Spain Highly Qualified Professional Visa (EU Blue Card) Requirements for Employers and HR

Spain EU Blue Card facilitates the employment and relocation of non-EU highly qualified professionals, ensuring your company complies with immigration regulations and attracts the best talent.

What is the EU Blue Card for Spain?

The EU Blue Card is a residence and work permit designed for non-EU nationals who possess high-level qualifications and seek employment in an EU member state, including Spain. It allows highly qualified professionals to work and reside legally in Spain for periods typically ranging from 1 to 4 years, with the possibility of renewal and mobility within the EU.home-affairs.europa+2​

Eligibility Criteria for Employers and HR

To sponsor an employee for the EU Blue Card in Spain, employers must ensure these key requirements are met:

• Job Contract: The employee must have a valid work contract or a binding job offer for a highly qualified position lasting at least six months.jobbatical+1​
  
  
• Salary Threshold: The role must meet the minimum gross annual salary requirement, which is €40,077 in 2025. For director-level or highly specialized roles, the threshold is higher, approximately €56,000 per year.smithstonewalters+1​
  
  
• Qualifications: The employee should have a university degree or relevant work experience equivalent to higher professional qualifications. Typically, this means a university diploma or at least five years of professional experience, with recognized documentation such as diplomas or official experience certificates.kpmg+1​
  
  
• Labor Market Test: Employers may be required to demonstrate that no suitable candidate from Spain or the EU is available for the position, unless exempted.asanify​
  
  
• Compliance: Employers must be registered and compliant with Spanish labor and tax regulations and follow proper visa application procedures.asanify​
  
  

Application Process for Employers

1. Offer and Contract: Initiate the process by issuing a formal employment contract to the candidate for a highly skilled role.
   
   
2. Submit Work Authorization Request: The employer applies for work authorization with the Provincial Immigration Office on behalf of the employee.
   
   
3. Visa Application: Upon authorization approval, the employee applies for the EU Blue Card visa at the Spanish consulate in their home country.
   
   
4. Employee Arrival & Registration: Once in Spain, the employee should register locally and apply for the Foreigner Identity Card (TIE), enabling legal work and residence.asanify​
   
   

Benefits of the EU Blue Card for Employers

• Access to a wider talent pool of highly skilled professionals outside the EU.
  
  
• Simplified immigration procedures and faster processing times (typically 2-6 weeks) compared to other work permits.
  
  
• Facilitated intra-EU mobility, allowing employees to work in other EU countries after 18 months under certain conditions.home-affairs.europa+1​
  
  
• Legal compliance and structured employment for key strategic roles in your company.
  
  

Conclusion

For mid-sized companies in Spain, leveraging the EU Blue Card scheme is a strategic way to attract and retain highly qualified international talent. As HR or Global Mobility Manager, ensuring compliance with the salary thresholds, contract duration, and qualification requirements is critical for a successful visa application. Partnering with immigration services platforms like Jobbatical.com can streamline this complex process, saving time and reducing risks related to immigration compliance.

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