It allows companies to hire managers or highly qualified staff quickly and without going through the national employment situation test.
There are two routes: the highly qualified professional authorisation under Act 14/2013 (handled by the UGE-CE with form MI-T) and the EU Blue Card, which also makes it easier to move to other EU States.
- Managerial or highly qualified staff hired by a company operating in Spain.
- Professionals with a higher education qualification or proven equivalent professional experience.
- An employment contract with a company established in Spain, with pay meeting the threshold required for that route (it varies by route and occupation).
- A higher education qualification (or equivalent) or professional experience of a comparable level.
- A company up to date with its tax and social security obligations, with real activity and proven solvency.
- No criminal record and no entry ban.
- Health insurance or registration with the social security system.
Form for the chosen routeOnline application to the UGE (Act 14/2013) with form MI-T.Official link Full passport, validA copy of every written page (including blank ones if the office asks for them) plus the original for checking. Many procedures require at least 4 months of validity. Signed employment contractStating the professional category, duties, working hours, duration and a salary that meets the required threshold. University degree or proof of qualificationLegalised or apostilled and translated. Officially recognised where the profession is regulated. Company documentsArticles of incorporation, power of attorney of the signatory, social security registration, certificates of being up to date with the tax office and social security, proof of turnover or workforce where required. Criminal record certificateFrom the countries where you have lived in the last 5 years, issued by the authorities of that country, legalised or apostilled and translated into Spanish. Proof of payment of the relevant feeFee 790 038 for the Act 14/2013 route; fees 052 and 062 for the EU Blue Card.Official link
Application for a residence authorisation as a highly qualified professional (Act 14/2013 and EU Blue Card)
Online application to the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit
Always download the form from the Ministry website: the templates are updated and offices reject outdated versions.
| Form | What it covers | Who pays | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 790 código 038 | Act 14/2013 authorisations | The company or the applicant | Generate fee form |
| 790 códigos 052 y 062 | EU Blue Card (general regime) | Applicant and employer | Generate fee form |
Amounts are updated periodically: the one shown when you generate form 790 is the one in force.
UGE-CE (Act 14/2013)
Online processing, decision within 20 working days and positive silence.
Immigration Office (EU Blue Card)
Filed online or in person by appointment.
- UGE: 20 working days, positive silence. Usual initial duration of 3 years, renewable for 2.
- EU Blue Card: 3-month decision period under the general regime.
- TIE: 1 month from notification or from entry.
Salary thresholds are updated periodically: check the current figure before signing the contract.
Choosing the wrong route costs months. If the company meets the requirements of Act 14/2013, processing through the UGE is usually much faster.