Am I eligible to apply for an EU Blue Card?
To apply for an EU Blue Card, the applicant must:
- have a valid work contract or binding job offer for highly-qualified employment with a duration of at least 6 months;
- meet the minimum salary threshold in the Member State concerned (see below);
- for regulated professions: present documents proving that the national legal requirements are met;
- for unregulated professions: present documents proving that the relevant higher professional qualifications are met (for more information about higher professional qualifications, see the FAQ section);
- present a valid travel document, an application for a visa, and a valid residence permit.
In addition, the applicant must not pose a threat to public policy in the view of the Member State. He/she may also be required to provide his/her address in that Member State.
How much do I have to earn to qualify for an EU Blue Card?
The gross annual salary resulting from the monthly or annual salary specified in the work contract or binding job offer must be equal to or higher than the relevant salary threshold defined by the Member State.
The minimum salary threshold was set in Spain at 1,5 times the average gross annual salary before the entry into force of the new Blue Card Directive, for 2024: 38.844 €
The salary threshold is under review after the transposition of the Directive (EU) 2021/1883.
Are there exceptions to the minimum salary requirement?
Yes. The salary threshold defined will be 0.8 times the regular salary threshold in Spain in professions in which there is a particular need of third-country national workers, and for third-country nationals who have obtained a higher education qualification no more than 3 years before submitting the application for an EU Blue Card.
Will EU citizens' applications be prioritised over mine?
EU citizens are not eligible to apply for an EU Blue card.
Spain does not apply a labour market test for third-country nationals applying for an EU Blue Card.
How long will my EU Blue Card be valid?
The standard period of validity in Spain is: Three years.
The EU Blue Card can be renewed for two years, paving the way to granting a long-term residence permit.
How much will it cost?
Application fees:
- Initial EU Blue Card: 73,26 EUR.
- Renewal: 78,67 EUR.
Issuance of the Card:
- Initial: 16,08 EUR.
- Renewal or replacement: 19,30 EUR.
Fee for express issuance: N/A.
How long will it take to get my EU Blue Card?
National law foresees that the maximum processing time for issuing an EU Blue Card in Spain is 20 days.
Spanish Ministry of Inclusion, Migration and Social Security– Immigration Portal