Visa for Highly Qualified Workers in Spain and Malaga

Our service for highly qualified workers helps employers and professionals plan a move to Spain. At Pérez Parras, we review the role, the candidate’s background and the evidence for the residence application. We advise in English and Spanish from Málaga and Nerja, with online support across Spain.

Hiring highly qualified workers in Málaga

Technology companies need clear advice when recruiting talent from abroad. A job offer is only one part of the file. The duties, qualifications, pay and employer’s documents must support the route chosen.

Our team includes professionals with legal and telecommunications engineering training. This background helps us explain technical roles and the evidence they require. We work with employers and candidates to organise the application before the planned start date.

Which route can highly qualified workers use?

Article 71 of Law 14/2013 of 27 September distinguishes the national permit from the EU Blue Card. Their qualification and experience rules differ. We first assess which route fits your job and background.

The national route can cover work requiring a qualification at least equivalent to MECES level 1. It can also accept at least three years of relevant professional experience equivalent to that qualification. It does not impose a universal requirement for a postgraduate degree and five years of experience.

The EU Blue Card has its own higher-education and experience rules, including a specific rule for certain ICT professionals. Regulated professions may require recognition of qualifications. See the UGE information for highly qualified professionals.

Documents and steps to prepare

For highly qualified workers, we review these records:

• Job offer or contract, duties, pay and working conditions.
• Qualifications or detailed proof of relevant experience.
• Employer documents and the explanation of the role.
• Passport and evidence of the applicant’s current immigration status.
• Personal and family records required for the selected route.

We assess the salary under the criteria applicable when filing. We then agree the scope, documents and timetable with you. Residence authorisation and the consular visa are separate steps where a visa is needed. Requests for further evidence may affect the timetable.

Highly qualified workers and the Beckham Law

A residence permit does not automatically grant a tax benefit. Review our Beckham Law service and requirements before the move. We coordinate the immigration file with a separate assessment of tax residence, eligibility and filing deadlines.

For senior roles, see our guide to executives, entrepreneurs and investors. Once you start work, our withholding and payroll guide can help you identify matters to review.

Family, remote work and other options

We also assess eligible family members and their own documents. If you work remotely for a foreign business, the digital nomad route may need a separate review. If you plan an innovative business, explore our entrepreneur residence service.

For highly qualified workers with cross-border income, our international tax team can review your cross-border position. Contact Pérez Parras about your recruitment or move. Send a short description of the job and your proposed dates so we can define the next steps.