• Work Visas – Strategic Residency Planning

    Moving to Spain Highly Qualified Professional Visa

Live and work legally in Spain as a highly qualified professional

The Highly Qualified Professional Visa (HQPV), also known as the Permiso de residencia para profesionales altamente cualificados (PAC), is a residence permit that allows non-EU citizens to live and work legally in Spain in skilled or management roles.

At Del Canto Chambers, our bilingual legal team assists international companies and professionals in obtaining this visa quickly and efficiently, ensuring full compliance with Spanish immigration and tax regulations.

Who can apply for the Highly Qualified Professional Visa

The Highly Qualified Professional Visa is available to individuals who meet the following conditions:

  • Hold a university degree or equivalent qualification, or at least three years of relevant professional experience.
  • Work in a management, technical or specialised role within a company operating in Spain.
  • Have a job offer or contract with a recognised employer in Spain.
    Earn a minimum annual salary of:
    • €54,142 for management or executive positions.
    • €40,077 for technical or specialised roles.

This residence permit also covers spouses, children and dependent adult children, allowing them to live and work in Spain as family members of the main applicant.

Benefits of the Highly Qualified Professional Visa

Work and reside legally in Spain

With full access to the Spanish labour market.

Fast-track processing

Through the Unit for Large Companies and Strategic Economic Sectors (UGE-CE).

Freedom of movement

Across all Schengen Area countries.

Family reunification rights

Spouses and children can obtain residency and work authorisation.

Pathway to permanent residency

After five years of continuous residence in Spain.

Requirements for the Highly Qualified Professional Visa

To obtain an initial authorisation for temporary residence and work as a highly qualified professional, both the applicant and the employer must meet specific requirements.

5260

Applicant requirements

● Reside legally in Spain or apply from your home country.
● Be a non-EU citizen and not related to an EU, EEA or Swiss national.
● Have no criminal record in Spain or in any country of residence in the previous five years.
● Possess the required professional qualifications, duly recognised or homologated if obtained abroad.
● Pay the official immigration processing fees.
2152022044

Employer requirements

● Provide a signed employment contract guaranteeing continuous activity for the duration of the authorisation.
● Offer employment conditions consistent with Spanish labour law and applicable collective agreements.
● Ensure the gross annual salary exceeds 1.5 times the average salary for the role performed.
● Maintain financial and organisational capacity to meet all obligations. Be registered with Spanish Social Security and current with tax and Social Security payments.
2151962523

Application process

Applications are submitted through the Unit for Large Companies and Strategic Economic Sectors (UGE-CE). Typical documentation includes:
● Original passport and copy.
● Recent passport-style photo.
● Completed application form.
● Background check certificate.
● Proof of payment of official fees.
● Evidence of professional qualifications and experience.
● Detailed job description and signed employment contract.
● Curriculum Vitae. Our team prepares and submits all documentation on your behalf, coordinating with Spanish authorities and ensuring a smooth process from start to finish.
2151998145

How we can help you with the Highly Qualified Professional Visa

Our immigration and tax lawyers provide end-to-end support for professionals and companies applying for the HQPV in Spain. We can:
● Confirm your eligibility and review all required documentation.
● Manage the HQPV application through the UGE-CE.
● Advise on tax residency and relocation planning, including the Beckham Law.
● Assist with family visa applications and renewals.
● Ensure ongoing compliance with Spanish immigration and employment regulations.

With offices in London and Spain, and over 30 years of experience, Del Canto Chambers offers expert cross-border legal guidance to help professionals and their employers relocate to Spain confidently and efficiently.