Yes. After 5 years of continuous legal stay in the EU with a Blue Card, you may apply for EU long-term residence. After 10 years of residence in Spain, you may be eligible to apply for Spanish citizenship (sooner for some Latin American citizens).

Professionals with a university degree or 3+ years’ experience, and a job offer for a specialized or managerial role, usually earning €40,000+/year.

No labor market test/quota is required, making the process faster for both the employer and worker.

Yes. Applicants under 30, recent graduates, or those in shortage fields (such as IT, healthcare, and engineering) may qualify with a reduced salary threshold (80% of the standard), but never below Spain’s average salary.Salary threshold can be reduced to 80% for recent graduates/high-demand roles, but not below 1x the Spanish average.

If your application is denied or revoked, you can appeal or reapply. If your Blue Card expires, you may renew it as long as you continue to meet the conditions. Failure to renew or overstaying can result in fines or loss of residency rights.You may renew if conditions are met; overstaying or failing requirements can lead to fines or removal of residency.

Both are designed for skilled workers, but the EU Blue Card offers EU-wide mobility and a clear path to long-term EU residence. The HQP visa is specific to Spain, usually has lower salary requirements, and may be faster to obtain.Blue Card offers EU-wide mobility, stricter salary threshold; HQP is easier/faster for Spain only, lower salary bar.

Yes. You can change employers in Spain with notification to authorities. After 18 months of holding a Blue Card in Spain, you may move to another EU country and apply for a Blue Card there, following that country’s rules.You can change employers with notification; after 18 months, you may move to another EU country on a Blue Card, subject to local process.

Yes. Spouses, registered partners, and dependent children can join you. They receive residence permits and your spouse has the right to work in Spain without needing a separate permit.Yes, immediate family can join; spouses can work without extra permits.

Up to 45 days for processing in most cases, may take up to 90 if extra documents are required.

Equal work/social rights as locals, access to social security, family reunification, spouse work rights, easier EU mobility.

The card is initially issued for up to 4 years (or the length of your contract plus 3 months). It is renewable and can lead to long-term EU residence after 5 years of legal stay.Up to 3 years, renewable for 2 more; long-term residency after 5 years in the EU (can combine time in other EU countries).

Required documents include:

Valid passportSigned job contract (minimum 6 months)Degree or proof of professional experienceCriminal record certificate (last 5 years)Health insurance with at least €30,000 coverageCompleted application forms and passport photosCertified translations/legalisations, if neededValid passport, job offer/contract, qualifications, employer and applicant forms, CV, proof of salary and insurance, clean criminal record, application fee.

First, secure a qualified job offer. Then your employer submits the application to Spanish immigration authorities. If you are applying from abroad, you will also need a visa from the Spanish consulate before traveling. Once in Spain, you must attend your residency card (TIE) appointment.Secure an eligible job offer, employer submits application to Spanish immigration, then apply for visa/residency if outside Spain.

For 2025, the salary threshold is €40,077 gross annually. A reduced threshold of €30,058 applies to candidates under 30, recent graduates, shortage occupations (IT, healthcare, engineering), or managerial roles.In 2025, €40,077/year; reduced to €30,058 for applicants ≤30 years old or certain high-demand jobs; higher for directors.

You can apply if you are a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen with:A higher education degree (minimum 3 years), or at least 5 years of professional experience.A signed job contract for a qualified role lasting at least 6 months.A salary that meets Spain’s Blue Card threshold.Non-EU citizens with a higher education qualification or extensive professional experience and a job offer in Spain.

The EU Blue Card Spain is a residence and work permit for highly qualified non-EU professionals. It allows you to live and work in Spain in a role that matches your skills and education. Benefits include fast-track processing, access to Spain’s healthcare and social services, family reunification, and a pathway to long-term EU residence.A residence and work permit for highly qualified non-EU nationals to live and work in Spain for highly skilled roles.