Page contentsPage contents Conditions To work in Spain as a highly-qualified worker, you must obtain:a work and residence permit; andwork and residence visa.You can also apply for the highly-qualified professionals permit (a national residence permit, parallel to the EU Blue Card). Procedures WORK AND RESIDENCE PERMIT/VISAWhere and how to applyBefore you apply for your work and residence visa at the Embassy or Consulate in your country of origin, your employer must obtain a work permit.Documents requiredSee documents required here.Further requirementsOnce you arrive in Spain, you must get a Foreign identification card (known as TIE) if you are staying for over 6 months, and the employer should register with the Social Security System as a worker.Duration of validity of permitsThe initial work permit is granted for one year and is renewable.AppealsDecisions can be challenged by way of an administrative appeal.Further informationMore on working in Spain (in Spanish)HIGHLY-QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS UNDER LAW 14/2013Where and how to applyThe national permit related to highly-qualified professionals is regulated under Law 14/2013. In case of highly-qualified professionals the hiring company is the one obliged to apply for it.Documents requiredSee documents required here.Further requirementsThe company hiring highly-qualified professionals must meet one of the characteristics in article 71 of Law 14/2013.Duration of validity of permitsUp to two years or duration of the contract in case it is less than two years. Renewable for two more years if initial conditions are maintained.AppealsDecisions can be challenged by way of an administrative appeal. Further informationHighly-qualified professionals of Law 14/2013 Rights Change of employmentYour work permit is tied to one sector and subject to geographical limits.Any change in your employment must remain within these limits during the first year.Change of statusYou must submit a new application and meet the necessary conditions.Long-term residenceLong-term residence is generally granted after five years of continuous and legal residence.This status enables the holder to reside indefinitely and work in Spain.More on long-term residence in Spain (in Spanish)HIGHLY-QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS UNDER LAW 14/2013Change of employmentYour permit about highly-qualified professionals is valid to work and live all throughout Spain.Change of statusYou must submit a new application and meet the necessary conditions.Long-term residenceLong-term residence is generally granted after five years of continuous and legal residence.This status enables the holder to reside indefinitely and work in Spain.More on long-term residence in Spain (in Spanish) Links Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration / Secretary of State for MigrationsMinistry of InteriorPublic Employment ServiceDiplomatic missions abroadMore information on the EU Blue Card in Spain
