Highly qualified professionals and intra-company transfers
For companies hiring international talent and for professionals relocating to Barcelona, Spain's Entrepreneurs Act (Law 14/2013) offers two fast-track permits decided by the Large Companies Unit (UGE-CE) within a legal deadline of 20 working days, without a labour-market test. We advise both the employer and the professional.
Highly qualified professional (HQP)
For employees with a university degree or, alternatively, equivalent professional experience, hired by a Spanish company under a contract that meets the minimum salary for their category. Salary thresholds are updated each year; for 2026 the reference figures are around €54,000 gross per year for managers and around €41,400 for other qualified professionals, with reduced thresholds for applicants under 30. The initial permit lasts up to three years (or the length of the contract), spouse or partner and children can join with the right to work, and the application can be made from Spain. Where the requirements are met, the EU Blue Card is an alternative with its own threshold.
Intra-company transfer (ICT)
For managers, specialists and trainee employees whom a company transfers to a Spanish entity of the same group. The employee needs at least three months' seniority in the group; the company must document the group structure, the employment relationship and the role in Spain. The permit lasts up to three years (one year for trainees) and family members can accompany the transferee. A short-term ICT of up to 90 days follows a simplified communication procedure.
How we work
We confirm which permit fits and whether the salary and profile meet the current thresholds, prepare the employer's documentation and the employee's file, submit electronically to the UGE-CE and handle follow-up, the visa where the employee is abroad, and the residence card. We also coordinate the special expatriate tax regime with your tax adviser where relevant.