Spain Work Permit and EU Blue Card for qualified professionals
Got a job offer from a Spanish company? Highly qualified professionals and EU Blue Card holders get one of Spain's fastest permits: the law sets a 20-day decision deadline, and silence means approval. Your family can come and work too.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Who this permit is for
- Professionals with a contract or firm job offer from a company in Spain.
- EU Blue Card: a 3-year+ higher-education degree, or 5 years of equivalent experience (3 in the last 7 years for IT roles), and a contract of at least 6 months.
- Highly qualified professional (national permit): a university-level qualification or 3 years of experience.
- Managers, engineers, IT specialists, healthcare and other skilled roles.
What you'll need
- Job offer or contract — at least 6 months for the Blue Card.
- Gross annual salary of at least €41,356 (1.4× Spain's average salary).
- Blue Card reduced threshold of €33,085 for shortage occupations or if you graduated in the last 3 years.
- Degree or proof of professional experience, legalized and translated where required.
- No criminal record, and health coverage.
How it works, step by step
From abroad or from Spain
The application is filed with Spain's Large Companies Unit (UGE), usually by the employer. You can be abroad — and get the visa afterwards — or already in Spain legally, in which case filing extends your stay while it's decided. The deadline is 20 days, and silence means approval.
See also: Spanish citizenship guide
Offer review
We check your contract, salary and qualifications against the Blue Card and national thresholds.
Employer coordination
We work with your employer's HR team so the company file and your file move together.
UGE filing
Electronic application, including your family members.
Visa or TIE
Visa at the consulate if you're abroad, then fingerprints and TIE card in Spain.
Renewal and mobility
Renew for 2 years; Blue Card time can combine with other EU countries toward EU long-term residence.
We handle the paperwork. You plan the move.
Route check first
Before you spend on documents, we confirm this is the right — and fastest — route for your nationality and situation.
Personal checklist
Every document for you and each family member, with apostille and sworn translation guidance for your country.
Application handled
We prepare, review and file your application, and follow it until there's a decision.
After you land
Empadronamiento, fingerprints and TIE card, bank account, housing and school support.
Work permit and Blue Card: common questions
What is the EU Blue Card salary threshold in Spain in 2026?
€41,356.36 gross per year in general, and €33,085.09 for shortage occupations or for people who graduated in the last 3 years. The national highly-qualified permit uses €41,356.36 with no reduced rate.
How long does it take?
The law gives the authorities 20 days to decide, and if they don't answer, the permit is approved. Visa processing at the consulate comes after that if you apply from abroad.
Can I apply while visiting Spain?
Yes. If you're in Spain legally, the application can be filed while you're here and it extends your legal stay until there's a decision.
Can my spouse work in Spain?
Yes. Family members of highly-qualified professionals and Blue Card holders can work in Spain.
Does it count toward citizenship?
Yes. It's legal residence: 2 years for Ibero-American nationals, 10 years for most others including US citizens.
Turn your Spanish job offer into a residence permit
Tell us your nationality, your situation and who's coming with you. We'll reply on WhatsApp with your best route — free, no commitment.
Message us on WhatsApp