In today’s competitive world, Spain, as a key member of the European Union with a growing economy and focus on attracting global talent, offers attractive migration programs for highly skilled professionals. The Spain Highly Qualified Professional Visa (PAC – Profesionales Altamente Cualificados), based on Law 14/2013 supporting entrepreneurs, provides an excellent opportunity for non-EU managers, technical specialists, and researchers to work and live in Spain. This visa, with a fast-track process (20 days) and no labor market test, serves as a gateway to the 27-country EU market. As expert migration consultants at ITCiLand, in this article we provide fully up-to-date information as of November 2025 based on official sources from the Spanish Ministry of Migration (Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones) and recent changes. No major changes to the rules have been implemented for 2025, but emphasis on equal rights and digital facilitation has increased.
What is the Spain Highly Qualified Professional Visa?
This is a residence and work permit that allows non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens to work in managerial, technical, or research positions in Spain. Its goal is to attract top talent to strengthen the Spanish economy and includes two main pathways:
- Professional pathway: For those with a job offer from a Spanish company.
- Intra-company transfer pathway: For transfers from a foreign company to its Spanish branch (similar to ICT).
Key benefits:
- Fast processing: 20 days for residence permit, 10 days for visa.
- Initial validity: 3 years (renewable to 5 years, then permanent residence).
- Visa-free travel in Schengen.
- Family accompaniment with work and study rights.
- Recognition in 25 EU countries (except Denmark and Ireland).
Major Changes to the Highly Qualified Visa in 2025
- Minimum salary: For 2025, minimum annual salary of €40,000 for scientific/intellectual professionals (25% reduction for those under 30). Variable components (e.g., commissions) are not counted, and non-cash benefits (e.g., housing) must not exceed 30% of total salary.
- Focus on research: Job offers from public institutions (e.g., universities) qualify without requiring a private company.
- Digitalization: Applications are mostly processed via the MERCURIO platform (Ministry of Labor), with the option to apply from within Spain (if legally present).
Requirements and Eligibility for the Spain Highly Qualified Visa
To be eligible, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Education: Valid university degree (bachelor’s or higher) or at least 3 years of relevant professional experience.
- Exceptional skills: Proven through achievements, publications, patents, or awards (for research roles).
- Job offer: Minimum 1-year employment contract from a valid Spanish company, with salary of at least €40,000 (2025).
- Age: Minimum 18 years; no upper limit.
- Other requirements: Clean criminal record, comprehensive health insurance, and proof of lawful income source.
For intra-company transfer: Minimum 3 months prior employment with the parent company and a managerial or specialist role.
Required Documents
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity).
- EX-07 application form.
- Employment contract or transfer document.
- Educational and professional qualifications (translated into Spanish).
- Proof of salary and benefits.
- Police clearance certificate (from country of origin and Spain).
- Health insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage).
- Passport photos and proof of accommodation.
Documents must be submitted by the Spanish employer.
Spain Highly Qualified Visa Application Process in 2025
The process is initiated by the employer and is fast:
- Employer registration: Residence permit application submitted via MERCURIO to the Large Companies Unit (Unidad de Grandes Empresas). Time: 20 days.
- Visa (if outside Spain): After approval, apply at the Spanish embassy. Time: 10 days. Fee: ~€80.
- If in Spain: Obtain residence permit directly (if on a valid tourist visa).
- Entry and residence card (TIE): Apply at police within 30 days of entry. Card issued in 30–45 days.
- Family accompaniment: Simultaneously or after the main application, with dependency proof.
In 2025, average total time is 1–2 months.
Visa Validity and Extension
- Initial: 3 years for residence and work.
- Extension: Every 2 years, subject to continued contract and salary. After 5 years, permanent residence; after 10 years, citizenship (with A2 language test).
- Job change: Possible, but requires new approval.
Family Accompaniment and Visa Holder Rights
- Family members: Spouse, children under 18 (or dependent), dependent parents.
- Rights: Immediate work permission, access to public education and healthcare, and equal rights with Spanish citizens (e.g., social security).
Advantages and Important Tips for the Spain Highly Qualified Visa
-
Advantages: No labor market test, high salary, and fast path to citizenship. Spain offers a reasonable cost of living (Madrid: €2,000–3,000 monthly) and high quality of life.
-
Important tips:
- Visa is employer-dependent; job change requires new permit.
- Not suitable for freelancers; Digital Nomad Visa is better for them.
- In 2025, focus increased on tech, research, and management sectors.
- Always check the official website exteriores.gob.es for updates.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The Spain Highly Qualified Professional Visa in November 2025 opens a gateway to endless opportunities in Europe for top talent. With a simple process and long-term benefits, if you have a suitable job offer, this visa can transform your professional life. At ITCiLand, with proven success in PAC cases, we manage everything from eligibility assessment to TIE issuance. Contact us now for free consultation and quick review of your job offer.
