Remuneration for highly qualified professionals
The highly qualified worker permit is one of the most frequently requested residence permits by qualified foreigners from around the world who receive a job offer in Spain. This residency permit is granted under the Entrepreneurs Law, which entails a series of very specific requirements.
The most important requirement (and the one on which the salary is based) is that this visa is designed for highly qualified and specialized professionals. We’re referring to people who manage staff, lead teams, or hold technical positions. Therefore, it’s logical that high qualifications require a senior corporate position, which implies a corresponding salary.
Regarding the minimum wage for the application for a residence permit for a highly qualified worker (PAC) to be approved
One of the most important requirements for successfully applying for this work permit under the Entrepreneurs Law is salary. Therefore, meeting a minimum wage will be crucial to obtaining a favorable decision from the Large Business Unit (UGE) , the agency that handles these applications from Madrid.
Although this institution was more flexible in the past, meeting the minimum wage, as we’ll discuss below, is now essential. The UGE (General Employment Unit) has tightened these requirements over the years, and currently, starting applications with salaries below the established minimum wage is a sure sign of failure.
Therefore, as we mentioned, the job offer received by the foreigner must include a minimum salary, which the UGE will strictly review. If this minimum is not met, the UGE may consider the professional to be insufficiently qualified and reject the application outright.
What exact amount are we talking about?
Although there is no established minimum wage, it is considered a key factor in determining the level of the position. Therefore, it is recommended that the salary be equal to or higher than that stipulated in the applicable collective bargaining agreement for the senior professional category .
Notwithstanding the above, the following salaries are usually required as a reference:
- Group 2 (technicians and scientific and intellectual professionals): Average annual minimum salary of €40,077 .
- Group 1 (workers, directors or managers): Minimum average annual salary of € 54,142 .
However, the UGE evaluates each application individually, and salary is only one indicator that can prove high qualifications, along with other possible factors.
At MigratioLex, we have obtained residence permits as highly qualified professionals even for profiles that did not strictly meet salary thresholds or provide the usual means of proof to demonstrate high qualifications, such as employment contracts, pay slips, or employment history certificates from the country of origin. We explain one of these cases in more detail in the following blog post:
Exceptions
However, there are two situations in which the required salary may be lower than the established standard:
- Reduction for SMEs in strategic sectors : If the residence permit application is from an SME operating in a strategic sector, a 0.75% reduction in the required salary may be applied. This applies when the employee joins a company with these characteristics.
- Reduction for young professionals : If the applicant is a professional under 30 years of age, a minimum salary of €30,000 annually may be accepted.
Is the variable part considered?
In many cases, a worker’s salary is composed of a fixed portion and a variable portion (i.e., the additional portion that depends on whether established objectives are achieved).
It’s important to note that only the fixed portion of the salary offer will be considered for your application, not the variable portion.
Additionally, to meet the 100% salary-contract requirements, keep in mind that if the company pays part of your salary in kind , it cannot exceed 30% of your total salary.
Do you need help with your residence permit for highly qualified professionals?
At MigratioLex, we specialize in this type of procedure and offer expert support to help you draft a robust descriptive report that meets all the requirements of current regulations.
Contact us to schedule an initial consultation and discuss how we can help you move forward with your application.
Additionally, if you want to go deeper, you can check out this link where we explain the importance of a well-written descriptive report in this process:
Explore Residence Permit Options in the European Union: Comparison with France
If you’re considering alternatives for obtaining a residence permit in other European Union countries, we invite you to read our specialized article on the residence permit for highly qualified professionals in France. In it, we analyze the key differences with the Spanish permit, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each system.
This article will provide you with a clear and detailed overview to help you make an informed decision about which option best suits your migration needs and goals within the EU.
