Highly Qualified Worker Permit in Spain: All you need to know

If you’re looking to move to a beautiful sunny country, Spain is certainly one of your best options. It’s not only a popular destination for UK tourists, but for many British expats as well.

One of the possible routes you could take is obtaining a highly qualified worker permit in Spain. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this permit, including the main requirements and benefits.

We’ll also point out the most cost-effective way to manage your money across borders. Open a Wise account and you can send money between the UK and Spain for low fees and the mid-market exchange rate.

What is the Highly Qualified Worker Permit for Spain?¹

The highly qualified worker permit in Spain is designed for non-EU professionals with special knowledge and skills. The programme was made to help the import of educated workers in certain positions, such as managerial, executive or tech jobs.

Since the permit requires you to have a job offer lined up, your company will help you start the application process.

What are the main benefits of this permit?¹

If you manage to get the highly qualified worker permit in Spain, you’ll be able to bring your partner, children and parents along with you. They will be able to legally live and work in Spain for up to a year.

Also, since there are requirements when it comes to your salary, you most likely won’t be underpaid. This programme is made only for highly skilled professionals and well paid positions.

This permit can also be renewed and you can then choose to stay in the same company or get another job.

What are the requirements for the worker permit?

Both you and the company you’ll be working for need to meet certain criteria in order for you to get this permit.

The companies that can participate in this programme need to be one of the following:

• Big companies and strategic SME companies
• Companies that are within a large group of companies
• Companies developing projects of strategic interest for the Spanish economy

There are also salary requirements for highly qualified workers and they depend on the position. For example, those who work a managerial or directorial job will need to earn at least €54,000 per year. Academic and scientific positions require a bit less - €40,000 a year. Make sure you check for any possible changes to these numbers before applying.¹

When it comes to criteria you must meet, it starts with you being at least 18 years old and having a clean criminal record. You also must have a job offer lined up in Spain at the time of application.

Since you’re applying for a highly skilled permit, you need to have a degree from a prestigious university or business school. It’s recommended to have a master’s degree or higher to increase your chances of obtaining the permit. Alternatively, you could prove that you have at least three years of experience in the required field.²

What documents do I need?³

Here are the documents you need to gather and submit in order to apply:

• The national visa application form
• Your valid passport
• A recent passport size photograph
• Residence permit
• Criminal record certificate
• Proof of residence in the consular district
• Proof of the representative’s identity and capacity
• Payment of the visa fee

If you’ll be filing a joint application with your family members, here’s what they should provide:

• Documents evidencing the relationship - birth or marriage certificates, certificate of registration as an unmarried couple or any document that proves the unregistered partnership
• Proof of financial dependence (for adult children)
• Proof of being in your care (for parents)

All documents must be apostilled and translated into Spanish.

How to apply for the worker permit⁴

Highly qualified worker permit applications must be submitted in person through the BLS Spain Visa Application Centre. You should bring all of the required documents and pay a visa fee at the same time.

You’ll get a proof of receipt of the application with a code which will let you check the status of your application. The decision period is 10 days, unless you need to be interviewed or provide additional documents.

Once you get the visa, you have one month to collect it. If you get refused and wish to appeal, you also have a one month deadline to do so.

Sign up for a Wise account today

After reading this, you should have the info you need about the highly qualified worker permit in Spain. We’ve covered the requirements, the steps in the application process and the main benefits.

Once you arrive in Spain, you’ll want a good solution for handling your finances. With the Wise account, you can send money between the UK and Spain for low fees and the mid-market exchange rate.

The Wise card is ideal for international spending, as it lets you pay and withdraw in the local currency in 150+ countries, including Spain. It automatically converts your pounds to euros with only a small, transparent currency conversion fee. Or it’s free if you already have the foreign currency in your Wise account.

Open a Wise account online and you can order your own Wise card for a one-time cost of just £7.

Sign up with Wise today 💰

Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 14-June-2024