If you're hiring international talent for your Spanish business, you may be considering either Spain's Highly Qualified Worker Visa or the EU Blue Card. While both options help companies bring skilled professionals to Spain, they have important differences in eligibility, mobility, and validity. Here's what employers need to know.
HQP vs EU Blue Card Comparison Table
| Feature |
Highly Qualified Professionals Permit |
EU Blue Card |
| Initial duration of the permit |
3 years |
3 years |
| Mobility within the EU |
Limited |
High — facilitates intra-EU mobility and access to long-term EU residence |
| Qualification level required |
Higher education (Levels 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the Spanish Qualifications Framework – MECES) |
University education (Levels 2, 3, and 4 of MECES) |
| Examples of levels |
Advanced Vocational Training, Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD |
Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD |
| Alternative to formal qualification |
Minimum of 3 years of proven professional experience equivalent to the role |
Minimum of 5 years of proven experience (or 3 years for ICT roles within the past 7 years) |
| Minimum salary requirements |
Professionals over 30 years old: €40,077 gross/year
Professionals under 30 years old: €30,058 gross/year (0.75 reduction applies to those who are 30 or younger at the time of application)
Directors and Managers: €54,142 gross/year
Reduction for Directors under 30: €40,607 gross/year
|
Professionals over 30 years old: €40,077 gross/year
Professionals under 30 years old: €30,058 gross/year (0.75 reduction applies to those who are 30 or younger at the time of application)
Directors and Managers: €54,142 gross/year
Reduction for Directors under 30: €40,607 gross/year
|
| Processing Time |
Up to 20 days |
Up to 20 days |
| Family Reunification |
Yes |
Yes |
| Best suited for |
Candidates without a university degree or those with Level 1 higher education |
Candidates with university degrees or qualifying professional experience |
Which Visa Is Right for Your Business?
If your candidate doesn’t have a university degree but has strong experience, go for the Highly Qualified Professional Permit. If they do have a degree and you might need them to work in other EU countries, the EU Blue Card is a more strategic choice.
Important Notes for Employers
Geographic Limitations: The Spanish HQP ties employees to your company in Spain, while the Blue Card offers eventual EU mobility.
Need Help Deciding?
Choosing between these work authorizations depends on your company's needs and your candidate's qualifications. Jobbatical's immigration experts can help you:
- Determine which visa best fits your hiring situation
- Manage the application process
- Ensure compliance with all requirements
Contact our team for personalized guidance on bringing international talent to Spain.
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