Spain eu blue
card

The EU Blue Card is a European Union-wide work and residence permit which provides the holder with a pathway towards permanent residence and citizenship in an EU country. The application for an EU Blue Card is made to the competent national authorities in the country where the applicant wishes to work.

In Spain, a Blue Card is for those labour activities in which the level of education needed is equivalent to the level 6 of European Qualifications Framework, or in which 5 years of labour experience in the sector is required.

Non-EU citizens may be eligible to apply for Spain’s EU Blue Card if they have:

• A University diploma or experience letter of at least 5 years and a public document certifying work experience (Public employment record).
• A local contract in Spain with a gross annual salary of at least €41,000, or at least €56,000 for director-level positions.
• A form signed with AC Representación (FNMT).

In Spain, the processing of Blue Card applications is handled by the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos).

The application for an EU Blue Card is submitted by the employer or their representative to the competent authorities in the province in which the job is to be performed.

Once the EU Blue Card is granted, the individual must apply for an entry visa to the Spanish embassy or consulate in their country of origin and travel to Spain.  After arrival, they can obtain the physical residency card.

When applying for an EU Blue Card in Spain, the following government fees may apply:

• Residence permit application fee – It costs €73.26 to apply for the residence permit.
• Consular fee – The cost of the fee depends on the applicant’s nationality and the consulate. Sometimes the fee may be waived, but it is usually around €80.
• Residence card fee – The residence card application fee is €16.08.

Please note, government fees are subject to change at short notice. Please speak to Smith Stone Walters for the latest information on Spanish immigration fees.

Most applications for an EU Blue Card in Spain are processed within 45 days. Please note, the actual processing time remains at the discretion of local authorities and may vary.

In Spain, the EU Blue Card is issued for a period of one year. The EU Blue Card can be renewed biannually, unless the applicant is compliant with the initial requirements for granting a long-term residence permit.