HQP is fast and flexible for a career in Spain; Blue Card is better for career mobility within the EU. Both require high skills and salary.

Only for some categories (HQP, Blue Card, Digital Nomad, ICT) if legally present. Otherwise, you must apply from your home country.

Incomplete/incorrect documents, missing deadlines, unmet eligibility or salary requirements, or non-legalized/translated papers.

Yes, valid health insurance is compulsory for visa issuance and residence registration.

Visa fees: ~€80; work permit/residency: €70–€200, depending on type and nationality.

Yes, after 5 years of continuous, legal residence with any work visa, you can apply for long-term residency.

HQP and Blue Card fast-track visas: about 20 working days. Consular applications: up to 3 months for work permit, plus 1–8 weeks for visa issue.

Yes, within the same visa category, subject to meeting job and salary requirements.

Usually 3 years initially, renewable for 2-year periods as long as requirements are met.

Yes, spouses/registered partners, dependent children, and parents may apply for reunification.

Typically €40,000/year or as set by the latest threshold for specific sectors.

Tech (IT engineers, developers), healthcare, finance, management, green energy, education.

Employer applies for work authorization in Spain; after approval, candidate applies for the visa at a Spanish consulate or via Spain's Large Companies Unit for HQP.

Passport, signed job contract, degree/proof of qualifications, police clearance, medical certificate; employer documents and fee payment.

A residence/work authorization for non-EU citizens with specialist skills, allowing legal work and residency in Spain.