Spain Highly Qualified Professional Visa (PAC)

Written by Mike Arnold Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Mike Arnold

Mike is a freelance writer with eight years of experience and a love for travel, all things business, tabletop games and green tea.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 12, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

The Spain Highly Qualified Professional Visa, also known as the PAC visa, is designed for highly skilled and qualified workers seeking employment or those looking for intra-company transfers in Spain.

Specifically, this covers professionals, members of senior management, and graduates, allowing these individuals to carry out work activities as employees in Spain.

If you have exceptional professional skills, promising career opportunities, and a desire to contribute to the Spanish workforce, the PAC Visa is an excellent pathway to making roots in Spain.

 

Eligibility criteria

There are two distinct visa pathways to the PAC visa: the Highly Qualified Professional route and the Intra-Company Transfer route.

Each category has its own requirements.

Highly Qualified Professional Visa

The aim of this visa is to attract the best talent to contribute to Spain's economy. To be eligible, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Highly qualified professional: Possess exceptional skills and experience in your field, proven by professional achievements, publications, patents, or other recognised accomplishments.
• Senior management: Hold a senior management position within a company, demonstrating significant decision-making authority and strategic responsibility.
• Prestigious graduate: Hold a graduate or postgraduate degree from a renowned university or business school.

Note: There is no legal definition for the term "highly qualified worker" and the application decision will be made based on a predetermined set of criteria.

Intra-Company Transfer Visa

This visa exists to help skilled employees within multinational companies or groups to transfer to their Spanish branches. To qualify, you must:

• Be employed by the company: Hold a current employment contract with the company transferring you.
• Transfer within the same company or group: The transfer must occur between entities within the same company or group of companies.
• Specific roles: You must be in an approved role. The visa is typically granted for senior management personnel, specialists with unique knowledge or skills, or trainees undergoing specific training programs.
• Other requirements:
  • Over 18: You must meet general visa requirements and be over 18 years old.
  • Clean criminal record: You must provide a criminal record certificate from your country or country of residence covering the last five years and make a sworn declaration that this certificate is accurate.
  • Proof of current residence: You’ll need to provide evidence that you currently live or study in an area which your local Spanish embassy or consulate covers. Eg, if you are applying in London, UK, you must provide proof of living in London at the time of application.
  • Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least one year beyond your intended stay in Spain and have at least two blank pages.

Family members

• Family members related to the worker can also obtain this visa, allowing the entire to move to Spain, as long as they’re under the eligibility requirements laid out below:
• Spouse or unmarried partner: Your legally recognised spouse or unmarried partner can accompany you to Spain.
• Dependent children: Your children under 18 are eligible. Additionally, adult children who are financially dependent on you and have not yet formed their own family unit can also be included, as long as they bring all required documentation.
• Relatives in the ascending line: Dependent parents or grandparents who are under your care can also join you in Spain.

Important considerations for family members

• Each family member will need to provide the required documents, including proof of their relationship to you.
• In the case of adult children, you'll also need to provide evidence of their financial dependence and civil status.
• For relatives in the ascending line, you must demonstrate that they’re under your care.

Documentation

The following documents are required when applying for the Spain Highly Qualified Professional Visa:

• National visa application form: Each applicant (or their legal representative) must have completed and signed an official visa application form.
• Photograph: A recent, passport-size colour photograph with a light background, facing forward and without any obstructions to the face. You mustn’t wear dark or highly reflective glasses.
• Valid passport: Your passport must have been issued in the last decade, and be valid for at least a year beyond your intended stay in Spain. You’ll also need to have at least two blank pages free.
• Residence permit: Issued by the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit.
• Criminal record certificate: You must submit a criminal record certificate from the last six months issued by your country of residence. This should be paired with a responsible declaration confirming you haven't had any convictions against you in the last five years.
• Proof of residence in the consular district: You need to provide documents that show you're legally living or studying in the specific area that the Spanish consulate you're applying to is responsible for. For example, if you're applying at the Spanish consulate in Hamburg, you'll need to show you're legally living somewhere in Hamburg. You can find more information here.
• Proof of representative's identity and capacity: If you’re applying through a representative, they’ll need to give you a copy of their ID, and an official document which authorises their representation.
• An NIE number: A Foreigner Identity Number (NIE) is assigned to all foreigners engaged in activities related to Spain, and therefore requires identification in the country. You must apply for an NIE before applying for your visa, or else you risk your application being rejected. You can complete the application form online here before submitting it to the Spanish Consulate.

All foreign documents must be legalised and translated into Spanish by an official translator before submission. These translations should be submitted alongside the original documents.

It's a good idea to get help from an expert so your application has the best chance of success.

How to apply for a spain highly qualified professional visa

The application process for the PAC Visa involves several key steps:

Step 1: Prepare your application

• Check requirements: All the requirements must be met before any stage of the process begins. It could help to work with a consultant who can ensure you check all the boxes.
• Gather documents: Gather all the necessary documents as outlined above, ensuring they are complete, legalised and translated into Spanish (if necessary). Include both originals and translations in your application.
• Complete the application form: Fill out the National Visa Application form thoroughly and accurately.
• Apply for an NIE number: You must apply for an NIE before applying for your visa, or else you risk your application being rejected. This allows the Spanish government to identify individuals in Spain. Learn more about the NIE here.

Step 2: Submit your application

• Schedule an appointment: Book an appointment at your nearest Spanish Embassy or Partner.
• Attend your appointment: You must apply in person at your appointment. If you're unable to attend, you can authorise an accredited representative to submit the application for you. Bring all your original documents and copies to your appointment.
• Pay for your application: The visa application centre staff will review your application and collect the visa fee (which can be foundhere). You'll be provided with a receipt containing a code that allows you to track the status of your application online here.

Step 3: Receiving your decision

• Await approval: The Spanish Consulate will review your application. It's possible that they'll request additional documents or a personal interview, so be prepared.
• Receive decision: A decision on your visa application should be made within 10 days, which is the full legal term. It's possible that this term could be extended, for example, if there are errors in your application or the consulate needs more information. You will be notified by mail if so.

If your visa is refused, you'll be told in writing. You can submit a posted appeal to the Consular office for reconsideration at any time in the month that follows the decision.

• Collect your visa: If your application is approved, you must collect your visa in person or through your representative within one month of its approval. The Consulate will inform you about the passport and document return procedure.

Validity of the highly qualified professional visa

The visa is valid up to one year with the permit valid up to the duration of the employment contract length up to three years maximum.

Highly qualified professional visa fees

The cost of applying for the Highly Qualified Professional Visa primarily consists of the visa fee, which you’ll pay when you submit your application.

The exact visa fee amount varies, depending on your country of origin and skillset. A full breakdown of the costs can be found here, or you can contact an immigration consultant, who will help you break it down further.

However, the average visa fee is typically €60 (no refund if the application is rejected) and the permit costs €73.26.

Additional costs:

In addition to the visa fee, you might incur other expenses during the application process:

• Translation and legalisation costs: If any of your documents are not in Spanish or English, you may need to have them translated for a fee.
• Health insurance: You'll need to secure comprehensive health insurance that meets the Spanish requirements, which may involve additional costs depending on your chosen provider and coverage level.
• Other costs: Depending on your circumstances, you may face other costs, such as obtaining a police clearance certificate or securing a Spanish NIE number.

Talk to a visa consultant

The Highly Qualified Professional Visa is a great option if you want a successful career in Spain. But the application process can be tricky. An experienced immigration consultant can make it easier.

They'll guide you through every step, making sure you meet all the requirements and understand Spanish regulations. This increases your chances of success and lets you focus on your exciting move to Spain.

Remember: Always check the official Spanish Consulate website for the latest information. Rules can change, so stay informed.

Need visa assistance/immigration advice?

Fill out this form

Shoot us an email with your inquiry at [email protected].