How to get a highly skilled worker visa for Spain

If you’re a professional considering a move to Spain, the Highly Skilled Worker Visa can open the door to living and working in one of Europe’s most vibrant countries.

With its strong economy, rich cultural heritage and high quality of life, Spain offers professionals a welcoming environment to advance their careers while enjoying a Mediterranean lifestyle. From world-class healthcare and education to a thriving international business scene, it’s an ideal destination for many.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about the highly skilled worker visa in Spain, including:

• What the Highly Skilled Worker Visa is and who qualifies
• A step-by-step guide to applying successfully
• How long the visa lasts and how to renew it
• How to work legally and register with Spanish authorities
• Where to live comfortably in Spain as a skilled professional
• Tips for settling in, building connections and adjusting to Spanish culture.

Whether you’re relocating for a dream job or expanding your career in Europe, this guide will help you to confidently navigate the process from visa application to fitting into Spanish life.

​​What is the highly skilled worker visa?

The Highly Skilled Worker Visa allows foreign professionals with specialised qualifications to work in Spain for a recognised employer or multinational company.

It is designed for:

• Executives, managers and technical experts
• Employees of multinational corporations
• Individuals earning above a specific salary threshold set annually by Spanish authorities.

This visa streamlines the path to legal residence, employment and eventual long-term settlement in Spain.

Who is eligible for the highly skilled worker visa?

Eligibility is determined by a combination of your employment offer, qualifications and salary level.

To qualify, you must:

1. Have a valid job offer from a Spanish employer or a company registered in Spain
2. Demonstrate specialised skills or higher education relevant to the role: this could include IT and digital skills, business and financial expertise or healthcare and medical knowledge
3. Earn a salary above:
   • €40,000 per year for general roles
   • €30,000 for startups or SMEs under certain conditions.
4. Have no criminal record and valid health insurance.

Should you apply for the highly skilled worker visa?

You should consider applying if:

• You’re a qualified professional with a concrete job offer in Spain
• You want to avoid slower general work visa routes
• Your employer is recognised by Spain’s Large Business and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE-CE).

How long is the skilled worker visa valid for?

The highly skilled worker visa in Spain is usually valid for up to two years, depending on the length of your employment contract.

Here’s how it typically works:

• Initial validity: 1-2 years, matching your contract duration
• Renewal: You can renew the visa for an additional two years, as long as you continue meeting the requirements
• Long-term residence: After five years of continuous legal residence, you can apply for long-term residence status in Spain.

In short, your visa can evolve from a temporary work permit into a pathway toward permanent residency if you decide to make Spain your long-term home.

Can you renew a highly skilled worker visa?

Yes. You can renew it if:

• You’re still employed in Spain
• You’ve maintained legal residence
• You’ve fulfilled tax and social security obligations.

Renewal applications should be submitted 60 days before expiration to avoid any lapses in your visa and residency status.

How to apply for a skilled worker visa

Step 1: Prepare the required documents

You’ll need:

• A valid passport
• Job offer or employment contract
• Proof of qualifications (such as degree certificates or work experience letters)
• Health insurance valid in Spain
• Criminal record certificate (this needs to be translated and apostilled)
• Proof of financial means (demonstrating the ability to cover living expenses and healthcare and insurance costs, through bank statements, scholarships or grants or an employment contract).

Step 2: Employer authorisation

Your employer will need to apply for authorisation through the UGE-CE. Once approved, a reference number will be provided to allow you to continue your visa process.

Step 3: Submit your visa application

Apply at your nearest Spanish consulate with the necessary documentation and pay the applicable fee. This fee varies depending on nationality and consulate, but is typically around €80.

Step 4: Receive and activate your visa

Once approved:

1. You must enter Spain within 90 days
2. You need to apply for your NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero)
3. You must register your residence and collect your TIE card.

How long does it take to get a highly skilled worker visa?

Processing times vary, but here’s a general overview:

A common mistake that many make is not providing complete documentation or missing translations. It’s best to always double-check visa applications requirements, to keep hold of extra photocopies and to allow plenty of time for your application to go through: Spanish bureaucracy rewards patience.

How to work legally in Spain

To work legally in Spain, you need to make sure your employer is registered with social security, you’re enrolled with the Agencia Tributaria (tax authority) and you have a valid employment contract that reflects fair working conditions.

As a highly skilled worker, you have the same rights as Spanish employees, including equal access to working conditions. You are obliged to contribute to social security and pay income tax. You also have the right to change employers, provided you obtain prior approval.

Where to live in Spain as a skilled worker

Choosing where to live in Spain depends on what you value most: career opportunities, quality of life or affordability. Here’s how the main regions compare:

Madrid and Barcelona

Spain’s two biggest cities attract professionals for good reason:

• Pros: Excellent career opportunities, international schools, strong expat networks and higher salaries.
• Cons: Higher rents, limited housing availability and very competitive job markets.

These cities are ideal if you’re focused on advancing your career in a corporate or multinational environment, but you need to be prepared for a faster pace of daily life and higher living costs. Barcelona is also a highly competitive city for international workers, attracting around 40,000 foreigners with higher education degrees annually.

Valencia, Málaga and Bilbao

If you’re looking for balance, these mid-sized cities offer a sweet spot between opportunity and lifestyle:

• Pros: Lower costs, growing startup ecosystems, great weather and better work-life balance.
• Cons: Slightly fewer international roles and smaller job markets compared to Madrid or Barcelona.

These cities are fantastic choices if you want a vibrant lifestyle without the intensity of Spain’s largest cities.

Smaller regional cities (such as Granada and A Coruña)

For remote workers or those seeking a more local experience, Spain’s smaller cities can be perfect:

• Pros: Very affordable, easier to integrate locally and a relaxed pace of life.
• Cons: Fewer English speakers and limited international job options.

If your work allows flexibility, living in a smaller city offers an authentic and community-focused Spanish lifestyle, plus more money left at the end of the month.

Top tips for settling in and integrating into the Spanish way of life

Spain’s lifestyle blends work-life balance with rich social traditions. Here are a few top tips:

• Build relationships naturally: social life happens on terraces, in bars, and in the streets. Be spontaneous!
• Adjust to local rhythms: lunch between 2-3pm and dinner after 9pm are normal
• Embrace directness: Spaniards are warm but tend to be very straightforward
• Learn some Spanish: even simple phrases will help you to connect with the locals
• Be flexible with time: “five minutes” might mean fifteen. Go with it.

The highly skilled worker visa is a gateway to opportunity in Spain’s dynamic economy. By following these steps and preparing properly, you’ll be ready not only to work but to thrive in your new life abroad.