Highly Qualified Professional Visa Spain (2026)
The Highly Qualified Professional Visa Spain (HQP Visa Spain) is Spain’s main work visa for professionals, one of the fastest and most efficient work-and-residence permits available for non-EU skilled professionals, executives, engineers, IT specialists, and highly technical profiles recruited by Spanish companies.
This visa is processed by Spain’s Unidad de Grandes Empresas (UGE-CE) under the Entrepreneur Law (Ley 14/2013), offering 20-day approvals, no labour market test, immediate family reunification, and a streamlined digital application system.
This 2026 guide explains:
- Eligibility
- Salary thresholds
- Job offer requirements
- Documents
- Application steps
- Processing timelines
- Family reunification rules
- Health insurance requirements (mandatory)
The HQP Visa is one of several fast-track residence permits available under Spanish immigration law. If you are comparing professional, entrepreneurial or non-working visas, the Spain Visas Guide provides a complete overview.
Table of Contents
- What Is the Highly Qualified Professional Visa Spain?
- Who Can Apply (Eligibility 2026)
- HQP Visa Spain Requirements (2026)
- Required Documents (Applicant + Employer)
- How to Apply (Step-by-Step Process)
- Salary Thresholds 2026
- Family Reunification (Immediate)
- HQP vs Blue Card vs Standard Work Permit
- Health Insurance Requirements (Mandatory for Application)
- External Official Resources
- Related Spain Visa Guides
- Faqs
- Get Visa-Approved HQP Health Insurance
What Is the Highly Qualified Professional Visa Spain?
The HQP Visa Spain (Residencia para Profesionales Altamente Cualificados) is a fast-track residence and work permit designed for international talent hired by Spanish companies.
It offers:
- 20-day processing time
- Digital submission through UGE-CE
- Automatic approval if no response (positive administrative silence)
- Immediate family reunification
- Full work authorization
- Path to permanent residency after 5 years
This visa is regulated under Spain’s Entrepreneur Law (Ley 14/2013), which establishes special immigration procedures for highly qualified professionals and strategic projects.
Official legal reference:
Who Can Apply for the HQP Visa Spain? (Eligibility 2026)
You qualify if your professional profile and job offer meet the following criteria.
A. Professional Profile
You must be one of the following:
- Managers & Executives – directors, senior managers, team leads
- Engineers & Technical Specialists – software, industrial, energy, mechanical, civil
- IT & STEM Professionals – developers, cybersecurity, AI/ML, data science
- Senior Financial & Business Analysts – strategy, investment, business development
- Strategic Sector Specialists – biotech, aerospace, renewables, robotics, R&D
B. Academic Requirements
You must have:
- A Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD, OR
- Proven equivalent professional experience (especially valid for technical roles)
C. Employer Eligibility
The hiring company must meet at least one of the following:
- Operates in a strategic or high-tech sector
- Is part of a multinational group
- Has significant economic activity in Spain
- Is executing an international or expansion project
- Requires specialists or executives for growth
Most mid-sized and large companies qualify without difficulty.
HQP Visa Spain Requirements (2026)
To qualify, you must meet all of the following:
1. Employment Contract
The contract must:
- Match your qualifications
- Describe highly skilled responsibilities
- Offer a competitive salary aligned with Spanish standards
- Be a real, full-time position
2. Salary Threshold (2026 Minimums)
(See Section 6 for full breakdown)
- Managers: €45,000–€60,000+
- Technical / STEM profiles: €32,000–€45,000
3. Qualifications or Experience
- University degree or
- Strong, verifiable professional experience
4. Criminal Background Check
- From all countries of residence in the last 5 years
5. Private Health Insurance (Mandatory)
Until you are registered under Spanish Social Security, private health insurance is mandatory.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEC) requires insurance with:
- No copayments
- No waiting periods
- Full hospitalization & specialist care
- Nationwide coverage
- Insurer authorized in Spain
While health insurance is only required until Social Security registration, choosing the wrong policy is one of the most common causes of HQP application delays or consular issues.
For a clear explanation of how private health insurance works in Spain for expats — including public vs private healthcare, Social Security access, and visa-specific rules — see:
This requirement comes directly from Spanish consular rules for long-stay residence permits.
Even under the fast-track UGE process, all applicants must satisfy the core Spain visa requirements, including background checks and private health insurance before Social Security registration.
Official authority:
Visa-approved health insurance
Full insurance guide
Required Documents for the HQP Visa Spain (2026)
A. Documents from the Applicant
- Full copy of passport
- University degree (apostilled / legalized if required)
- Detailed CV
- Criminal background certificate
- Visa-compliant private health insurance
- Passport photos
- Proof of economic means (employment contract)
B. Documents from the Employer
- Employment contract
- Detailed job description
- Company registration documents
- Proof of economic solvency
- Corporate group evidence (if applicable)
- Motivation report explaining why the role requires a HQP profile
- Organizational chart (recommended)
How to Apply for the HQP Visa Spain (Step-by-Step)
The employer files the application digitally via Spain’s UGE-CE platform.
Applicants cannot submit it themselves.
UGE-CE responds within 20 working days.
If no response is issued → automatic approval (positive administrative silence).
- Collect visa at the Spanish consulate
- Travel to Spain
- Complete TIE appointment
- Modify your status to HQP without leaving the country
Within 30 days of arrival:
- Fingerprints
- Local registration
- TIE collection
Salary Thresholds for HQP Visa Spain (2026 Update)
The HQP Visa Spain salary thresholds vary depending on seniority, sector and responsibility level.
- Managers & Executives: €45,000–€60,000+
- Highly Technical Profiles: €33,000–€45,000
- STEM & IT Specialists: €32,000–€40,000
Family Reunification (Immediate)
One of the strongest benefits of the HQP Visa:
- Family members can join you from day one
- They receive full work rights
Eligible family members:
- Spouse or registered partner
- Minor children
- Adult dependent children
- Dependent parents (case-by-case)
Family reunification rights are regulated under Spain’s Immigration Regulation (RD 557/2011):
HQP Visa vs Blue Card vs Standard Work Permit
Feature | HQP Visa | EU Blue Card | Standard Work Permit |
Processing Time | 20 days | 60–90 days | 90+ days |
Family Reunification | Immediate | After relocation | Slow |
Salary Threshold | Medium–High | Very High | Medium |
Company Requirements | Flexible | Strict | Strict |
Labour Market Test | No | No | Sometimes |
Best For | Skilled professionals | High earners | General workers |
The HQP Visa is the most balanced and accessible option for international talent.
Choosing the right permit depends on your role, salary and long-term plans in Spain. A broader comparison of all long-stay visa options can be found in the Spain Visas Guide.
Health Insurance Requirements for HQP Applicants
Before Social Security registration, applicants must present:
- Full private health insurance
- No copayments
- No waiting periods
- Hospitalization & emergency care
- Nationwide coverage
- Spanish-authorized insurer
Recommended plans
Full guide
Official Government Sources
- Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEC) — exteriores.gob.es
- Unidad de Grandes Empresas (UGE-CE) — inclusion.gob.es
- Spanish Immigration Law (BOE) — boe.es
- Spanish Entrepreneur Law (Ley 14/2013) – BOE — boe.es
FAQs — Highly Qualified Professional Visa Spain (2026)
What is the HQP Visa in Spain?
A fast-track residence permit for highly skilled professionals hired by Spanish companies.
How long is it valid?
2–3 years, renewable.
What salary do I need?
Between €32,000 and €60,000 depending on role.
Can family members join immediately?
Yes — with full work rights.
Do I need private health insurance?
Yes, until Social Security registration.
Can I change employers?
Yes — UGE-CE must be notified.
Do I need to apply from my home country?
Not always — many applicants modify status from within Spain.
Get Visa-Approved HQP Health Insurance
Start your HQP Visa application with health insurance trusted by all Spanish consulates.
- No copays
- No waiting periods
- Hospitalization included
- Same-day certificate
Real support. No pressure. Clear guidance.
