How to Get a Highly Qualified Professional Visa in Spain?

Looking to build your professional career in Europe? Spain’s Highly Qualified Visa (HQP) offers a fast-track route to residency for skilled non-EU professionals. 

Whether you’re an IT expert, engineer, researcher, or manager, this visa lets you live and work in top Spanish cities like Madrid, Barcelona, or Valencia. Designed for individuals with specialized roles, the HQP Visa offers faster processing, Schengen mobility, and family reunification benefits. 

If you have a job offer from a Spanish company and meet the eligibility requirements, the HQP Visa could be your ideal path to long-term residency in Spain. Below is a step-by-step breakdown to help you apply successfully in 2025.

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.

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.

Eligibility of Employers and Companies

The employer must:

• Be a legally registered Spanish entity
• Operate in a strategic, innovative, or international sector
• Be up-to-date on social security and tax payments
• Provide justification to hire foreign talent (Informe Favorable)

Certain companies can benefit from being classified as:

• Large enterprises (200+ employees)
• Innovative startups recognized by ENISA
• Projects of strategic national interest

Requirements for the Highly Qualified Professional Visa in Spain

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.

How to Apply for the HQP Visa in Spain?

Applying for the Highly Qualified Professional Visa in Spain involves multiple steps, each requiring careful documentation and coordination.

Listed below is the complete process to apply for the HQP visa in Spain:

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

Make sure you meet the key requirements:

• Offer of employment for a specialized or managerial position in Spain
• A university degree or certification aligned with the job
• Minimum salary of €40,000–€45,000/year
• Clean criminal record (last 5 years)
• Valid health insurance and good health status

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

You’ll need to gather several documents, including a valid passport, a visa application form, proof of qualifications (degrees, certifications), an employment contract or job offer, and a criminal record certificate

Step 3: Get the “Informe Favorable”

Your Spanish employer must apply for the Informe Favorable from the UGE-CE (Large Companies Unit). This confirms the job is strategic and your profile is qualified.

Step 4: Submit Your HQP Visa Application

• From abroad: Submit an application at the Spanish consulate in your nation
• From Spain: Apply online if you’re already legally residing
• Pay the visa fee and submit translated documents

Step 5: Wait for Approval

The HQP Visa is processed in 20–25 business days, significantly quicker than traditional work permits. The consulate or immigration authority will notify you of the outcome by email or phone.

Step 6: Enter Spain & Get Your Residency Card (TIE)

Once your visa is approved:

• Enter Spain within the permitted entry window.
• Register your address at the local town hall (empadronamiento).
• Submit an application for your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) at the immigration office. The TIE is your official residency card and must be carried at all times while in Spain.

Documents Required for the HQP Visa in Spain

Make sure to prepare the following:

• Valid passport 
• Passport-sized photographs
• Employment contract 
• Proof of qualifications (degrees, diplomas)
• Updated Resume (CV)
• Criminal background check (apostilled & translated)
• Medical certificate 
• Private or public health insurance (in Spain)
• Justification Report from employer (Informe Favorable)
• Proof of sufficient salary
• Bank statements (if required)

HQP Visa Through Intra-Company Transfer

If you work for a multinational or expanding company, the HQP Visa also supports intra-corporate transfers, where:

• You’re being moved to the Spanish branch or subsidiary
• The company justifies the transfer’s necessity
• Your role remains specialized, technical, or managerial

This route works well for:

• IT & consulting firms
• Engineering & construction groups
• Multinationals establishing a representative office in Spain

Benefits of the Highly Qualified Visa in Spain

The HQP Visa aims to make Spain a desirable location for global talent. 

Here’s why experts from all across the world prefer this visa:

1. Fast-Track Processing

Unlike traditional work visas, the HQP Visa is processed quickly, typically within 20 to 25 business days. This makes it one of the fastest ways to obtain legal work and residency in Spain.

2. Freedom to Work Across Spain

Once granted, the visa allows you to work in any region of Spain, not just in the city where your employer is based. This gives you flexibility in case of internal transfers, project changes, or job relocation within Spain.

3. Family Reunification

Your spouse and children can apply with you under the same application, meaning your family can move to Spain with you right away and enjoy the same residency rights.

4. Schengen Zone Mobility

As an HQP visa holder, you can travel freely across the 26 Schengen countries without needing additional visas—ideal for business travel or personal exploration within Europe.

5. Renewable for Long-Term Residency

The HQP residence permit is generally valid for three years (or the duration of your employment contract). It is renewable, and after 5 years of continuous legal residence, you can apply for long-term EU residency.

6. No Labour Market Test

You don’t need to prove that no Spanish or EU candidate could fill the position. This removes a major hurdle that exists with many other types of work permits.

7. Access to Public Services

As a legal resident, you and your family will have access to Spain’s public healthcare and education systems, depending on your insurance and registration status.

Conclusion

The Highly Qualified Professional Visa in Spain is more than a work permit—it’s your opportunity to access one of Europe’s most dynamic economies. From rapid processing and Schengen travel to long-term residency and family integration, the benefits make it a top choice for global talent. 

Whether you’re relocating through a job offer or via intra-company transfer, understanding the requirements and documentation is essential. With proper planning and support from experienced immigration professionals, securing the HQP Visa can be a smooth and rewarding process.

Ready to make your move to Spain?

Contact OnDemand International today and let our experts guide you through every step—from eligibility checks to visa approvals.