Highly Qualified Professional permit
Processed centrally by the UGE unit rather than local offices, which makes it one of the quicker EU routes. The Beckham tax regime can cap income tax at 24% for up to six years, which changes the net pay maths considerably.
Processing time
About 20 working days under the Startups Law
Potential residence pathway
Potential permanent residence route after 5 years
Employer sponsorship
Required
Job offer
Required
Salary threshold
Set by role seniority and company size
Cost
About EUR 80 in fees
Permit duration
3 years, renewable
Criteria to verify
- Degree or three years of equivalent professional experience.
- Offer from a Spanish entity at the required salary level.
- Clean criminal record certificate.
Indicative employer steps
- File through the UGE large companies and strategic sectors unit.
- Evidence the role's qualification and salary level.
- Register you with social security before the start date.
Watch out for
- Beckham regime election has a strict deadline after registration.
- Spanish is expected outside international tech and service centres.
- Family applications are best filed alongside the main permit.
General educational information only, not immigration or legal advice or an eligibility assessment. Rules change. Confirm current criteria, thresholds, fees and outcomes with the relevant authority or an independent qualified adviser before you act.