Yes. The EU Blue Card residence permit is linked to the employment relationship with the company that applied for it. If the holder wishes to start working for a new company under a Spanish contract, they will need to apply for a new residence permit.

Yes, the EU Blue Card can be revoked if the holder no longer meets the eligibility requirements (e.g., loss of employment, criminal activity).

The renewal process involves submitting an application to the Oficina de Extranjería (Foreigners' Office) with updated documentation (e.g., a current work contract, proof of continued eligibility). The specific requirements and procedures can change, so it is critical to check with the relevant immigration advisor.

Yes, the EU Blue Card can be a pathway to long-term residency in Spain, provided the holder meets the eligibility requirements (e.g., continuous legal residence, integration requirements). The Blue Card allows for long-term EU residency after 5 years.

EU Blue Card holders are entitled to the same social security benefits as Spanish citizens, including healthcare, unemployment benefits, and pension contributions.

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Yes, the holder of an EU Blue Card is allowed to study, as long as it doesn't interfere with their employment obligations.

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Yes, the spouse is generally granted the right to work in Spain without additional restrictions.

Yes, the EU Blue Card facilitates family reunification. Spouse and dependent children can apply for residence permits to join the holder in Spain.

It's possible to apply either in Spain (if the applicant has legal status in Spain, whether as a tourist or under another type of stay or residence permit) or from the country of residence or origin. The process is usually initiated by the employer.

Minimum Salary for the EU Blue Card in Spain

‍Professionals over 30 years old

• Minimum gross annual salary: €40,077
  
  

‍Professionals under 30 years old

• Minimum gross annual salary: A reduction coefficient of 0.75 applies, reducing the required salary to €30,058.
• The relevant salary reduction does not only apply to applicants under 30 years old, but also to applicants who, at the time of submitting the application, are already 30 years old. If the applicant is already 31 years old or older at the time of submitting the application, the reduction does not apply, and the full salary minimum for their category is required.

Directors and Managers

• Required minimum gross annual salary: €54,142
  
• Application of the reduction coefficient: If the person is under 30 years old, a reduction coefficient of 0.75 will apply, reducing the required salary to €40,607.

Additional Notes:

• For the calculation of the specified amounts, the variable part of the compensation is not considered. Only the base salary is taken into account.

To qualify for the EU Blue Card in Spain, applicants must:

• Be a non-EU national.
  
  
• Hold a higher education qualification (minimum 3-year degree at level 6 EQF or equivalent), or prove at least 5 years of relevant professional experience.
  
  
  • For ICT professionals and managers, 3 years of relevant experience in the last 7 years may be enough.
    
    
• Have a valid job offer or work contract of at least 6 months in a highly qualified position.
  
  
• Meet the minimum salary threshold, which is typically between 1.0 and 1.6 times the average gross annual salary in Spain.
  
  
• The contract must comply with Spanish labor regulations and collective agreements.
  
  
• Hold valid travel documents and a clean criminal record.
  
  
• If a visa is required to enter Spain, it will be granted without additional requirements beyond those already listed.
  
  

The Blue Card can be denied or revoked if any requirement is not met, documents are fraudulent, or if the holder is unemployed for too long (over 3 months if card held less than 2 years, or 6 months if more).

In such cases, the holder is granted a job-search period of up to 3 or 6 months depending on how long they've held the card.

In Spain, the EU Blue Card is usually valid for up to 3 years, depending on the length of the employment contract.

If the contract is for less than 3 years, the Blue Card will be valid for the contract duration plus 3 extra months, with a maximum of 3 years total.

The EU Blue Card allows holders to live and work in most EU countries, except Denmark and Ireland.

However, holding an EU Blue Card issued in Spain does not give automatic rights to live or work in another EU country. That’s a common misconception.

The EU Blue Card permit applies to foreign workers who:

• hold a higher education qualification of at least three years, equivalent to Level 6 of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF).
  

• Or, have at least five years of proven professional experience equivalent to such qualification and relevant to the role offered.

For ICT professionals and tech directors, only three years of relevant experience within the last seven years is required.