Long-stay visas (Type D)
Spanish EU Blue Card / Highly Qualified Professional (Tarjeta Azul UE)
A fast-track residence route for highly qualified professionals with a Spanish job offer, granted under Law 14/2013 and aligned with the revised EU Blue Card Directive.
Under review — check current rules
Important information
- Legal basis
- Law 14/2013 + EU Blue Card Directive (EU) 2021/1883
- Processed by
- UGE-CE (Ministry of Inclusion)
- Job offer
- Required, min. 6-month contract for a highly qualified post
- Qualification
- Higher-education degree, or (for some roles) equivalent professional experience
- Labour market test
- Not required
- Salary threshold
- Set annually by ministerial order (see review flag)
Who it's for
Highly qualified non-EU professionals with a Spanish job offer for a management or specialist role requiring higher-education qualifications, or, exceptionally, equivalent professional experience (shorter for IT roles).
Requirements
- Job offer / contract for a highly qualified post (minimum contract length applies)
- Higher-education qualification (bachelor's or equivalent) or the accepted number of years of relevant experience
- Gross salary meeting the annually-set Blue Card threshold (reduced threshold for shortage occupations and recent graduates)
- Company legally established and up to date with obligations
- Clean criminal record certificate
- Public or private health insurance / social security enrolment
- Valid passport
What you can do
- Live and work in Spain in the highly qualified role
- Bring family members through a simultaneous application
- Benefit from EU-wide mobility to other Member States after a qualifying period
- Renew and progress toward long-term residence
How to apply
The application for the residence authorisation is filed with the UGE-CE, generally by the employer or an authorised representative, through the Ministry of Inclusion's electronic office. Once approved, the applicant obtains the corresponding visa at the Spanish consulate (if applying from abroad) and then the TIE in Spain.
Because the route is centralised at the UGE, decisions are typically issued within around 20 working days, far faster than the general employee route.
Documents
- Signed highly qualified employment contract
- Recognised higher-education qualification (or proof of equivalent experience)
- Company documentation proving lawful establishment and good standing
- Criminal record certificate
- Proof of health cover / social security
- Passport and photo
- Visa application form (for the consular stage)
Frequently asked questions
Both are for skilled hires under Law 14/2013 and neither needs a labour-market test. The EU Blue Card additionally follows the EU Directive and gives easier onward mobility to other EU Member States; the national highly qualified permit is Spain-only.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
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