The EU Blue Card in Spain

Spain has positioned itself as one of the most attractive destinations in Europe for international talent. At the center of this strategy is the EU Blue Card, regulated in Spain under Law 14/2013 on International Mobility.

If you are a highly qualified professional considering relocating to Spain — or a company planning to hire foreign talent — this guide explains everything you need to know from a legal and strategic perspective.

1. What Is the EU Blue Card in Spain?

The EU Blue Card is a residence and work permit specifically designed for highly qualified non-EU professionals. It allows you to live and work in Spain under a centralized fast-track procedure handled by Spain’s Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE-CE).

Unlike general immigration permits, the Blue Card is part of a broader European framework aimed at attracting global talent and facilitating mobility across Member States.

Spain is currently prioritizing this category over the national Highly Qualified Professional permit (PAC), aligning its policy with EU directives.

2. Legal Framework

In Spain, the EU Blue Card operates under Law 14/2013 (International Mobility Law), adapted to reflect the updated EU Blue Card Directive.

In recent years, the European Commission has encouraged Spain to increase the number of Blue Cards issued, as historically Spain relied more heavily on national permits rather than the European framework.

As a result, the Blue Card is now often the preferred route for highly qualified employees.

3. Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, applicants must meet both professional qualification criteria and salary thresholds.

Education or Experience

You must meet one of the following:

• Hold a university degree or higher technical qualification.

Homologation in Spain is not required, although legalization or apostille may be necessary depending on the issuing country.

• Alternatively, demonstrate at least five years of professional experience equivalent to higher education level.

Experience must be properly documented. This typically includes employment contracts, payroll records, official employment certificates, and tax or social security documentation.

Spanish authorities conduct a global evaluation of the applicant’s profile. This means they assess qualifications, experience, and salary together, rather than applying a purely mechanical checklist.

4. Salary Thresholds (Approximate 2025 Figures)

The salary requirement is a key factor.

The general threshold is approximately €40,000 gross annually.

A reduced threshold — approximately €31,400 — may apply if:

1) The degree was issued within the last three years.
2) The occupation falls within high-level professional categories (managerial or advanced technical roles).

This reduction makes the Blue Card more accessible than Spain’s national PAC permit, which typically requires a higher salary.

5. Duration and Renewal

The initial authorization is granted for three years.

Renewals are issued for two-year periods.

After five years of legal residence, applicants may become eligible for EU long-term residence status.

This structure provides stability and medium-to-long-term planning security for professionals and companies.

6. Employer Linkage and Job Mobility

During the first 12 months, the Blue Card holder is linked to the sponsoring employer.

After the first year, changing employers is permitted with a simple notification to the authorities — no new full authorization process is required.

This flexibility is one of the Blue Card’s strongest advantages, particularly for professionals working in dynamic or multinational environments.

7. Practical Considerations in 2026

Although the Blue Card is attractive, there are practical realities that applicants must consider.

Foreign documentation is increasingly scrutinized. Authorities use verification systems to detect inconsistencies, manipulated bank statements, or fraudulent corporate documentation.

Experience must be supported by official records. Countries differ widely in their employment documentation systems, which can complicate proof of qualification.

Applications where the salary barely meets the threshold may require stronger justification of the applicant’s highly qualified status.

Strategic preparation is essential.

8. Who Is the Blue Card Best For?

The Blue Card is particularly suitable for:

• Executives and senior managers

• Engineers and technical specialists

• IT and technology professionals

• STEM researchers

• Multinational company employees

It is not appropriate for freelancers, self-employed professionals, digital nomads, or entrepreneurs. Spain has separate immigration categories for those profiles.

9. Final Thoughts

The EU Blue Card is currently Spain’s most powerful legal pathway for highly qualified professionals.

However, success depends on careful documentation, correct contract structuring, and coordinated immigration and tax planning.

At American&Legal Spain, we advise highly qualified professionals and international companies through the full relocation process, ensuring compliance at every level.

If you are considering relocating to Spain under the EU Blue Card, strategic planning from the outset makes all the difference.