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EU Blue Card
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EU Blue Card

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

3 weeks

Estimated Cost

EUR €179

Stay Duration

3 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
Spain flag

Living in Spain

Cost of Living
26% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary€22,000
Quality of Life
183/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Highly skilled employment with a recognized degree and salary above the member state threshold. Portable across EU after 12 months.

The EU Blue Card (Tarjeta Azul UE) is Spain's permit for non-EU highly qualified workers with a job offer paying at least €39,270/year. Applicants need a recognized higher education degree — or 5 years of relevant professional experience — plus a contract of at least 6 months.

The card is valid for 3 years, renewable, and leads to long-term residence. Spouses receive immediate work authorization on their TIE card with no separate permit. After 12 months in Spain, holders can transfer to another EU member state under simplified conditions. No annual quota applies.

This visa is ideal for non-EU professionals with a Spanish job offer above €39,270, a qualifying degree or 5 years' experience, and an intent to pursue long-term EU residence.

Spain

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Discover cost of living, salary benchmarks, tax rates, and quality of life — everything you need to know before you make the move.

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Cost Breakdown

Administrative authorization fee (Modelo 790 Código 038)EUR €73
TIE card fee (Modelo 790 Código 012)EUR €16
Consular visa feeEUR €90
TotalEUR €179

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant3 years

Annual Cap & Quota

No quota

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss national

Valid employment contract or binding job offer in Spain for highly qualified work

Contract duration of at least 6 months

Salary meeting the minimum threshold (typically 1.4 times the average gross annual salary, or 1.12 times for shortage occupations or recent graduates)

Higher education qualification (at least a 3-year degree) or at least 5 years of relevant professional experience (3 years for ICT professionals)

Valid health insurance

No criminal record in Spain and countries of residence for the last 2 years, plus a declaration for the last 5 years

Not subject to entry restrictions or considered a threat to public policy/security

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

Min. Income

39,270 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Completed national visa application form

Valid passport (at least 4 months validity, 2 blank pages)

Two recent passport-sized photographs

Signed employment contract or binding job offer

Proof of higher education degree or relevant professional experience

Updated CV

Proof of health insurance

Criminal record certificate (apostilled/legalized)

Proof of payment of application fees

Application Process

1

Secure job offer

Job offer meeting salary requirements (€40,000+)

2

Gather credentials

Prepare education certificates and experience proof

3

Apply at consulate

Submit application at Spanish embassy

4

Pay fee

Pay €90 consular visa fee

5

Attend interview

Visa interview if requested

6

Receive card

EU Blue Card issued

Application Forms

Go to application portal
Modelo MI-T
Solicitud de autorización de residencia temporal y trabajo Tarjeta Azul-UE
Fill online

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