Blue Card Spain: Your pathway to working in Europe

Q: How soon can I move to another EU country?

After 18 months of residence in Spain, you may transfer to another EU Blue Card country without restarting the entire process.

When your skills are in demand, you deserve a clear route to share them.

The Blue Card Spain offers highly qualified professionals a way to live and work in Spain — and eventually across the European Union.

The Blue Card Spain is part of an EU-wide initiative to attract global talent.

It gives non-EU citizens with advanced qualifications a fast-track, recognised residence and work permit, allowing them to bring their expertise to Spain while accessing opportunities throughout Europe.

Whether you’re a software engineer in Madrid, a biotech researcher in Barcelona, or a finance expert in Valencia, this visa helps you build a career in one of Europe’s most vibrant and growing economies — while enjoying Spain’s exceptional quality of life.

For a smooth application, many of your supporting documents — such as degree certificates, work contracts, and police clearances — must be sworn-translated into Spanish before submission.

Work globally, live locally

Why the Blue Card Spain matters

Spain isn’t just a destination for travellers — it’s a hub for innovation, science, and global business.

The Spanish Blue Card is designed to make it easier for highly qualified professionals to relocate and contribute to Spain’s economy. It’s ideal for:

Technology specialists in fields such as AI, cybersecurity, and data science
Healthcare professionals, from doctors and researchers to senior clinicians
Engineers in civil, industrial, and renewable energy sectors
Finance and compliance experts supporting Spain’s growing fintech industry
Senior managers and corporate leaders with strategic expertise

Key benefits of the Blue Card Spain:

Fast-track approval process, often quicker than traditional work permits
Initial validity of 1 to 3 years, with straightforward renewal options
Family reunification from day one, so your spouse and children can move with you
EU-wide mobility: after 18 months, you may be able to live and work in another EU Blue Card country without restarting the process
Access to Spain’s public healthcare and social security systems
A pathway to permanent residency and eventual EU citizenship

For employers, this visa simplifies international recruitment, making Spain an attractive place to base high-value teams.

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Clear steps, strong foundations

EU Blue Card Spain Requirements

Every successful application begins with clarity. Meeting the EU Blue Card Spain requirements ensures your case is ready for consideration. To qualify for the Blue Card Spain, applicants must meet five core requirements:

1. Academic or professional qualifications

A university degree relevant to the role you will take in Spain, or
Proof of at least five years of professional experience in your field.
Degree certificates and experience letters must be apostilled and sworn-translated into Spanish.

2. High-skill job offer

A binding employment contract with a company legally registered in Spain.
The role must be full-time and clearly defined in the contract.
The salary must meet or exceed Spain’s Blue Card threshold, which is typically 1.5 times the average gross annual salary in Spain (varies by region and sector).

3. Clean criminal record

Certificates from your home country and any country where you’ve lived in the past five years.
These must be issued within the last 90 days, apostilled, and sworn-translated.

4. Health insurance

Private health insurance valid in Spain for you and any family members included in the application.

5. Proof of accommodation

A rental contract, property deed, or notarised invitation letter showing where you will live in Spain.

Step-by-step clarity.

Blue Card Spain Application Process

Applying for the Blue Card Spain involves both employer and employee responsibilities. Here’s how the process usually unfolds:

Step 1: Employer submission

Your future employer submits a work authorisation request to Spain’s Large Companies and Strategic Collectives Unit (UGE-CE).
This step must include your work contract, job description, salary details, and justification for the hire.

Step 2: Gather personal documents

While the employer’s request is being processed, you gather your required documents.
Begin sworn translations as soon as possible to avoid bottlenecks.

Step 3: Visa application

Once the work authorisation is approved, you apply for the Blue Card Spain visa at the Spanish consulate in your home country or directly within Spain if you are already there legally.

Step 4: Arrival and registration

After approval, travel to Spain and register at your local town hall (empadronamiento).
Apply for your TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) within 30 days of arrival.

Step 5: Family reunification

Your spouse and dependent children can apply at the same time as you, receiving linked residence permits and work rights for your spouse.

Typical timeline:

Employer work authorisation: 10–30 business days.
Visa approval: 20–45 business days.
TIE card issuance: within 30 days of arrival.

Practical tips for success

Start the translation process early — degree certificates and police clearances are the most common cause of delays.
Confirm the salary threshold for your sector and region before signing your contract.
Keep both digital and physical copies of every document submitted.
Consider having extra certified copies of translations in case authorities request duplicates.

Best cities for entrepreneurs in Spain

Choosing the right location can shape the success of your venture.
Spain offers diverse ecosystems for different industries:

Barcelona: Tech startups, creative industries, and international networking

Madrid: Finance, corporate innovation, logistics, and AI

Valencia: Affordable living with a growing digital scene

Málaga: Tech parks and a dynamic quality of life

Bilbao: Sustainability, industrial innovation, and clean energy

Many regions also offer financial incentives such as startup grants or co-investment programmes. For example, Barcelona and Madrid host innovation hubs where international founders receive mentorship, funding advice, and access to global investor networks.

Your questions, answered.

FAQ: Blue Card Spain

Can I switch jobs after arriving in Spain?

You may change employers, but you must notify Spanish authorities and ensure your new job still meets Blue Card Spain requirements.

Is the Blue Card only for tech workers?

No. While technology roles are common, the visa also applies to healthcare, engineering, finance, academia, and other high-skill sectors.

How soon can I move to another EU country?

After 18 months of residence in Spain, you may transfer to another EU Blue Card country without restarting the entire process.

Can my family members work in Spain?

Yes. Spouses included in your Blue Card Spain application receive residence permits with work rights.

What happens if I lose my job?

You typically have three months to secure a new qualifying position before your Blue Card Spain is at risk.

The Blue Card in Spain opens doors for highly qualified professionals to thrive in Spain and across Europe.

Hisparos makes sure your documents — from degrees to police certificates — are translated with precision and sworn validity, ready to meet the strict requirements of Spanish authorities.

We don’t handle applications or employment processes, but we ensure that your translations are accurate, compliant, and ready for submission — so you can focus on your next big move.