One of the key factors to obtain a highly qualified professional visa in Spain is the salary offered by the company to the relocating non-EU worker. It is essential for companies and visa candidates to know the minimum required salary for a highly qualified professional in order to comply with the requirements set by current legislation.
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For a foreign worker to be considered highly qualified in Spain and be eligible for this type of work permit, they must receive a salary that meets certain salary thresholds established by the immigration regulation.
In May 2026, the salary thresholds for highly qualified professionals in Spain rose slightly to:
Unlike under the previous regulation, a reduction coefficient can no longer be applied to professionals under the age of 30.
No. The minimum base salary that a highly qualified professional must receive in 2026 corresponds to the amounts specified above. If the company wishes, it may also add a portion of the salary as benefits in kind, which must not exceed 30% of the total salary. In other words, benefits in kind cannot reduce the minimum amount to be received in euros.
No. The minimum salary requirement for highly qualified professionals only considers the fixed part of the salary compensation. The variable part, if any, such as bonuses, commissions, or performance-based rewards, will not be taken into account when assessing the application.
If the job position does not meet the minimum salary for a highly qualified professional visa, there are several options the company can consider to apply for a work permit for this candidate to work in Spain: