Spain Highly Qualified Professional Visa (HQP): Guide and Fast-Track Process

Who is the HQP Visa for?

For managers and highly specialized professionals who have received an official offer from a Spanish company for a position requiring higher education and involving a high salary.

Main Conditions for Obtaining an HQP Visa

Unlike the standard work visa (Cuenta Ajena), the HQP route does not require a labor market test, but sets strict filters for the candidate and salary.

• Salary minimum: Salary must exceed the Spanish average by 1.5 times. For 2025/2026, this is approximately EUR 45,000-EUR 47,000 gross per year.
• Mandatory higher education: The position must require a university-level qualification. A bachelor's degree or higher is mandatory.
• Professional experience: In addition to the diploma, the candidate profile must confirm at least 3 years of relevant managerial or specialized senior experience.
• Employer requirements: The Spanish company must be legally registered, operate in Spain, have a clean Social Security contribution record, and no labor violations in the last 6 months.

Required Documents and Their Preparation

Documents must be no older than 3 months. Foreign certificates and diplomas require apostille and sworn translation into Spanish after apostille.

• International passport: Valid for at least 12 months, issued no more than 10 years ago, with at least 2 blank pages. Certified copies of all pages are mandatory.
• Offer or contract: Official job offer or signed employment contract indicating position, start date, and salary not less than approximately EUR 45,000 per year.
• Qualification: University diploma (apostilled and translated). For regulated professions, official homologation or recognition by the Spanish Ministry of Education is required.
• Resume (CV): Detailed resume confirming at least 3 years of relevant work experience.
• Police clearance and medical certificates: Police clearance from all countries lived in during the last 5 years and a medical certificate confirming absence of dangerous diseases.
• Employer documents: CIF, registration documents, Social Security contribution history, and declaration of no labor violations.

Step-by-Step Timeline: Expedited Submission (Fast-Track)

The HQP application is submitted by the future employer through the UGE-CE portal, ensuring priority processing.

1. Application submission by employer: Employer uploads the full package to the UGE-CE portal using their digital certificate.
2. Waiting for a decision (Fast-Track): The UGE-CE route is significantly faster than standard permits, usually around 20 working days.
3. Obtaining a visa: After work authorization approval, you have 1 month to contact the Spanish consulate in your country to obtain the entry visa.
4. Entry to Spain: Receive the visa in your passport and plan your move.

What You Need to Do Immediately After Entering Spain

As a highly paid employee, your first steps include important tax benefits processing. Act within 30 days.

• Empadronamiento and TIE: Register your address at the city hall and book fingerprint appointment within 30 days to obtain your TIE.
• Social Security and healthcare: Employer registers you in Seguridad Social. Visit the local clinic to obtain your patient card (TSI) and register with a doctor.
• Tax registration and Beckham Law: Submit Form 030 to register your tax address. You may qualify for Ley Beckham (24% flat rate in Spain) and must submit Form 149 within 6 months from Social Security registration.
• Basic lifestyle setup: Obtain FNMT digital certificate, open a Spanish bank account, and purchase a local SIM card. Foreign driving licenses are valid only for first 6 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)