Europe for Highly Qualified Professionals: France’s Talent Passport vs Spain’s PAC Permit

1. Introduction

Europe has become a key destination for international professionals, from young talent to profiles with a solid track record in sectors such as technology, engineering, finance, healthcare and research. The presence of multinationals, innovation hubs and active talent-attraction policies makes Europe a strategic environment for building a global career.

In this context, countries such as France and Spain have introduced specific authorisations to attract highly qualified professionals: the Talent Passport and the PAC permit, respectively. Both are designed to make it easier for workers with higher education or specialised experience (engineers, IT experts, researchers, executives or healthcare professionals) to live and work legally and contribute to the economic and scientific development of the host country.

In this article, the firms Administra-vie (France) and MigratioLex (Spain), partners specialising in international mobility, offer an overview of two leading routes for attracting qualified foreign talent to Europe: the French Talent Passport and the Spanish permit for highly qualified professionals (PAC).

Through this joint analysis, we aim to provide clear, useful information so that each professional can assess which option best fits their profile, career goals and life plans in Europe.

2. French and Spanish Regimes for Qualified Professionals: Similarities and Differences Between the Talent Passport and the PAC Permit

a) The permits in each country and the applicable law

In France, one of the most widely used permits for attracting highly qualified professionals is the Talent Passport “Qualified Employee”, governed by the Code on the Entry and Residence of Foreigners and the Right of Asylum (better known by its French acronym, CESEDA), in particular articles L.421-7, L.421-9 and L.411-4.

In Spain, the permit used to attract international talent is known as the permit for Highly Qualified Professionals, governed by Law 14/2013 on support for entrepreneurs and their internationalisation, specifically article 71.

b) Sector of the hiring company

In both France and Spain, the hiring company does not have to belong to a strategic sector. In both cases, what mainly counts is the worker’s qualifications and the nature of the role. Being part of a strategic sector may help, but it is not an essential requirement in either country.

c) Initial length of the visa and of the subsequent residence permit

The initial visa lasts 1 year in both France and Spain. During this period, the initial residence permit can be processed. In France, the residence permit can last up to 4 years, while in Spain the initial permit lasts 3 years and can be extended for 2 more.

d) Salary requirement

To qualify for the Talent Passport “Qualified Employee” in France, the gross annual salary must be at least €43,243.20, according to the 2025 threshold (twice the annual French minimum wage, SMIC, which is updated every year). This threshold is designed to ensure the worker receives pay in line with their qualifications and the nature of the role.

In Spain, the permit for Highly Qualified Professionals requires a salary of at least €41,356.36 gross per year in 2026, according to the threshold updated by the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE) in June 2026. The figure follows the average salary and usually rises every year, and the EU Blue Card allows a reduced threshold in certain cases. We break it down in our guide to the minimum salary for highly qualified professionals.

e) Professional experience and employment contract

In France, the Talent Passport “Qualified Employee” requires a master’s-level diploma or equivalent obtained in France, as well as a permanent employment contract of at least 3 months with an employer established in France.

In Spain, the permit for Highly Qualified Professionals requires a university degree or higher education or, alternatively, equivalent professional experience of at least three years. A job offer from a company established in Spain is also essential. Although the law does not expressly require the contract to be permanent or full-time, it is advisable, as it helps prove more solidly the need to hire that professional profile.

f) Competent authority in each country

In France, the application for the Talent Passport “Qualified Employee” must first be made at the French consulate in the applicant’s country of residence. Once the visa is approved, the residence permit is processed at the local Prefecture where the applicant lives.

In Spain there are two routes. If the professional is outside Spain, they apply for the visa at the Spanish consulate in their country of residence. If they are already in Spain legally, the company can apply directly for the residence authorisation from the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE), through a fully online procedure and without returning to the country of origin.

g) Processing times

In France, processing time can vary by prefecture, but it generally ranges from 1 to 3 months.

One of Spain’s advantages is the speed of the process. The competent authority, the UGE, decides applications within a maximum of 20 working days, making it a faster procedure than other permits. And if there is no decision within that period, the application is deemed approved by positive administrative silence.

3. Conclusion

Both permits offer valuable advantages, and the choice will depend on your professional goals and needs:

Spain is a more accessible option, with a slightly lower salary threshold and faster processing times. It is ideal if you want a quick process and to settle swiftly in the EU.

France also allows you to settle in the long term, with a higher minimum salary, which may be beneficial if you prioritise higher income during your relocation.

Questions or need specialised guidance? Administra-vie and MigratioLex work closely together to handle your immigration procedures in France and Spain. We speak French, English and Spanish, and we are committed to providing a service with integrity and dedication, with reasonable fees adapted to each procedure.

We serve clients throughout France and Spain, supporting them at every stage, whether they are already in these countries or want to start the process from their home country. Our team is ready to guide you confidently through each step, making sure your experience is smooth and successful.

Contact us today to get the support you need and start your application with confidence!

4. How to Contact Administra-vie and MigratioLex

Administra-vie	MigratioLex
1. Fill in the contact form on our website.	1. Book your consultation on our website.
2. Email us: contact@administra-vie.com	2. Email us: contact@migratiolex.com
3. Call us: +33 7 56 98 57 46 +33 7 56 98 48 02	3. Call us: +34 602 54 15 16

5. Administra-vie & MigratioLex Support You From Start to Finish. What Does That Mean?

1. Preparing the file: We help you gather all the necessary documents and check that everything is in order. Our experts carefully review every part of the file, making sure it is complete and properly organised for submission at the relevant consulate or embassy.
2. Help with the consular appointment: If you are not sure how to book your appointment at the embassy or consulate, we guide you through the whole process so you do not have to worry about the logistics.
3. Personalised support throughout: We guide you through every stage with personalised support, including phone calls, email consultations and direct assistance. At Administra-vie and MigratioLex, we do not charge by the hour, but a fixed total fee for handling the entire file.
4. Advice if your application is refused: If your application is rejected, we advise you on your rights and explain your administrative options, giving you the tools and support you need to make informed decisions.