Requirements for the Highly Qualified Professional (PAC) Visa in Spain

The Highly Qualified Professional (PAC) visa is one of the fastest and most flexible ways for international talent to live and work in Spain. Unlike other permits, it is processed through the Unit for Large Companies (UGE), offering shorter processing times and fewer restrictions for companies that need to incorporate strategic profiles.

When to use it: when the position is highly qualified (management/technology/engineering/finance, etc.) and you need a fast and secure onboarding.

Timelines: Law 14/2013 sets a 20‑day resolution period from the moment of submission; if no response is issued within that period, positive administrative silence applies (with the usual legal considerations).

In this article, we explain all the requirements for both companies and candidates, the salary level required, and the documentation you must prepare before starting the process.

 

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What is the Highly Qualified Professional (PAC) visa?

The PAC is a residence and work authorization for foreign professionals who will occupy managerial, technical, or highly specialized positions, holding higher education qualifications or, in exceptional cases, equivalent experience. The regulation distinguishes two paths: the national authorization and the EU Blue Card.

• National PAC authorization: the most common option for hiring in Spain when speed and alignment with the local structure are priorities.
• EU Blue Card: offers advantages for intra‑EU mobility; its salary threshold is set by a specific ministerial order.

Main benefits for HR and business

• Telematic processing and specialized channel (UGE‑CE): reduces administrative workload and improves case traceability.
• Fast resolution: Law 14/2013 establishes a maximum period of 20 days; if no response is issued, positive administrative silence applies (with applicable legal conditions). This provides certainty for your “time‑to‑start”.
• Family coverage from the beginning: the possibility of processing spouse/partner and children together with the main applicant improves candidate experience and retention.

Requirements to apply for the PAC visa

Candidate requirements

• Qualification: university degree/master’s/PhD or relevant experience (usually ≥3 years) aligned with the role.
• Role: technical/managerial functions consistent with that qualification/experience.
• General requirements: passport, criminal background checks, and in certain cases medical insurance.

Company requirements

• Real business activity and solvency.
• Need for the position (clear role description linked to business needs).
• Legal representation to process the application before the UGE‑CE.

Salary

• EU Blue Card: the salary threshold is set by Order PJC/44/2026 and expressed as a multiple of the average annual earnings (INE). Check this threshold each year before issuing an offer.
• National PAC authorization: there is no single “legal minimum salary” published in the BOE; the UGE‑CE evaluates the annual fixed salary together with functions and seniority, following internal criteria and market standards. For more information, you can consult the post Minimum salary for highly qualified professionals.

Documentation: what each party must provide

• Company: contract or binding offer, job description (functions, reporting lines, impact), solvency documentation, and powers/representation.
• Candidate: passport, degrees and/or accredited experience, criminal background certificate, and (if applicable) medical insurance.
• Key formalities: foreign degrees must be translated (if required) and apostilled/legalized; if the final degree has not been issued, an official certificate from the institution is often accepted.

For more detailed information, you can read our post Documentation required for the PAC permit.

Step‑by‑step process (with responsibilities and indicative timelines)

1. Eligibility assessment (pre‑offer) — HR/Legal/Adlanter
   Confirm that the role (functions), compensation package, and documentation are aligned before issuing the offer.
2. File preparation (1–2 weeks) — Adlanter/HR
   Document gathering and review, job description drafting, and compliance checks.
3. Telematic submission to UGE‑CE — Adlanter
   Centralized and electronic submission, with receipt confirmation and tracking.
4. Resolution (target: 20 days) — UGE‑CE
   Law 14/2013 sets a 20‑day resolution period; if no response is issued, positive administrative silence may apply (with legal considerations). Plan the onboarding date with a small buffer.
5. Visa and arrival (if the candidate is abroad) — Candidate/Adlanter
   Visa at the consulate, registration, TIE issuance, and Social Security setup upon arrival. Schedule appointments in advance.

Family: impact on offer acceptance and retention

UGE‑CE regulations allow family members (spouse/partner and children) to apply from the beginning, which reduces uncertainty and often increases offer acceptance and retention rates. Manage these applications in coordination with the main applicant to speed up their “time‑to‑productivity”.

Common mistakes

• Salary below the level of the role (and, for Blue Card, below the BOE threshold): review the fixed annual salary and, if necessary, re‑package compensation before submission.
• Vague job description not aligned with qualification/experience: describe functions, business relevance, reporting and deliverables clearly.
• Degrees without translation/apostille: request them early; official certificates can temporarily replace the final diploma.
• Poor planning of visa/TIE process (if the candidate is abroad): pre‑schedule consulate and fingerprint appointments.

Renewals and company changes

The Highly Qualified Professional (PAC) permit can be renewed if conditions are maintained (qualified role and salary). It also allows changes of employer when the new project meets the requirements—useful for career progression or reorganizations. Ensure a compliance review 60–90 days before each renewal.

Included content for highly qualified professional visas:

• Highly Qualified Professional in Spain
• Documentation required for the PAC permit
• Minimum salary PAC (references and ranges)
• PAC work permit: steps and timelines
• Key points of the PAC permit for companies
• Application for the Highly Qualified Professionals residence permit

 

How Adlanter supports you with your PAC

Adlanter assists you throughout the entire PAC process: we conduct an eligibility and compensation review to validate the role, salary band, and potential risks; prepare a solid file (documentation and job description) to minimize requirements; manage the telematic submission to the UGE‑CE and proactive follow‑up with clear reporting for HR; coordinate the professional’s onboarding (visa, TIE, registration) and family support when applicable; and ensure full legal continuity with renewals and company changes. Request your PAC diagnostic for companies and receive a tailored plan covering timelines, documentation, and compensation.

The content shown is general and informational. When applying for a Highly Qualified Professional work permit, many additional factors must be assessed to ensure a successful outcome.

The immigration specialists in the global mobility department at Adlanter can help you with all the steps needed to obtain this work permit.