Documentation for the Highly Qualified Professional (PAC) permit

The Highly Qualified Professional (PAC) permit is one of the fastest and most effective ways to attract international talent to Spain. However, one of the most common reasons for delays or requirements from the UGE‑CE is the incorrect or incomplete submission of documents.

In this updated guide, we explain which documents you need, how they must be prepared, and what the regulations require in 2026 to ensure a solid application.

 

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Personal documents of the professional

These documents verify the candidate’s identity, education, and professional background. They must always be submitted valid, in good condition, and properly legalized.

• Valid full passport: It must include all pages, especially identification pages and recent stamps.
• Updated CV: It must reflect the professional’s responsibilities and be aligned with the position offered.
• Academic degree: This may be a Bachelor’s, Master’s, Postgraduate degree, or other relevant studies. When applicable, it must be apostilled or legalized depending on the issuing country.
• Proof of experience (if no academic degree): For profiles without a university degree, the UGE‑CE requires at least 3 years of demonstrable experience in functions related to the position.
• Criminal record certificate: One of the documents that causes the most delays. It must be:
  • Valid
  • Issued by the countries where the professional has lived in the last 5 years
  • Apostilled or legalized when necessary
  • Translated by a sworn translator if not in Spanish

Documents the company must provide

Employment contract or binding offer

It must include:

• Annual gross salary
• Professional category
• Working hours and employment conditions
• Clear description of duties
• Expected start date

The salary must meet PAC minimums:

• €40,077 gross/year for qualified positions
• €54,578 gross/year for managerial positions

Check the full PAC salary guide here.

Job description report

A key document in which the company explains:

• Main functions of the role.
• Level of responsibility.
• Justification of the high qualification required.
• Alignment of the position with the company’s structure and strategy.

A well-prepared report speeds up the resolution process.

Proof of company solvency and size

Regulations require proof that the company is solid and strategically relevant. Supporting documents may include:

• Annual accounts
• Financial report
• Investment certificates
• Staff and organizational statements

 

Companies typically meet one of the following criteria:

• More than 250 employees.
• Turnover above €50 million.
• Equity above €43 million.
• Relevant foreign investment

Additional documentation depending on the type of application

If accompanying family members

You must also prepare:

• Marriage certificate or proof of stable partnership
• Children’s birth certificates
• Financial documents proving dependency (for parents)
• Passports and criminal records for each family member

If the professional is already in Spain

Proof of current legal stay must be provided (visa, valid TIE, student stay, etc.).

Formal requirements: apostilles, translations, and format

For the UGE‑CE to accept the documents:

• They must be apostilled (Hague Convention) or legalized
• They must be translated by a sworn translator if not in Spanish
• They must be submitted in PDF, readable and complete
• Without cuts, shadows, blurry photos, or missing pages
• With consistency between contract, job report, CV, and offer

Common documentation errors

Below we detail the most frequent errors detected by the UGE‑CE and how to avoid them to ensure a solid and delay-free application.

Submitting expired criminal records

Criminal records often have a very short validity period (often 90 days from issuance). This is one of the documents that causes the most delays because many candidates obtain it at the beginning of the process… and by the time the application is submitted, it has already expired.

How to avoid it:

Always check the issue date and calculate the real validity.
Request it as close as possible to the submission date.
If the candidate has lived in multiple countries, ensure all certificates are valid.

Degrees without apostille or sworn translation

Degrees issued outside Spain must meet two requirements:

• Apostille (Hague Convention) or consular legalization.
• Sworn translation into Spanish if not originally in Spanish.

How to avoid it:

Request the apostille in the country of origin before sending the degree for translation.
Always use a sworn translator authorized in Spain.
Ensure the translated document includes all pages of the original (stamps, notes, reverse pages).

CV not aligned with the job report

The candidate’s CV must demonstrate experience in tasks similar to those required in Spain. When the UGE‑CE detects inconsistencies, it often asks for clarifications or may even reject the application.

How to avoid it:

Ensure the responsibilities described in the CV match the technical or managerial nature of the role.
Keep the CV updated and well‑written.
Include achievements, tools, and projects that reinforce high qualification.

Contracts lacking detailed functions

A common mistake is submitting contracts that only include salary and a generic description (“tasks inherent to the position”, “standard duties”, etc.).

How to avoid it:

Include specific functions, technologies, responsibilities, and scope of the role.
Add references to leadership, decision‑making, or strategic impact when applicable.
Ensure the contract and the job description report match (terminology and details).

Documents photographed with a mobile phone

The UGE‑CE does not accept documents with shadows, cropped edges, low resolution, or illegible text. This is a very common cause of requirements, especially with passports and certificates.

How to avoid it:

Always scan documents as full‑page PDF files in high resolution.
Use a professional scanner (avoid mobile photos or scanning apps).
Check that each page is aligned, without shadows, cuts, or distortion.

These are the general documents required to obtain the Highly Qualified Professional permit. However, depending on the specific situation, additional documentation may be necessary.

PAC useful links

• Complete PAC Guide.
• How to apply for the PAC permit step by step.
• PAC minimum salary.
• Key tips to avoid mistakes and ensure approval.

 

Documentation is undoubtedly the factor that most influences the speed and success of a PAC application. A complete and coherent file not only avoids requirements but also helps ensure resolution within the 20 business days established by the regulations.

At Adlanter, our team specialized in International Mobility and Immigration reviews, prepares, and submits all the required documentation to ensure a smooth and error‑free process.