Get a Highly Qualified Professional (HQP) VISA in Spain in 2024-25: Complete Guide

Dreaming of advancing your career in Europe? Spain’s Highly Qualified Professional VISA (HQP) offers an unparalleled opportunity for skilled professionals to live and work in one of the world’s most vibrant economies. Designed to attract top-tier talent, this visa streamlines the immigration process, granting access to Spain’s thriving industries and rich cultural landscape. Whether you’re an executive, researcher, or IT specialist, the HQP VISA opens doors to countless opportunities while offering a pathway to residency for you and your family. Curious about eligibility, benefits, or the application process? Let’s explore how this exclusive visa could be the next big step in your professional journey.

Read More: Incorporate your company in Spain and eligible for HQP VISA.

What is a Highly Qualified Professional VISA?

The Highly Qualified Professional VISA is a work permit which allows non-EU citizens to live and work legally in Spain. It’s designed for individuals with a job offer in a Spanish company for specialized, technical, or managerial roles. Eligible profiles include managers leading significant teams, professionals in technical fields requiring advanced expertise, and graduates from prestigious universities or business schools.

This VISA grants a two-year residency, renewable until you qualify for long-term residency. However, it’s important to note this visa isn’t meant for freelancers, entrepreneurs, or self-employed individuals. Instead, it focuses on skilled workers contributing to Spain’s workforce through advanced roles.

How to apply for a Highly Qualified Professional VISA in Spain?

Applying for a Highly Qualified Professional (HQP) VISA in Spain involves several steps, from preparing documents to submitting the application and following up. Below is a comprehensive guide to the application process:

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before applying, ensure that you meet the key requirements:

1. Job Offer: You must have a job offer or employment contract from a Spanish company in a highly skilled role.
2. Qualifications: Hold relevant academic degrees or professional certifications aligning with the job.
3. Salary Threshold: The salary offered must meet or exceed the set threshold, generally €40,000–€45,000 per year, depending on the sector.
4. Clean Criminal Record: Ensure you have no criminal history that may disqualify you from obtaining a visa.
5. Health: Meet Spain’s health requirements and have valid insurance coverage.

Step 2: Gather the Required Documents

Prepare all the necessary documents, including:

• A valid passport.
• Visa application form (completed and signed).
• Employment contract or job offer.
• Proof of qualifications (degrees, certifications).
• Criminal record certificate (apostilled and translated into Spanish).
• Medical certificate confirming good health.
• Proof of health insurance valid in Spain.
• Evidence of sufficient financial resources, if required.
• Justification report (Informe Favorable) from the Spanish Ministry of Labor or Immigration.

Step 3: Obtain the Justification Report (Informe Favorable)

Your employer must apply for a Justification Report with the Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos (UGE-CE). This document confirms:

1. The role is in a sector deemed critical for Spain’s economic growth.
2. The applicant is a suitable candidate for the position.
   This is a crucial step and must be completed before the visa application can proceed.

Step 4: Submit the Visa Application

You can submit the application at the Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country or where you currently reside. Follow these steps:

1. Make an Appointment: Schedule an appointment through the consulate’s website or phone.
2. Submit Documents: Provide all required documents in person. Ensure all documents are original and accompanied by certified translations into Spanish if applicable.
3. Pay the Application Fee: The visa application fee varies but is generally around €60–€100.

Step 5: Wait for Approval

• Processing Time: The processing time for HQP VISAs is typically 20-25 business days, but it may vary based on the volume of applications.
• Notification: The consulate will notify you of the decision via email or phone.

Step 6: Renewal and Long-Term Residency

• Renewal: The HQP Visa is initially valid for one year and can be renewed as long as you remain employed in the qualifying role.
• Permanent Residency: After five years of continuous residency and work in Spain, you can apply for long-term residency.

What are the benefits of Highly Qualified Professional VISA?

Some of the benefits of highly qualified professional VISA are:

1. With HQP VISA, you can freely travel in the Schengen countries.
2. You can bring your family with you through joint application
3. After living in Spain for five years with the HQP VISA, individuals become eligible for permanent residency
4. With HQP VISA, you are eligible to work in any region of Spain.
5. The HQP VISA has a faster processing timeline compared to traditional work visas, typically resolved within 20-25 business days.

What are the requirements for the Highly Qualified Professional VISA?

Studies

• Higher Education: The applicant must have a university degree or equivalent that aligns with the position they are being hired for. This typically means having at least a bachelor’s degree or higher from a recognized institution.
• Work Experience: In some cases, relevant work experience may be required, particularly for applicants without a formal higher education. This experience should demonstrate expertise in the field of the job being offered.
• Professional Certification: Depending on the industry, applicants may also need to provide professional certifications that validate their qualifications and skills for the specific job.

Job Offer or Employment Contract

• Eligibility: The applicant must have a formal job offer or an employment contract from a Spanish company.
• Sector Focus: The job must be in a highly skilled or specialized sector, such as technology, engineering, research, biotechnology, finance, or renewable energy.
• Minimum Salary: The job offer must meet certain minimum salary thresholds. This amount can vary but is typically higher than the average wage in Spain due to the specialized skills required for HQP Visa holders. For 2024, the salary threshold is generally set around €40,000 to €45,000 per year, but this can be higher depending on the industry.

 Valid Job Contract or Employment Agreement

• Duration: The employment contract must be for a minimum period of one year, but some contracts might require a longer term depending on the nature of the job or project.
• Permanent vs Temporary: The contract may be either temporary or permanent, but the duration and continuity of employment play a crucial role in the application process.

What are the documents required for a Highly Qualified Professional (HQP) VISA?

The documents required for a highly qualified professional (HQP) VISA are:

• Valid passport copy
• 5 Passport size photograph
• Employment contract
• Resume (CV)
• Proof of the applicant’s financial stability, typically in the form of bank statements or the employer’s guarantee of financial support, might be required.
• Applicants must provide a criminal record certificate from their home country or from any country where they have lived for the past five years.
• Applicants must provide proof of health insurance that is valid in Spain. This can either be through the employer or a private health insurance policy that meets the Spanish healthcare standards.
• Applicants must provide proof of salary.
• Valid job contract or employment agreement

What are the ways to get a HQP VISA in Spain?

There are multiple ways to get a Highly Qualified Professional VISA in Spain. Some of them are mentioned below:

1.  Intra-Company Transfer 

• Multinational companies transferring employees to their Spanish offices or subsidiaries can also apply for the HQP VISA. This is suitable for professionals with expertise in the company’s operations.

2. Managerial or Specialized Roles

• The position offered should fall under managerial, executive, or specialized technical roles crucial for the company’s operations.

3. Required Education and Experience

• Candidates typically need a higher education degree (e.g., bachelor’s or master’s) related to the job role.
• Relevant professional experience (at least 3–5 years) may also be considered if educational qualifications are insufficient.

4. Employer Sponsorship

• The sponsoring employer in Spain must justify the necessity of hiring a foreign professional. This involves showing that the candidate’s skills are not readily available in Spain.

5. Employment Offer from a Spanish Company

• You must have a job offer from a Spanish company that qualifies as a large enterprise, strategic project, or operates in an innovative sector.
• The job should require high professional qualifications or specialized expertise.

Conclusion

The Highly Qualified Professional (HQP) VISA in Spain is a golden opportunity for skilled professionals seeking to work and settle in one of Europe’s most dynamic economies. Offering a streamlined application process, this visa ensures access to Spain’s thriving job market while allowing family reunification benefits. It’s the perfect gateway for international talent aiming to leverage Spain’s robust professional ecosystem.

Navigating the application process can be complex, but with OnDemand International’s experienced Spanish immigration lawyer, you can secure your HQP VISA with confidence. Let us guide you through the legalities and ensure a smooth transition to your new life in Spain. Contact us today and take the first step toward a prosperous career in Spain!