Your Expertise, Spain's Opportunity.
A fast-track residence and work authorization for senior professionals and specialists. No national employment test. Family included. Full legal management by our team.
Spain's Highly Qualified Professional Permit (PAC) is a special residence and work authorization under Law 14/2013, designed to attract non-EU professionals for senior or specialist roles. It allows legal residence and employment in Spain in highly qualified positions — processed through an expedited channel.
It is the clearest, fastest, and most flexible route for internationally experienced professionals who have a firm job offer in Spain.
The PAC permit falls under Spain's entrepreneurship and internationalization law, which created a specific legal channel — the UGE-CE (Large Companies & Strategic Groups Unit) — to process applications with priority and efficiency.
~20 business days via UGE-CE. Positive administrative silence if no response within that period.
Spouse or partner and minor/dependent children can apply concurrently — no separate permit needed first.
Work anywhere in Spain. Remote-friendly. No geographic restrictions tied to the permit.
Every year counts toward EU long-term residence, which you can apply for after 5 years of continuous legal stay.
The PAC permit has clear, predictable eligibility criteria. Our team assesses your profile before filing to maximize success.
Higher education degree or, exceptionally, ≥ 3 years of comparable professional experience in the field.
A confirmed offer for a role requiring high qualifications from a company established in Spain.
Generally above market average — reference: at least €40,000/year, depending on role and seniority.
Roles within Groups 1–2 of Spain's CNO-11: directors/managers or scientific & intellectual professionals.
No criminal record in Spain or any country of residence over the last 5 years.
💡 Tip from our lawyers: Titles, professional experience, and salary must align clearly with the role description to avoid delays or objections from the UGE-CE. We review every case before submission.
Spain is actively attracting international talent in high-growth, specialized sectors — particularly for roles that can't easily be filled locally.
PAC vs. Other Routes
| Route | Employment test | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| PAC (Highly Qualified) | ✓ Exempt | ~20 days |
| General Work Permit | ✗ Required | 2–4 months |
| EU Blue Card | ✗ Required | 1–3 months |
| Self-Employment | ✓ Exempt | 1–3 months |
A clear, structured process. Our team handles every step from documentation to follow-up.
The company files the PAC application with the UGE-CE electronically. No queues or in-person appointments.
~20 business days. If there's no response within that period, authorization is granted by positive administrative silence.
If the applicant is outside Spain, they request the national visa at the Spanish consulate in their country.
Enter Spain and begin the role once the visa is issued. The process can also be initiated from within Spain.
Within the first month in Spain, apply for the Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) — your official residence document.
The UGE-CE processes PAC applications with priority. In practice, decisions often arrive in about a week.
Applications are filed electronically — no in-person appearances at immigration offices.
If there's no decision within 20 business days, authorization is granted automatically by law.
Already in Spain? You can initiate the process without needing to return to your country first.
Many PAC holders qualify for Spain's special tax regime — a flat 24% rate instead of progressive IRPF up to ~47%.
Every year of PAC residence counts toward EU long-term status, applicable after 5 years of continuous legal residence.
Many PAC holders qualify for Spain's special regime for inbound workers — known as the Beckham Law — which offers a significantly reduced flat tax rate during the first years of residence.
What the regime offers
Can't find what you need? Our lawyers are available to assess your specific case.
Whether you're a company looking to onboard international talent, or a professional with a job offer in Spain — our legal team manages every step of the process.
Expert firm in Immigration and Spanish Nationality, offering fast and effective solutions for residency, visas, and citizenship.
This action is promoted and subsidized by the Department of Business and Labor and co-financed by the European Union through the European Social Fund Plus.
© All Rights Reserved.
