Highly Qualified Professional in Spain

Did you know there is a work permit for Highly Qualified Professionals? It is an authorization that allows you to live and work in Spain for an initial period of 2 years (with the possibility of extension) for workers who are not nationals of the European Union.

However, for the permit application to be approved, both the worker and the company must meet a series of requirements.

In this post, we will focus on the nature and concept of the “Highly Qualified Professional” (PAC), a migration figure included in Law 14/2013 of September 27, supporting entrepreneurs and their internationalization.

 

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What is a Highly Qualified Professional?

In general, a PAC is:

• a worker performing a job in a qualified/technical position that requires advanced knowledge;
• an executive or manager with a team of workers under their supervision.

Who can apply for the Highly Qualified Professional Permit?

The following profiles can qualify:

• Higher education graduates: Graduates or postgraduates from prestigious universities and business schools.
• Advanced vocational training graduates.
• Specialists with proven experience: Professionals who, even without a higher degree, can demonstrate at least three years of experience in roles equivalent to the qualifications required for the position.

That is, to be considered a Highly Qualified Professional, both education and experience are taken into account, always in relation to the job position, whether as a technical specialist or an executive.

These profiles could, in principle, obtain the PAC work permit, which allows them to reside and work in Spain for an initial period of 2 years. We have a post explaining the details of this permit. Click here for more information.

Requirements for the hiring company

The company wishing to hire the professional must also meet certain criteria. The regulation aims to ensure that the professional joins a solvent project that adds value to the Spanish economy. The main conditions are:

• Large companies or corporate groups that meet at least one of the following conditions:
  • More than 250 employees.
  • Net turnover in Spain over 50 million euros.
  • Equity over 43 million euros.
  • Gross foreign investment over 1 million euros in the last three years.
• SMEs in strategic sectors: Companies belonging to sectors considered key for the economy, verified through a report from the Directorate General for International Trade and Investment.
• Business projects of general interest: Those that involve significant job creation, investments with a relevant socioeconomic impact, or contributions to scientific or technological innovation.

Additionally, the company must present a solid business plan, a work contract corresponding to the high qualification, and be up to date with its obligations to the Tax Agency and Social Security.

Conclusions on the Highly Qualified Professional figure

As we have seen throughout this post, the figure of the highly qualified worker is not governed by a single rule. Whether someone is considered a PAC depends on each job position and the professional situation of each worker (education, experience, characteristics of the new position, salary to be earned, etc.).

Therefore, it is advisable to analyze each specific case and carefully consider the situation of both the professional and the company if we want the Large Companies Unit (the entity that processes the Highly Qualified Professional work permit) to approve the permit application.

The content of this post is for informational purposes only. If you need specific assistance regarding international mobility, you can contact our professionals.