--- title: Highly Qualified Professional Visa — Spain (2026) description: Free complete guide to the Highly Qualified Professional Visa visa for Spain. Eligibility, costs, documents, process, and FAQ. Updated 2026. image: https://migrantiq.com/og/default.png --- Skip to content Spain flag [/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fflagcdn.com%2Fw80%2Fes.png&w=3840&q=75]SPAIN HIGHLY QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL (HQP/PAC) VISA Category: Work · Processing time: 20 working days (Authorization) + 10-15 days (Visa) Editorially reviewedLast updated 2026-05-18Reviewed by MigrantIQ Editorial TeamOfficial visa portal ↗ [https://extranjeros.inclusion.gob.es/UnidadGrandesEmpresas/index.html] Review due soon 3 min readCommunity feedback: open Save visa to plan Visa decisions require official verification MigrantIQ provides general migration information, not legal advice. Always verify critical steps with official government sources or a licensed advisor before paying fees or submitting documents. Terms [/terms/]Privacy [/privacy/]Report an issue [/contact/] AI-assisted. Parts of this page may be drafted with AI and editor-reviewed. Always confirm rules, fees, and hours on official government sources before you act. How we use AI [/about/ai/] · Editorial standards [/about/editorial-standards/] Apply through official authority Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones Always submit applications through the official source. Last verified 2026-06-21. Apply on official site → [https://extranjeros.inclusion.gob.es/UnidadGrandesEmpresas/index.html] Visa type Work Processing time 20 working days (Authorization) + 10-15 days (Visa) Fees PermitFee: EUR 73.26 Validity Initial validity of 3 years (or contract length). Stay duration Renewable for 2-year periods. Entry type National D-Visa (converted to TIE). Insurance Confirm if required Bookmark Save this visa to My Plan OVERVIEW Expedited work residency for specialists, managers, and graduates. Path to PR: Yes (after 5 years). Path to citizenship: Yes (after 10 years). * Leads to permanent residency: Yes * Requires job offer: Yes * Language required: No * Minimum education: University degree, Higher Vocational Training, or 3+ years of relevant experience. * Financial requirement: Mandatory: €40,077/year (technical/scientific) or €54,142/year (managerial/executive) for 2026. * Accommodation proof: Yes (Employer must ensure housing suitability). ESTIMATED COSTS * - PermitFee: EUR 73.26 * - VisaFee: Approximately EUR 80 (varies by country/reciprocity) * - TIE_CardFee: Approximately EUR 16 REQUIRED DOCUMENTS * - Valid passport (1+ year validity) * - Residence authorization issued by UGE-CE * - Signed employment contract * - University degree or proof of 3+ years' experience * - Apostilled criminal record (past 5 years) * - Full health insurance APPLICATION STEPS 1. Employer submits authorization request online to the [UGE-CE](https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es/). 2. UGE-CE reviews (20 working days). 3. Once approved, applicant applies for National D-Visa at the local Spanish consulate. 4. Upon entry, applicant registers for the TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) within 30 days. Always confirm the latest steps and forms on the official portal: Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones → [https://extranjeros.inclusion.gob.es/UnidadGrandesEmpresas/index.html] TRAVEL INSURANCE REQUIREMENT * Mandatory: Confirm with official source * Minimum coverage: Confirm current coverage rules * Valid regions: Confirm accepted regions * Approved providers: Use providers accepted by the official authority EMBASSY, CONSULATE & APPOINTMENTS Embassy, consulate, jurisdiction, and appointment details vary by applicant location. Confirm the correct office before booking travel or paying fees. Open appointment or official portal → [https://extranjeros.inclusion.gob.es/UnidadGrandesEmpresas/index.html] Browse foreign embassies in Spain (MigrantIQ directory) → [/embassies/in/spain/] Directory listings are for planning only — not legal advice. Confirm jurisdiction and appointment rules on the official portal. Application checklist TRACK YOUR HIGHLY QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL VISA PREPARATION Check items off as you prepare. Progress is saved in this browser and can be synced from My Plan. 0 / 15 complete * Confirm Highly Qualified Professional Visa requirements on the official Spain immigration source.Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones * Review the eligibility rules and note anything that needs evidence.This pathway lists a job offer requirement. * Secure a qualifying job offer and employer documents.Ask the employer for official offer letters, registration details, and any sponsorship forms. * Prepare document: Valid passport (1+ year validity)Check whether translation, notarization, apostille, or certified copies are required. * Prepare document: Residence authorization issued by UGE-CECheck whether translation, notarization, apostille, or certified copies are required. * Prepare document: Signed employment contractCheck whether translation, notarization, apostille, or certified copies are required. * Prepare document: University degree or proof of 3+ years' experienceCheck whether translation, notarization, apostille, or certified copies are required. * Prepare document: Apostilled criminal record (past 5 years)Check whether translation, notarization, apostille, or certified copies are required. * Prepare document: Full health insuranceCheck whether translation, notarization, apostille, or certified copies are required. * Complete step: Employer submits authorization request online to the [UGE-CE](https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es/). * Complete step: UGE-CE reviews (20 working days). * Complete step: Once approved, applicant applies for National D-Visa at the local Spanish consulate. * Complete step: Upon entry, applicant registers for the TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) within 30 days. * Pay only through official channels and save receipts.Avoid bank transfers to personal accounts or agents promising guaranteed approval. * Save a full copy of forms, uploads, payment receipts, and appointment confirmations. Clear checklistSync checklist in My Plan → [/plan/] GET VISA CHECKLIST UPDATES Receive relevant reminders and source updates for Highly Qualified Professional Visa in Spain. Get reminders BENEFITS & WHAT THIS VISA ALLOWS * - Expedited processing through UGE-CE. * - Immediate family reunification (spouse, partner, children). * - National mobility (can work anywhere in Spain for the employer). Trust & safety BEFORE YOU PAY OR SUBMIT DOCUMENTS Use the official portal for applications and payments. Be careful with agents who guarantee approval, ask for personal-account transfers, or pressure you to send originals before a written contract. Official portal → [https://extranjeros.inclusion.gob.es/UnidadGrandesEmpresas/index.html] RELEVANT LAWS * Work Authorisation Rules [/laws/spain/work-authorisation-rules/] Employment · Severity: Critical In Spain, understanding work authorisation rules is essential for anyone looking to engage in employment activities. A visa that allows entry does not automatically grant the right to work. This applies to various… * Immigration Status and Overstay Rules [/laws/spain/immigration-status-and-overstay-rules/] Immigration · Severity: Critical Your ability to stay in Spain is determined by the specific visa, residence permit, entry stamp, or visa-free allowance you possess. You should understand that a pending application, job offer, or school admission does… * Tax Residency and Income Reporting [/laws/spain/tax-residency-and-income-reporting/] Tax · Severity: High Tax residency in Spain is determined by your physical presence in the country. If you spend more than 183 days in Spain within a calendar year, you are generally considered a tax resident. This status requires you to… ACTIVE SCAM ALERTS * Document Translation, Notary, or Apostille Overcharge [/scam-alerts/spain/document-translation-notary-overcharge/]Medium In Spain, newcomers, including visa applicants, families, students, and workers, may encounter a specific scam involving the overcharging for document translation, notarization, or apostille services. Scammers often… * Fake Border, Airport, or Fast-Track Assistance Fee [/scam-alerts/spain/fake-border-airport-assistance-fee/]Medium In Spain, a concerning scam involves individuals impersonating airport staff, immigration officers, or travel agents. These scammers often target tourists, first-time travelers, workers, and students, claiming that a… * Fake University or Scholarship Letter [/scam-alerts/spain/fake-university-or-scholarship-letter/]Medium Fraud involving fake university or scholarship letters is a growing concern in Spain, particularly targeting students and parents looking for educational opportunities. Scammers often present themselves as unofficial… * Rental Deposit Before Viewing or Contract [/scam-alerts/spain/rental-deposit-before-viewing/]Medium In Spain, newcomers often encounter rental scams where fraudsters advertise non-existent apartments. These scammers typically pressure potential tenants, including students, families, and remote workers, to pay a… QUICK ELIGIBILITY CHECK Use this self-check for Highly Qualified Professional Visa. It does not replace official legal assessment. I have a qualifying job offerI have required language test evidence Education LevelHigh schoolDiplomaBachelor or higher Result: Requirements appear incomplete COMMON REJECTION REASONS * - Salary does not meet the category's annual threshold. * - Job description is too generic; lacks 'highly qualified' definition. * - Documents not apostilled/legalized or missing sworn translation. * - Employer lacks the solvency to sponsor a high-level role. APPLICATION TIPS * - The 20-day resolution period is subject to 'positive administrative silence' (if no answer, it is approved). * - Ensure your contract details are clearly drafted to align with the HQP role definitions under Article 71. * - Always use a [sworn translator](https://www.exteriores.gob.es/) for documents not in Spanish. SOURCES & REFERENCES Use these references for verification. Official government and appointment portals override summary guidance on MigrantIQ. * Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones [https://extranjeros.inclusion.gob.es/UnidadGrandesEmpresas/index.html] Official source for forms, appointments, fees, and final requirements. * MigrantIQ visa record Summary record maintained for planning and source verification. Feedback Was this guide helpful? Your answer helps us improve guides and update priority. YesNo PLAN YOUR NEXT STEPS * All visas · SpainIndex [/visas/spain/] * SpainCountry [/countries/spain/] * Arrival checklistChecklist [/checklist/spain/] * Eligibility quizTool [/tools/eligibility/] * Pick a corridor calculatorCalculator [/calculator/] * Immigration Q&AQ&A [/qa/] * People storiesStories [/stories/?corridor=spain] * Save to My PlanPlan [/plan/] Summarize this page with AI Opens your assistant with a pre-filled prompt (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude). Gemini uses Google AI Mode. Ask AI ↗ Not affiliated with any AI platform. Always verify immigration rules on official government sites. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS WHO IS HIGHLY QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL VISA FOR? This visa is designed for applicants matching Work pathway criteria. HOW LONG DOES PROCESSING TAKE? Typical processing time is 20 working days (Authorization) + 10-15 days (Visa), subject to documentation quality and application volume. WHAT SHOULD I PREPARE FIRST? Start with eligibility evidence, document checklists, and proof of funds before submitting. LANGUAGE TESTS * No mandatory language tests listed. CONTINUE PLANNING * All visas for Spain [/visas/spain/] * Spain laws hub [/laws/spain/] * Spain scam alerts [/scam-alerts/spain/] Plan smarter Save countries, compare destinations, track visa checklists, and sync your migration plan across devices. Open My Plan [/plan/]Account Dashboard [/account/] Free resources TOOLS & GUIDES Full sitemap → [/sitemap/] PLAN YOUR MOVE * Eligibility quiz [/tools/eligibility/] * Tax calculator [/tools/tax-calculator/] * Tax compare [/tools/tax-compare/] * Tax guides [/tools/tax-guides/] * Points calculator [/tools/points-calculator/] * Cost calculator [/calculator/] * Move planner [/tools/planner/] * Best country [/tools/best-country/] * Pathway finder [/tools/pathway-finder/] * Corridor fit [/tools/corridor-fit/] * Compare 3 countries [/tools/compare-three/] * Job → visa matcher [/tools/job-visa-match/] * Scam checker [/tools/scam-check/] * All tools [/tools/] GUIDES & SAFETY * Visa guides [/visas/] * Scholarships [/scholarships/] * Government jobs [/government-jobs/] * Immigration updates [/countries/canada/immigration-updates/] * Embassies [/embassies/] * Laws [/laws/] * Scam alerts [/scam-alerts/] * Checklists [/checklist/] * Country profiles [/countries/] COMMUNITY * Q&A [/qa/] * People stories [/stories/] * Blog [/blog/] * Android app (Google Play) [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.migrantiq.app&hl=en] * Write for us [/write-for-us/] * Experts [/experts/] * Apply for expert listing [/experts/apply/] * Documentation [/documentation/] * Employers (HR) [/employers/] ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/#organization","name":"MigrantIQ","url":"https://migrantiq.com","logo":"https://migrantiq.com/logo.png","description":"MigrantIQ publishes free migration guides covering visas, laws, costs, culture, banking, healthcare, scam alerts, and moving checklists for 220 countries.","knowsAbout":["immigration","visa requirements","moving abroad","cost of living","immigrant laws","scam protection","arrival checklists"],"sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/migrantiq/","https://x.com/MigrantIQ","https://www.instagram.com/migrantiqorg/","https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.migrantiq.app&hl=en"],"contactPoint":[{"@type":"ContactPoint","contactType":"customer support","email":"Info@MigrantIQ.com","url":"https://migrantiq.com/contact/","availableLanguage":["English"]}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/#website","name":"MigrantIQ","url":"https://migrantiq.com","publisher":{"@id":"https://migrantiq.com/#organization"},"inLanguage":"en","potentialAction":{"@type":"SearchAction","target":"https://migrantiq.com/search/?q={search_term_string}","query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}}]} {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://migrantiq.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Visas","item":"https://migrantiq.com/visas/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Spain","item":"https://migrantiq.com/visas/spain/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Highly Qualified Professional Visa","item":"https://migrantiq.com/visas/spain/highly-qualified-professional/"}]} {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/visas/spain/highly-qualified-professional/#article","headline":"Spain Highly Qualified Professional (HQP/PAC) Visa in Spain: Complete Guide","description":"The Spain HQP Visa is an employer-led, fast-track work permit processed by the UGE-CE. It requires a specialized job offer, a university degree or 3+ years of experience, and a minimum annual","url":"https://migrantiq.com/visas/spain/highly-qualified-professional/","dateModified":"2026-06-21T05:09:17.070Z","author":{"@type":"Organization","name":"MigrantIQ","url":"https://migrantiq.com"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"MigrantIQ","url":"https://migrantiq.com"},"about":[{"@type":"Country","name":"Spain"},{"@id":"https://extranjeros.inclusion.gob.es/UnidadGrandesEmpresas/index.html#service"}],"mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/visas/spain/highly-qualified-professional/"}},{"@type":"HowTo","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/visas/spain/highly-qualified-professional/#application-process","name":"How to apply for Spain Highly Qualified Professional (HQP/PAC) Visa in Spain","description":"The Spain HQP Visa is an employer-led, fast-track work permit processed by the UGE-CE. It requires a specialized job offer, a university degree or 3+ years of experience, and a minimum annual","totalTime":"20 working days (Authorization) + 10-15 days (Visa)","step":[{"@type":"HowToStep","position":1,"name":"Employer submits authorization request online to the [UGE-CE](https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es/).","text":"Employer submits authorization request online to the [UGE-CE](https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es/)."},{"@type":"HowToStep","position":2,"name":"UGE-CE reviews (20 working days).","text":"UGE-CE reviews (20 working days)."},{"@type":"HowToStep","position":3,"name":"Once approved, applicant applies for National D-Visa at the local Spanish consulate.","text":"Once approved, applicant applies for National D-Visa at the local Spanish consulate."},{"@type":"HowToStep","position":4,"name":"Upon entry, applicant registers for the TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) within 30 days.","text":"Upon entry, applicant registers for the TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) within 30 days."}]},{"@type":"ItemList","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/visas/spain/highly-qualified-professional/#required-documents","name":"Spain Highly Qualified Professional (HQP/PAC) Visa required documents","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Valid passport (1+ year validity)"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Residence authorization issued by UGE-CE"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Signed employment contract"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"University degree or proof of 3+ years' experience"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":5,"name":"Apostilled criminal record (past 5 years)"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":6,"name":"Full health insurance"}]},{"@type":"GovernmentService","@id":"https://extranjeros.inclusion.gob.es/UnidadGrandesEmpresas/index.html#service","name":"Spain Highly Qualified Professional (HQP/PAC) Visa","serviceType":"Work","provider":{"@type":"GovernmentOrganization","name":"Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones"},"areaServed":{"@type":"Country","name":"Spain"},"url":"https://extranjeros.inclusion.gob.es/UnidadGrandesEmpresas/index.html"}]} {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"Who is Highly Qualified Professional Visa for?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"This visa is designed for applicants matching Work pathway criteria."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How long does processing take?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Typical processing time is 20 working days (Authorization) + 10-15 days (Visa), subject to documentation quality and application volume."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What should I prepare first?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Start with eligibility evidence, document checklists, and proof of funds before submitting."}}]} ```