.svg)
Spain’s Highly Qualified Professional (HQP) Residence Permit might be your best option if you’re hiring international professionals for roles that require advanced qualifications or specialised experience.
It’s designed for employers recruiting talent in technical, managerial, or specialist positions and offers a relatively fast and flexible process compared to other immigration routes. It’s especially valuable for roles requiring advanced degrees, specialist knowledge, or proven leadership experience.
Here’s what you should know before using this option to relocate a non-EU employee to Spain.
What Is the Highly Qualified Professional Residence Permit?
The HQP Residence Permit (Autorización de Residencia para Profesionales Altamente Cualificados) is a work and residence authorization for non-EU professionals with strong academic or professional backgrounds. It allows Spanish employers to hire and relocate international candidates in roles that require high levels of responsibility or technical expertise.
It is commonly used for:
- Managers and executives
- Technical and specialist roles
- Professionals with degrees or proven experience in fields like IT, engineering, finance, or life sciences
Who Is Eligible?
Employees must meet one of the following:
- Hold a university or postgraduate degree (minimum level 5A on the Spanish Qualifications Framework)
- Have at least 3 years of experience equivalent to a higher education qualification
- Be a graduate of a recognized university or business school
Examples:
- A non-EU software engineer with 5 years of experience and no formal degree
- A finance specialist with a Master's from a globally recognized university
What Do Employers Need to Provide?
To sponsor a candidate through this route, companies must submit the application to the Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos (UGE-CE). Required documentation includes:
- A signed employment contract
- A detailed description of the job role
- A profile of the position being offered
The employee must also submit:
- A valid passport
- A professional CV
- A criminal record certificate
- Proof of degree or relevant experience (with required translation and legalization if issued abroad)
Processing and Permit Details
Processing Times
- Visa: 10 working days
- Residence permit: 20 working days
Permit Validity
- First authorization: Up to 3 years (or for the duration of the contract if shorter)
- Renewals: 2-year extensions
Other Benefits for Employers and Employees
- No labor market test
- Nationwide work authorization
- Option for direct application if the candidate is already legally in Spain
- Family reunification permitted for partners, children, and dependent parents
If the Candidate Is Already in Spain
Employers can apply directly through UGE-CE while the candidate is legally in Spain. The candidate’s legal stay is extended automatically during the application process.
If the Candidate Is Outside Spain
Once the application is approved, the professional must apply for a visa at the Spanish consulate in their country of residence. After entering Spain, they must apply for their TIE (foreigner ID card) within 30 days.
How Jobbatical Supports Employee Visas and Permits in Spain
Relocating international employees requires timely action, legal accuracy, and expert knowledge of the Spanish immigration system.
Jobbatical helps you:
- Assess eligibility for the HQP permit or other visa types
- Manage documentation and communications with authorities
- Handle translations and legalizations of foreign documents
- Guide employees through every step, from application to their TIE appointment
- Support family reunification cases and renewals when needed
Whether you're relocating one employee or building an international team in Spain, we make global hiring feel local and stress-free.
Need expert help applying for the HQP permit?
Talk to our immigration team and simplify the process.
.webp)
.svg)
