Highly Qualified Professional (PAC)
Spain
Last updated: December 23, 2025
3 years (renewable)
$90-$100
20 days
Low
About this Visa
This visa is for skilled workers from outside Europe who want to work and live in Spain. You need a job offer from a Spanish company and advanced qualifications or experience. You can work full-time in Spain, travel freely throughout Europe, and bring your family. The visa is processed quickly—usually approved in 20 days. Most people with proper documents get approved. This visa is better than regular work visas because it's faster, you don't need employer approval from Spanish labor authorities, and you can become a citizen quickly (2 years if you're from a Latin American country).
Key Benefits
- Work anywhere in Spain without restrictions
- Bring spouse, children, and dependent parents immediately
- Work full-time in your field
- Travel visa-free throughout EU
- Pay 24% flat tax instead of up to 45% on income up to $645,000/year
- Spanish citizenship after 2 years (Latin American nationals) or 10 years (others)
- Free public healthcare after registration
- Permanent residency after 5 years
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be 18 or older
- Cannot be from EU, EEA, or Switzerland
- No criminal record
- Valid job offer in Spain
- Meet minimum salary for your job type
- University degree or 3+ years work experience
- Pass health check
- Have valid health insurance
Financial Requirement
Managers: minimum $57,800/year. Scientists/technical experts: minimum $43,000/year. Under 30 years old: minimum $33,000/year.
Documents
- Valid passportAt least 1 year valid
- Job offerOfficial signed contract from Spanish company
- Education/Experience proofUniversity degree OR 3+ years job experience
- Criminal record certificateLast 5 years from all countries you lived in
- Medical certificateProof you are healthy
- Health insurance proofMinimum $32,000 coverage with zero co-payments
- Bank statementsProof you can support yourself
- Company documentsProof employer is real and stable
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.