Are you a highly qualified professional looking to work and live in Spain? If so, you’re in the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the entire process of obtaining a highly qualified professional visa, allowing you to pursue your career in Spain legally. From understanding the requirements and benefits to the step-by-step application process, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and explore everything you need to know about the highly qualified professionals visa in Spain.
What is a Highly Qualified Professional Visa?
The highly qualified professional visa, also known as the PAC (Permiso de Residencia y Trabajo para Trabajadores Altamente Cualificados), is a specialized work and residence permit that allows non-European Union citizens to live and work legally in Spain. This visa is specifically designed for individuals who possess higher education, significant professional experience, or specialized skills that are in demand in the Spanish job market.
Eligibility and Requirements for the Highly Qualified Professional Visa
To be eligible for the highly qualified professional visa, you must meet certain criteria set forth by the Spanish immigration authorities. Let’s take a closer look at the requirements:
Education and Experience:
One of the primary requirements for the highly qualified professional visa is having higher education or equivalent professional experience of at least three years. This can include a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, Ph.D., or significant work experience in a specialized field.
Job Offer:
To apply for this visa, you must have a job offer from a Spanish company that matches your qualifications and professional profile. The job offer should be for a highly skilled or technical position, or a managerial role within the company.
Salary Requirement:
The visa for highly qualified professionals also requires that the job offer includes a salary that meets the minimum threshold set by the Spanish authorities. The exact salary requirement may vary depending on the specific job and your qualifications. In general, the salary must be more than 41,760 euros per year for technicians and more than 56,680 euros for senior managers. in the case of employees under 30 years of age, a reduction coefficient of 0.75% is applied.
Valid Passport:
You must have a valid passport with a minimum validity period of one year and at least two blank pages. Ensure that your passport is not more than ten years old, as passports issued over ten years ago may not be accepted.
Criminal Record Check:
As part of the application process, you will need to provide a criminal record check certificate issued by your country or countries of residence for the last few years. This certificate should not be older than six months and must be legalized or apostilled, depending on the requirements of your country. Additionally, the certificate should be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator.
Application Directly in Spain
If you are a tourist or a legal resident in Spain, you do not need a visa and you can apply for a residence permit with our law firm.
Other Supporting Documents:
In addition to the above requirements, you may also be asked for other supporting documents, such as a description of the work you will be doing in Spain, your curriculum vitae or CV, a proof of financial means.
Benefits of the Highly Qualified Professional Visa
Obtaining the highly qualified professional visa comes with several benefits that make it an attractive option for individuals seeking to work and live in Spain. Here are some of the key advantages:
Legal Work and Residence:
With the visa for highly qualified professionals, you can work and live legally in Spain initially for a period of three years, or for the duration of your employment contract if shorter. This permit can be renewed and provides you with the peace of mind and security of having a legal status in the country.
Free Movement within Schengen Area:
Once you have the highly qualified professional visa, you are entitled to free movement within the Schengen Area. This means you can travel to and work in other Schengen countries without the need for additional visas or permits.
Family Reunification – Highly Qualified Professionals Visa
Another significant benefit of the highly qualified professional visa is the ability to bring your family to Spain with you. Your spouse or unmarried partner, children, and dependent relatives in the ascending line can also obtain visas to join you in Spain.
Path to Permanent Residence:
After five years of continuous and legal residence in Spain, you may be eligible to apply for long-term residence, which grants you indefinite residency and work rights in the country.
This residence permit counts for applying for Spanish nationality.
Depending on your nationality and situation, you can apply for nationality in 1, 2, 5 or 10 years of continuous residence.
How to Apply for the Highly Qualified Professional Visa
Now that you understand the requirements and benefits of the highly qualified professional visa, let’s walk through the step-by-step application process:
Step 1: Job Offer and Work Permit
Before applying for the visa, you need to secure a job offer from a Spanish company. The work permit is an essential document for your visa application.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Once you have a job offer and work permit, you need to gather all the necessary documents for your visa application. These documents include:
- National visa application form
- Recent passport-sized photograph
- Valid passport and copy of the biometric data page
- Residence permit issued by the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE). Procedures in which our firm can represent the company.
- Criminal record check certificate
- Proof of residence in the consular district, unless you can apply directly in Spain.
- Proof of the representative’s identity and capacity (if applicable)
- Proof of payment of the visa fee
Make sure you have all documents ready and organized before moving on to the next step.
It is important that you schedule your online consultation with our office in advance.
Step 3: Submit Visa Application
You can submit your visa application at the Spanish Consulate in your country of origin or residence. If you are already in Spain, we can advise you in advance, represent the company and take care of the whole process.
Step 4: Attend Biometrics Appointment
After submitting your visa application, you will be required to attend a biometrics appointment at the consulate or visa application center. During this appointment, your fingerprints and a digital photograph will be taken.
Step 5: Wait for Visa Decision – Highly Qualified Professionals Visa
The Spanish authorities will review your visa application and supporting documents. The processing time may vary, but typically it takes around 20 days for residence permits and 10 days for visas. You can track the status of your application using the code provided at the time of submission.
Step 6: Collect Your Visa – Highly Qualified Professionals Visa
Once your visa application is approved, you will be notified and instructed on how to pick up your visa. You will need to pick up your visa in person within a specified time frame. Be sure to bring the necessary documentation for collection.
Renewal and Long-Term Residence – Highly Qualified Professionals Visa
The initial visa for highly qualified professionals is granted for a specified period, normally up to three years or the duration of your employment contract. The visa is not renewed, the correct thing to do is to renew the residence permit as long as you continue to meet the requirements. After five years of continuous and legal residence in Spain, you are eligible to apply for long-term residence.
Conclusion – Highly Qualified Professionals Visa
Obtaining a highly qualified professional visa opens doors to exciting career opportunities in Spain. With the right qualifications, a job offer, and the necessary documentation, you can make your dream of working and living in Spain a reality. Follow the step-by-step application process outlined in this guide, and you’ll be well on your way to starting a successful professional journey in Spain as a highly qualified professional.
Remember, the process can be complex, and it’s always a good idea to seek professional advice to ensure a smooth and successful application. So, take the first step today and embark on your new adventure as a highly qualified professional in Spain!
For more information and personalized assistance with your highly qualified professional visa application, feel free to reach out to our team of experts. We are here to help you navigate the immigration process and provide you with the support you need to achieve your goals.
Good day I have an offer as a highly qualified professional, I am 45 years old but they are offering me 30.000euros, my question is the following: is it possible or feasible this contract with this salary of highly qualified professional?
I am afraid that this amount does not exceed the minimum required, which is currently about 42,000 euros, nor is the reduction coefficient of 0.75% only provided for people under 30 years of age applied.