The EU Blue Card continues to establish itself as one of the main residence and work pathways for highly qualified professionals who wish to develop their careers in Spain.
One of the key factors in determining the viability of an EU Blue Card application is the salary offered to the employee. This salary threshold is updated periodically based on official data published by the Spanish National Statistics Institute (INE).
The Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE-CE) has recently announced an update to the salary thresholds applicable to EU Blue Card applications following the publication of Spain’s average salary for 2024 by the INE. This revision adjusts the minimum salary requirements needed to obtain this residence authorization for highly qualified professionals.
Below, we share the communication published by the UGE-CE (in Spanish):
⏺️ New salary thresholds for the EU Blue Card
On May 28, 2026, the Spanish National Statistics Institute (INE) published the average annual salary for 2024, setting it at €29,540.26.
This figure serves as the benchmark for calculating the salary thresholds required for residence permits issued to highly qualified professionals under the EU Blue Card framework, in accordance with the applicable regulations.
As a result, the new salary thresholds are as follows:
General Threshold
The gross annual salary offered to the professional must be at least €41,356.36 per year.
Reduced Threshold
In certain situations provided for by law, a lower salary threshold may apply €33,085.09 per year.
⏺️ What about national residence authorizations for Highly Qualified Professionals?
In addition to the EU Blue Card, Spanish immigration legislation provides for national residence authorizations for highly qualified professionals.
For these applications, the new salary threshold is also set at 41,356.36 per year.
However, there is an important difference compared to the EU Blue Card: the reduced threshold does not apply.
As a result, all national highly qualified professional applications must meet the general salary threshold.
⏺️ Who is affected by this update?
This change primarily affects:
- Spanish companies seeking to hire highly qualified international talent.
- Multinational companies transferring professionals to Spain.
- Foreign professionals considering applying for or renewing an EU Blue Card.
In practice, before starting an application, it is essential to verify that the proposed remuneration meets the new applicable salary thresholds.
⏺️ How ARC Legal Can Assist
At ARC Legal, we advise companies, highly qualified professionals, and international employees on immigration procedures related to international mobility, EU Blue Cards, highly qualified professional authorizations, and other residence pathways in Spain.
Our team can assess your case and determine whether you meet the salary and professional requirements established under the current regulations.
Related Publications
- Digital Nomad permits under review: a structural shift in Spain
- Criterion 2/2025 on the Duration of Residence Authorizations under the Entrepreneurs Act
- Duration of residence permits under Law 14/2013: new guidances
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The content of this article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Spanish immigration regulations are subject to frequent legislative, administrative, and interpretative changes. At ARC Legal, we make every effort to keep our content accurate and up to date based on official sources. However, we always recommend seeking professional advice before initiating any immigration procedure or making legal decisions. If you require personalized assistance regarding your specific situation, please contact our firm.