hire the professional applies to the Large Business and Strategic Collective Unit (UGE). Applications can be presented online, allowing for a faster authorization process compared to the General Law route, provided all requirements and documents are met.
• Family Inclusion: Allows you to bring your spouse, children, and dependent parents with you.
• Flexibility: You can apply for this visa either from your home country or while legally staying in Spain on a different visa (even a tourist visa will work).

What is Considered a “Highly Skilled” Worker in Spain?

A professional is considered “highly qualified” or “highly skilled” in Spain if they meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Educational Background: Typically, highly qualified professionals are university graduates with degrees that imply a high level of qualification, such as engineers and computer scientists. This category also includes postgraduates from prestigious business schools or universities.
• Professional Profile: The applicants must have a very high professional profile. This implies that the salary is a critical factor in the application. Although the law does not specify a particular salary, the Large Business and Strategic Collective Unit, which approves or dismisses the application, considers a highly qualified position to require a salary of at least €40,000 per year. Depending on the profession, salaries could go up to €55,000 per year.

These criteria ensure that the visa is granted to individuals who can contribute significantly to the Spanish economy through their expertise and skills.

Benefits of the Highly Qualified Worker Visa

The Highly Qualified Worker Visa offers numerous advantages for both the applicant and their family. Here are some of the key benefits:

Streamlined Application Process

Compared to other visa types, the application process for the Highly Qualified Worker Visa is designed to be quicker and more efficient. The Large Business and Strategic Collective Unit (UGE) handles these applications, ensuring a more specialized and expedited process.

Family Inclusion

One of the standout benefits of the visa for highly qualified professionals in Spain is the ability to include your spouse, children, and dependent parents in your application.

Not only does this make it easier for your loved ones to join you in Spain, but it also grants family members over 18 years old their own residence and work permits. This means they can work in Spain, either as employees or freelancers, while accompanying you during your stay.

Flexibility in Application

You can apply for this visa either from your home country or while you are legally staying in Spain on a different visa. This flexibility allows you to start the application process without the need to travel back and forth.

Long-Term Residency

The initial visa is valid for up to two years and can be renewed. This provides stability and allows you to plan your long-term future in Spain.

Professional Opportunities

This visa opens doors to numerous professional opportunities in Spain’s thriving economy. Working in a high-level position in Spain can significantly boost your career and provide valuable international experience.

Legal Work Status

The visa grants you the legal right to work in Spain, ensuring you are compliant with local laws and regulations. This legal status can provide peace of mind and security for both you and your employer.

Access to Spanish Services

As a resident, you and your family will have access to Spain’s excellent healthcare and education systems. This ensures a high quality of life and well-being for you and your family members.

These benefits make the Highly Qualified Worker Visa an attractive option for skilled professionals looking to advance their careers in Spain while enjoying a high quality of life. With these advantages in mind, let’s move on to the application process. Let’s explore the necessary steps and tips to ensure your application is successful and as smooth as possible.

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How to Apply for a Highly Qualified Professional Visa in Spain

Does navigating the application process for the Highly Qualified Professional Visa in Spain seem daunting? With the right guidance, it can be straightforward! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you:

1. Prepare Your Documents

The first step of any strong application is gathering the necessary paperwork. Here is a general list of the documents you may need for your application:

• Educational Certificates: Collect all relevant educational certificates, including degrees and diplomas.
• Employment Contract: Secure an employment contract from a Spanish company. This contract should detail your role and salary.
• Proof of Professional Experience: Gather documents that prove your professional experience, such as reference letters and previous job contracts.
• Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least one year and has enough blank pages.
• Background Check: Obtain a criminal record certificate from the countries they have legally resided at during the last five years, legalized with the Hague Apostille if necessary.

2. Submit Your Application

• The company wishing to hire you must apply on your behalf to the Large Business and Strategic Collective Unit (UGE).
• You can submit the application online, which we can submit on behalf of the employer. Ensure you correctly scan and upload all documents.
• Include any additional documents required by the UGE, such as proof of the company’s eligibility to hire highly qualified professionals.

3. Await Approval

• The processing time can vary, but typically it’s faster than other visa types due to the streamlined process by the UGE.
• Keep in touch with your employer and check for any updates or additional requirements from the UGE.

4. Receiving Your Visa

• Once your application is approved, you will receive a notification. If you are outside Spain, you will need to apply for a visa at the Spanish consulate in your home country.
• With the visa, you can enter Spain. Upon arrival, you will need to register your fingerprints and obtain a residence card (TIE).

5. Settling in Spain

• After entering Spain, visit the local police station or immigration office to apply for your residence card.
• If you are bringing family members, submit their applications for residence permits simultaneously or after your arrival.

By following these steps and ensuring all documents are in order, you can successfully obtain a Highly Qualified Professional Visa in Spain. 

Processing Time for Visa For Highly Qualified Workers in Spain

Understanding the processing time for your Highly Qualified Professional Visa is crucial for planning your move to Spain. While the application process should be more efficient than other visa types, it’s still important to prepare yourself for potential wait times.

Processing Time for the Visa for Highly Qualified Workers in Spain

• Initial Review: Once the application is submitted by the employer to the Large Business and Strategic Collective Unit (UGE), the initial review typically takes around 20 working days from the date of submission. This is considerably faster compared to other types of work visas.
• Visa Issuance: If you are applying from outside Spain, once your application is approved by the UGE, you will need to apply for a visa at the Spanish consulate in your home country. The issuance of the visa usually takes about 10 days.

Factors Affecting Processing Time

Several factors can influence the processing time of your application:

• Completeness of Application: Ensure you correctly submit all required documents. Incomplete applications can lead to delays.
• Administrative Workload: The workload of the UGE can affect how quickly it processes applications. High volumes of applications may extend processing times.
• Additional Documentation: If the UGE requests additional documentation or clarification, this can also add to the processing time.

Tips to Expedite the Process

• Prepare Thoroughly: Make sure you have all your documents in order before submission. Double-check for completeness and accuracy.
• Follow-Up: Maintain regular communication with your employer and the UGE to stay updated on the status of your application.
• Respond Promptly: If the UGE requests any additional information or documents, respond as quickly as possible to avoid delays.

Special Considerations

• Online Submission: Utilizing the online submission process can significantly reduce the time it takes for your application to be reviewed.
• Legal Assistance: Consider seeking help from legal professionals who specialize in Spanish immigration law to ensure your application is handled efficiently and correctly.

Bringing Your Family to Spain With The Highly Qualified Visa

One of the significant benefits of the Highly Qualified Worker Visa is the ability to bring your family with you. Let’s explore the process of ensuring your loved ones can join you in Spain.

Who Can Join You?

Your legal spouse or registered partner, minor children or adult children who are financially dependent on you and have not started their own family, and dependent parents can all join you in Spain.

Steps to Include Family Members

You can include your family members in your initial visa application or apply for their residence permits simultaneously after you have settled in Spain. To do this, gather necessary documents such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, and proof of dependency. Make sure you translate these documents into Spanish and legalize or apostille them as required.

Applying for Family Residence Permits

Submit the applications for family members to the Large Business and Strategic Collective Unit (UGE) either online or in person. The processing time for family residence permits is typically around 20 working days but can vary. 

Once approved, your family members can either:

1. Apply for their visa at the Spanish consulate in their home country to enter Spain. Or,
2. Apply from Spain while legally here. You can do this even on a tourist visa if it’s within 90 days of the Schengen visa.

Settling in Spain

After arriving in Spain, visit the local police station or immigration office to apply for residence cards (TIE) for your family members. With their residence cards, your family members will have access to Spain’s healthcare and education systems, ensuring a high quality of life.

Bringing your family to Spain can greatly enhance your experience and provide a supportive environment as you embark on your professional journey.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Visa for Highly Qualified Workers in Spain

Can I Change Jobs with the Highly Qualified Worker Visa in Spain?

Yes, you can change jobs with the Highly Qualified Worker Visa, but you must notify the Large Business and Strategic Collective Unit (UGE) and ensure that your new job meets the requirements of a highly qualified position. The new employer will need to provide a new employment contract and proof that the job meets the criteria for the visa.

What Happens if My Application is Rejected?

If your application is rejected, you have the right to appeal the decision. The rejection notice will provide information on the appeals process, including the deadline for submitting an appeal. It’s advisable to seek legal assistance to ensure your appeal is properly handled.

How Long Can I Stay in Spain with the Highly Qualified Worker Visa?

The initial Highly Qualified Worker Visa is valid for up to two years. After this period, you can apply for a renewal, which can extend your stay for additional periods, between two and five years at a time.

Can Family Members Work in Spain with a Highly Qualified Visa?

Yes, family members who join you in Spain on dependent residence permits can work. They will need to apply for their own work permits, but the process is generally straightforward once they are legally residing in Spain.

Is There a Minimum Salary Requirement for the Visa for Highly Qualified Visa in Spain?

While the law does not specify a particular salary, the Large Business and Strategic Collective Unit (UGE) generally considers a highly qualified position to require a salary of at least €40,000 per year. Depending on the profession, salaries could go up to €55,000 per year.

Can I Apply for Permanent Residency with a Visa for Highly Qualified Workers in Spain?

Yes, after legally residing in Spain for five years, you can apply for permanent residency. Time spent on the Highly Qualified Worker Visa counts towards this residency requirement.

Ready to Work in Spain as a Highly Skilled Foreign Professional?

Embarking on your professional journey in Spain as a highly-skilled foreign professional is an exciting opportunity. The Highly Qualified Worker Visa offers numerous benefits, including a streamlined application process, the ability to bring your family, and access to Spain’s excellent healthcare and education systems.

This visa allows you to work in Spain with a faster application process, bring your family, and apply from either your home country or while legally in Spain. It opens doors to professional growth in a thriving economy.

Need help navigating the process? Our expert team of immigration lawyers is here to ensure a smooth and successful experience. Simply fill out the form below, and let us help you take the first step towards working and living in Spain as a highly-skilled foreign professional.