EU-wide work and residence permit for highly qualified non-EU professionals with a high-paying job offer in Spain.
Estimated Cost
$700
Processing Time
~2 months
Validity
36 months
The EU Blue Card in Spain is a combined work and residence permit for non-EU nationals holding a recognised higher education qualification (or equivalent professional experience for ICT roles) and a job offer meeting Spain's minimum salary threshold. It provides a fast-track route to long-term EU residency and offers enhanced intra-EU mobility after 12 months. Spain does not apply a labor market test for Blue Card applications. The 2026 salary threshold is approximately $42,500/year gross (standard), with a reduced threshold of approximately $34,000/year for specific occupation groups and recent graduates.
Average: 2 months
Path to Residency
Path to Citizenship
~10 years
Valid passport*
Job offer or binding employment contract*
Contract must be for highly-qualified employment of at least 6 months' duration.
Minimum salary threshold (~$42,500/year)*
Standard threshold approximately $42,500/year gross (2026); reduced threshold ~$34,000/year for Groups 1-2 National Classification of Occupations or graduates within last 3 years.
Higher education qualification*
Three-year bachelor's degree minimum. ICT professionals without a degree may substitute 3 years of relevant experience within the last 7 years.
Criminal background check*
From country of origin and any country of residence in last 2 years; apostilled and Spanish-translated.
Medical certificate*
Health insurance*
| Fee | Amount | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Residence permit application fee | $80 | Recurring |
| Residence card issuance | $18 | One-time |
| Visa application fee | $190 | One-time |
| Document translation/apostille(optional) | $400 | One-time |
| Estimated Total | $700 |