Highly Qualified Professional
Companies seeking to incorporate foreign professionals into Spanish territory who have graduated or postgraduate degrees from renowned universities and business schools, higher vocational training graduates, or specialists with at least three years of comparable professional experience may apply for a residence permit for highly qualified professionals, which will be valid throughout the country.
The hiring company is the legal entity authorized to submit the application. To determine whether the worker is highly qualified, the position and duties will be assessed as being comparable to Groups 1 and 2 of the 2011 National Classification of Occupations (CNO-11). The salary specified in the employment contract or the firm job offer will be assessed as being at least the average annual salary for each occupational group, based on data from the National Statistics Institute.
Digital nomad or international teleworker
This authorization is intended for non-EU foreigners who intend to carry out remote work or professional activities for companies located outside the country, using exclusively computer, telematics, and telecommunications systems and resources.
The employee must prove that the company has had real and continuous activity for at least one year; Likewise, the employee must demonstrate that they have had a work or professional relationship of at least three months as of the date of the application with the foreign company or companies with which they maintain this relationship.
In the case of carrying out a professional activity, the holder of the international teleworking authorization will be permitted to work for a company located in Spain, as long as the percentage of such work does not exceed 20% of their total professional activity.
Intercompany transfer
This authorization is required for non-EU national workers who are not resident in a Member State and who are part of the company’s workforce transferring employees from outside the EU to a company within the same group to work as a manager, specialist, or trainee.
Entities established in other EU Member States may transfer foreign nationals holding an EU ICT intercompany transfer authorization to Spain for the duration of the authorization’s validity, after notifying the Unit for Large Companies and Strategic Groups.
Residence for Researchers
Authorization for researchers is granted to foreigners who wish to carry out training, research, development, and innovation activities in public or private entities established in Spain, and who have an offer to carry out this activity, which will be valid throughout the national territory.
Holders of an EU research residence permit issued by Spain may enter, reside, and conduct research in one or more Member States and may be accompanied by family members.
Residence for entrepreneurs
Entrepreneur residency in Spain is a permit that allows foreign citizens to reside and develop an innovative business project in the country. It is legally established to support entrepreneurs and their internationalization, with the goal of promoting entrepreneurship and attracting international talent. To obtain it, it is necessary to present a viable business plan and obtain a positive evaluation of the project from the Directorate General of International Trade and Investment.
Requirements to obtain this authorization:
To be eligible for this visa, applicants must meet several requirements, including:
- Business project: Submit a viable business plan that demonstrates the project’s innovation and its capacity to generate employment and economic activity in Spain.
- Funding: Demonstrate sufficient financial resources to launch the project and support themselves during their stay in the country.
- Education or experience: Proof of academic training or professional experience related to the field of the entrepreneurial project.
- Regulatory compliance: Proof of compliance with all legal and administrative requirements necessary for the development of economic activity in Spain.
The entrepreneur visa is, therefore, a key tool for those seeking to establish themselves in Spain and contribute to its economy through innovation and entrepreneurship.
It is important to keep in mind that Spanish legislation can vary and evolve, so it is advisable to consult with experts on the subject to obtain up-to-date and accurate information.
